Comparing Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulation vs. Wrist Immobilization for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can be defined as disruption of the median nerve and is characterized by pain, numbness and tingling of the lateral 3.5 digits of the hand. In severe cases, motor function can also be disrupted. There are many factors that can contribute to the development of CTS: inflammation, compression, bony abnormality, mechanical injury, or certain lifestyle choices. Abnormalities have been proven to be tangibly visible with ultrasound in prior research projects in the form of decreased cross sectional area of the carpal tunnel, flattening of the median nerve, retinacular bowing and increased median nerve intensity. Although CTS has proven to be multifactorial, the standard of care for patients with CTS has historically been wrist immobilization and/or surgical release by endoscopic or open approach. This is despite evidence that osteopathic manipulation techniques have been effective in improving quality of life for patients with CTS. Patients will not be harmed if they are not bracing, as standard of care may include multiple things: bracings vs. OMM vs. surgical release. Our study will take place over the course of 10 weeks. Patients who have been previously diagnosed with mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome by a physician previously will be randomly placed into one of two groups: osteopathic manipulative medicine or bracing. If placed in the bracing category, patients will be given a brace and asked to wear it nightly. If placed in the osteopathic manipulative medicine category, patients will be asked to present to the clinic one time a week for 6 weeks. Each time the patient presents to clinic, they will be treated for 30 minutes. for 30 minutes of osteopathic manipulative medicine for 6 consecutive weeks. At the first presentation, patients will obtain a magnetic resonance image of the affected wrist, from which a cross sectional area will be determined. Repeat magnetic resonance image will be obtained at the conclusion of treatment. Additionally, at the first presentation, 3 weeks into the study, at the end of the study and 4 weeks after the study is completed, each subject will complete the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Descriptive and repeated measures statistical analysis will be performed.