Nociceptive Gain Processing After Physical Therapy in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There is increasing evidence suggesting that carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) represents a complex pain syndrome including both peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms. In fact, patients with unilateral CTS exhibit bilateral widespread pressure hyperalgesia and bilateral pain hypersensitivity suggesting the presence of altered nociceptive gain processing. In addition, these sensitization processes seem to be independent of electro-diagnostic findings. Previous studies support the use of physical therapy and surgical interventions for the management of pain and disability in these patients. However, there is no evidence related to changes in nociceptive gain process after the application of any therapeutic intervention. Preliminary evidence suggests that manual therapies can modulate sensitization mechanisms. Therefore, our objective is to conduct a randomized clinical trial to determine if manual therapies including desensitization maneuvers of the central nervous system are effective to decrease widespread pressure pain and thermal pain hypersensitivity in women with CTS.

Inclusion criteria

• pain and paresthesia in the median nerve distribution
• increasing symptoms during the night,
• positive Tinel sign,
• positive Phalen sign,
• symptoms had to have persisted for at least 6 months
• deficits of sensory and motor median nerve conduction according to guidelines of the American Association of Electrodiagnosis, American Academy of Neurology, and the American Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Academy

Exclusion criteria

• any sensory/motor deficit related to the ulnar or radial nerve;
• older than 65 years of age;
• previous surgical intervention or steroid injections;
• multiple diagnoses of the upper extremity (eg, cervical radiculopathy);
• history of neck, shoulder, or upper limb trauma (whiplash);
• history of a systemic disease causing CTS (eg, diabetes mellitus or thyroid disease);
• history of other medical conditions (eg, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia);
• pregnancy