When we think of carpal tunnel syndrome, we often picture people whose jobs or leisure activities involve rapid hand movements—like typing, playing an instrument, or line work; heavy tool usage—like construction work; or prolonged time spent in awkward hand positions—like dentists and surgeons. One profession we don’t typically consider is professional drivers, especially those behind the wheel of big rigs traveling long distances. So why are truckers at an elevated risk for carpal tunnel syndrome?

The carpal tunnel itself is a very small structure through which tendons, blood vessels, and the median nerve all pass. Any activity that either reduces the size of the tunnel or increases the volume of its contents can restrict movement of the median nerve. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The muscles located on the palm side of the forearm attach to the tendons that allow us to grip a steering wheel—often in a non-neutral posture—which can reduce the cross-sectional area of the carpal tunnel while prolonged static muscle contractions can overload the tendons, leading to inflammation and increased pressure on the median nerve. The low-frequency vibrations from the engine and roadway can also irritate the median nerve.

Beyond these factors that directly affect the wrist, truck drivers often maintain static postures for several hours at a time. This can contribute to postural imbalances that place stress on the median nerve at other locations—such as the neck, shoulder, elbow, or forearm. Nerve compression at these sites can not only generate symptoms commonly mistaken for carpal tunnel syndrome but also increase the risk of median nerve entrapment at the wrist. To complicate matters further, metabolic conditions like diabetes—and even some medications used to manage chronic illness—are linked to an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to potential effects on nerve health, water retention, inflammation, and more.

All of this underscores the importance of seeking care early in the course of the condition when symptoms are mild. Early intervention increases the chance for a successful outcome and can prevent symptoms from escalating to the point they affect work performance. A doctor of chiropractic can provide in-office treatment to help restore mobility to the median nerve—at the wrist or other compression points—and can also demonstrate exercises that can be performed on the go, as well as offer ergonomic advice to help maintain a neutral wrist position while driving.