Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs more frequently in patients who have a pinched nerve in the neck.  However, there doesn't have to be a pinched nerve in the neck for it to occur.

In this syndrome, one of the major nerves of the hand (Median Nerve) gets pinched at the wrist as it goes through a tight spot.  Symptoms include weakness in the hand (usually dropping things), numbness or tingling in the thumb, and sometimes pain in the beefy part of the thumb.  EMG and Nerve Conduction Study are a good way to diagnose this problem.  Treatment usually involves physical therapy, splints, medication, and sometimes injection.  Surgery can help, but is usually only considered in the most severe cases.