The muscles in the forearm make all hand movements possible. If these forearm muscles are overused and tighten up, the tendons that attach these muscles to the bones in the hand become irritated and inflamed. The damage to the median nerve generates the symptoms associated with CTS . CTS can result from problems apparently unrelated to the wrist or forearm. The double crush phenomenon results from damage or pinching of the median nerve at the neck or shoulder area.
Nerve compression can result from poor posture or tight muscles in the neck or shoulders.
The compression pulls the joints out of working alignment, irritating delicate support tissue and thereby putting pressure on the nerve pathway. Some doctors have classified CTS into three levels, based upon degree of suffering as well as method of treatment. Tingling and soreness are reduced by rest or massage. No nerve damage is detected. Symptoms intensify while orthopedic and neurological tests indicate nerve damage.