The carpal tunnel is located at the base of the hand and houses tendons and a major nerve, the median nerve, which transmits signals that enable the hand, thumb, and most of the fingers (all but the little and ring fingers) to feel and move.

Carpal tunnel syndrome manifests as pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.

With this condition, the tunnel narrows, putting pressure on the median nerve and causing symptoms that can be debilitating.

On occasion, the radiating pain up the arm can resemble that of an impending heart attack.

Carpal tunnel numbness frequently occurs during sleep because of the position of the hands.

Holding the hands in a flexed position can precipitate the pain and numbness.

Repetitive use of computers and tools that vibrate, such as weed trimmers, jackhammers, and leaf blowers can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome and precipitate an attack.