Question
I have had carpal tunnel issues with my right hand over the years but am now experiencing issues with both left & right fingertips.  Numbness and tingling - keeps me up at night.  MD has prescribed wrist splint (like carpal tunnel splint) and 500 mg Naproxen.  Doesn't really seem to be doing anything.  Have some slight pain on palms under thumb as well.  Also have trouble gripping with either hand.

I am waiting on an appointment with my chiropractor (shes on vacation) but I'm not sure what it could be.  She also uses the activator method of chiropractic - does that matter?  Do you think it will help? Any ideas?

P.S. It's been going on for a month!
Thanks

Answer
Dear Michgal2k,
I抦 sure this experience has been frustrating for you and of course the medication only has temporary palliative value at best.  Delay is not a good idea.  If I were in the kind of situation you are describing I would insist on having my neck evaluated for vertebral subluxation.  The nerve insult that is caused by a vertebral subluxation in the upper neck can actually interfere with the ability of the body to heal upper extremity problems.  While activator is popular with some doctors of chiropractic, I would recommend seeing someone with greater expertise in the upper cervical spine because that kind of practitioner would know how to do a precise adjustment.  For a directory of practitioners listing upper cervical expertise you may wish to check this site: http://www.upper-cervical.com/html/directory.html  I wish you much success and progress.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown