Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome should not be focused solely at the wrist. The median nerve may be compressed anywhere along its course. Neuromuscular trigger points in various neck and shoulder girdle musculature may imitate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Ultimately poor posture and positioning during activity and rest can contribute to the symptoms of this syndrome by putting undue strain on upper body musculature. Successful resolution of carpal tunnel syndrome requires a willingness to look beyond the obvious. Once carpal tunnel syndrome has developed, the patient's health care providers should work together as a team to identify all potential causes of the syndrome rather than strictly symptom alleviation. In the end, prevention is the best course of treatment.