Carpal Tunnel Diagnosis & Treatment in Cumberland & Hagerstown, MD
If you have numbness, tingling, or pain in your hand and wrist, you don't have to live with it β and you don't need to guess what's causing it. Mir Neurology provides precise EMG nerve testing and treatment plans focused on relief, often without surgery.
Get an accurate diagnosis and a plan to relieve your symptoms β often without surgery.
At Mir Neurology, our board-certified neurologists diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome with precise nerve testing, including EMG and nerve conduction studies, and build a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. We care for patients across Western Maryland, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and South-Central Pennsylvania.
Request an Appointment or call (301) 797-7600.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve β which runs from your forearm into your hand through a narrow passageway in your wrist called the carpal tunnel β becomes compressed. That pressure causes the hallmark symptoms of numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
It's one of the most common nerve conditions we treat, and the good news is that it's very treatable, especially when caught early.
Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel symptoms usually come on gradually and tend to get worse over time. See a specialist if you notice:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger; the pinky is usually spared
- Symptoms that wake you up at night or are worse in the morning
- Hand pain or βpins and needlesβ that may travel up into the forearm
- Weakness or clumsiness, such as dropping objects or trouble with buttons, jar lids, or keys
- A feeling that your fingers are swollen, even when they aren't
- Shaking or flicking your hand to get relief, sometimes called the βflick signβ
If these symptoms sound familiar, an evaluation can confirm the cause and stop the problem before it leads to permanent nerve damage.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel often results from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Common contributors include:
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements, including typing, assembly work, tools, and driving
- Wrist anatomy or a previous wrist injury or fracture
- Pregnancy, due to fluid retention and swelling
- Health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Prolonged, forceful, or vibrating gripping activities
Identifying your specific risk factors is part of building an effective treatment plan β and preventing the problem from coming back.
How We Diagnose Carpal Tunnel β The EMG Advantage
This is where seeing a neurologist makes a real difference. The most accurate way to confirm carpal tunnel syndrome β and to measure how severe it is β is with nerve testing: an EMG and nerve conduction study.
These tests measure how well the median nerve is sending signals, pinpoint exactly where it's being compressed, and rule out other conditions that mimic carpal tunnel, such as a pinched nerve in the neck or cubital tunnel syndrome.
Symptom & History Review
We review what you feel, when symptoms happen, and what makes them better or worse.
Physical Exam
Your neurologist checks sensation, strength, and provocative maneuvers.
EMG / Nerve Conduction Study
Testing confirms the diagnosis and grades severity so treatment is based on facts, not guesswork.
Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
Your results are explained in plain language, and your plan is built around your goals.
Carpal Tunnel Treatment Options
Many people with carpal tunnel improve with non-surgical care, especially when treated early. Depending on your severity, your plan may include:
- Wrist splinting, particularly at night, to keep the wrist in a neutral position
- Activity modification and ergonomic changes for work and daily tasks
- Hand and nerve-gliding exercises to reduce pressure on the nerve
- Treating underlying conditions such as thyroid disorders or diabetes
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms
- Referral for surgical release when nerve compression is severe or non-surgical care isn't enough
Our goal is to relieve your symptoms with the least invasive approach that works β and to protect the long-term health of the nerve.
We Also Diagnose Related Nerve Conditions
Hand and arm symptoms aren't always carpal tunnel. Using the same nerve-testing expertise, we also evaluate and treat:
- Cubital tunnel syndrome, which is ulnar nerve compression at the elbow
- Pinched nerves in the neck, also called cervical radiculopathy, that cause arm and hand symptoms
- Peripheral neuropathy and other causes of numbness and tingling
Getting the diagnosis right is the whole point β and it's what a neurologist does best.
Serving Western Maryland & the Tri-State Area
With offices in Cumberland and Hagerstown, you can get expert carpal tunnel care close to home β no long drive to Baltimore, Pittsburgh, or D.C.
Maryland
Cumberland, Hagerstown, LaVale, Frostburg, Cresaptown, Hancock, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Boonsboro
West Virginia
Martinsburg, Keyser, Romney, Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw
Pennsylvania
Waynesboro, Greencastle, Chambersburg, Mercersburg
Cumberland office: 924 Seton Dr Suite C, Cumberland, MD 21502
Hagerstown office: 11110 Medical Campus Rd Unit 151, Hagerstown, MD 21742
Hours: Call for current office hours
Why Choose Mir Neurology?
- Board-certified neurologists with 20+ years of experience
- In-house EMG and nerve conduction testing for an accurate, fast diagnosis
- A focus on non-surgical relief whenever possible
- Coordinated care with local surgeons when surgery is needed
- Most major insurance plans accepted
- Two convenient locations in Cumberland and Hagerstown
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of doctor treats carpal tunnel?
Carpal tunnel can be evaluated by neurologists, who specialize in nerve testing and diagnosis. A neurologist confirms the diagnosis with an EMG, grades its severity, treats it without surgery when possible, and coordinates surgical referral if needed.
How do you test for carpal tunnel?
The most accurate test is a nerve conduction study and EMG, which measure how well the median nerve is working and where it's compressed. Your provider will also review your symptoms and perform a physical exam.
Can carpal tunnel be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients improve with splinting, activity changes, exercises, and sometimes steroid injections β especially when treated early. Surgery is reserved for more severe cases or when other treatments don't provide relief.
Will carpal tunnel go away on its own?
Mild symptoms can sometimes ease with rest and splinting, but carpal tunnel often worsens without treatment. Because untreated nerve compression can lead to permanent damage, it's best to get evaluated rather than wait.
Is carpal tunnel related to pregnancy?
Yes. Fluid retention during pregnancy can cause carpal tunnel symptoms, which often improve after delivery. We can help relieve symptoms safely in the meantime.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
It depends on your insurance plan. Many patients can self-refer. Call (301) 797-7600 and our team will help you understand your coverage and schedule your visit.
Hand Numbness or Tingling? Find Out Why.
Get an accurate diagnosis and a plan to relieve your symptoms β often without surgery. Schedule with a carpal tunnel specialist in Cumberland or Hagerstown today.