text: I have a lot of success with treating patients with carpal tunnel, but usually if I cannot help, the scar tissue accumulation is too advanced.  The patients usually have the surgery, and come back to me with success!  I would have the surgery if all other non-invasive methods have failed.  The truth is, when Carpal tunnel advances, "wallerian degeneration" occurs, where the nerve simply loses its ability to transmit signals.  The numbness you're experiencing is the first stage, then pain, followed by loss of muscle function.  Sorry to ramble on, but if left untreated, you WILL lose the use of the thumb and 3 1/2 fingers.  Get it treated, don't leave it until it's too late!