Pain Answer: Carpel tunnel syndrome is the swelling of the small access tubules through which nerves run into the hand through the wrist. The swelling, due to being overworked, causes the nerrves to be constricted, which cuases them to misfire. The result is ongoing pain and discomfort. Resting the hands and wrists is the best way to safrt therapy, so the swollen tunnels are allowed time to shrink and release the pressure on the nerves.