Numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand and fingers can make even simple movements frustrating. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, caused by ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, can affect your ability to grip, type, or lift objects comfortably. But relief is possible! Discover how you can regain strength and function in your arm and hand without invasive treatments.
You don’t have to live with persistent tingling, numbness, or hand weakness. A comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both the elbow and potential nerve irritation in the spine can help restore function and eliminate pain. Schedule a consultation today with one of our expert sports chiropractic physicians at Hughes Health and take your first step toward relief!

About Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
& Anatomy That Contributes
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CuTS), also known as ulnar neuritis, occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs from the neck through the elbow and into the hand, becomes compressed and irritated at the cubital tunnel. The cubital tunnel is a narrow passage on the inside of the elbow. This compression leads to numbness, tingling (especially in the ring and pinky fingers), hand weakness, and pain along the forearm.
Many assume CuTS only results from leaning on the elbow too much or bending the arm excessively, but other factors like spinal misalignments, poor posture, or nerve irritation in the neck can contribute to ulnar nerve dysfunction. Addressing both the elbow and cervical spine may lead to more effective, lasting relief.
Common Causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Understanding Why It Happens
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome can develop from various factors, including:
• Repetitive Elbow Movements & Prolonged Flexion: Keeping the elbow bent for long periods (such as while sleeping, using a phone, or typing) can compress the ulnar nerve.
• Spinal Misalignments & Poor Posture: Nerve irritation in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) can contribute to ulnar nerve dysfunction in the arm.
• Direct Pressure on the Elbow: Leaning on the elbow frequently can increase pressure on the cubital tunnel, leading to nerve irritation.
• Previous Injuries: Elbow fractures, dislocations, or trauma can alter the anatomy, making the nerve more vulnerable to compression.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Arthritis, swelling, or fluid retention can decrease space in the cubital tunnel, increasing pressure on the nerve.
Common Conditions Related to Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is often linked to other musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including:
Cervical Radiculopathy: Nerve compression in the neck can contribute to arm and hand symptoms.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of nerves or blood vessels between the neck and shoulder can mimic CuTS symptoms.
Tendonitis & Bursitis: Inflammation around the elbow can increase pressure on the ulnar nerve.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Conditions like diabetes can lead to nerve dysfunction, worsening symptoms.
Arthritis & Joint Degeneration: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the elbow can contribute to nerve compression and discomfort.
Treatments for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Find Relief Once & For All
Before we are able to treat your cubital tunnel syndrome at Hughes Health, we must perform a detailed consultation and examination. We start with a one-on-one consultation where our doctors truly listen. We want to understand how your elbow pain is affecting your life, whether it's keeping you from working, exercising, or simply enjoying time with family. This conversation helps us gather key details that point us toward the root cause of your pain.
In the examination, we assess your movement, muscles, ligaments, and joints using chiropractic, orthopedic, and functional movement testing. Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t working right. Our job is to find out why. Once we pinpoint the cause, we create a personalized treatment plan to restore function and get you back to living pain-free—without unnecessary medications or surgery.
Sports Chiropractic: More Than Just Adjustments
At Hughes Health, we believe true recovery goes beyond spinal adjustments and manipulation. While we are chiropractors, we don’t just focus on your joints. We take a whole-body approach through Sports Rehabilitation to target the muscles and tissues that support you. Your body is more than just bones and joints, and your care should reflect that. By addressing movement, strength, and stability, we help you heal faster, stay active, and prevent future injuries so you can get back to doing what you love without limitations.
PiezoWave Focused Shockwave Therapy: Break Through Stubborn Pain
For chronic cubital tunnel syndrome, PiezoWave Shockwave Therapy uses focused and targeted sound waves to:
Break up scar tissue and adhesions
Increase blood flow for faster healing
Stimulate natural tissue repair—without surgery or downtime
Deep Tissue Class IV Laser Therapy: Heal from the Inside Out
Our Class IV Deep Tissue Laser uses light therapy to reduce pain and inflammation at the cellular level. This advanced treatment:
Boosts your body’s natural healing process
Reduces pain and inflammation in just 5-10 minutes
Feels like a gentle, warming sensation—no discomfort, just relief
Soft Tissue Manual Therapy: Digging Deep
At Hughes Health, we specialize in a wide variety of techniques to address the soft tissue causes of the pain.
Dry Needling: This targets tight or dysfunctional muscles by inserting small acupuncture needles into specific muscles and their trigger points to release tension and promote muscle recovery.
Fire Cupping: Using heated cups to create a suction effect on the skin helps increase blood flow to relieve muscle tightness and reduce pain. This warming effect has been shown to be more effective than the dry suction counterpart.
Graston Technique: Using specialized tools, we gently break up adhesions in your muscles and tendons, improving mobility and encouraging proper tissue healing.
Myofascial Release: Active Release Technique (ART), also known as manual trigger point release, takes your muscles through dynamic movement to release tension and alleviate pain at its source.
Sport Rehab and Custom Exercises: Build Strength, Prevent Injury
Pain relief is just the first step. Staying pain-free while moving and grooving is the goal. Our Custom Therapeutic Exercise Programs help you:
Strengthen muscles and improve mobility
Fix imbalances that cause recurring pain
Get back to doing what you love with confidence
The Right Care, Every Time
At Hughes Health, your recovery comes first. While we specialize in advanced chiropractic care and personalized treatment plans, we also know when you need more. If our exam reveals that additional care is necessary, we’ll connect you with our trusted network of physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and pain specialists. No guesswork, no wasted time—just the right care for the best results.
Your health is our priority. Let’s get you on the path to recovery today!

Why Choose
Hughes Health?
We take pride in providing evidence-based non-invasive approaches to healthcare. Our goal is to identify the root cause of your discomfort and pain to then provide effective and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve long-lasting results. If you're experiencing any of the conditions listed above, don't hesitate to contact us.