Is there a connection between the cervical spine and carpal tunnel?

For years, there has been varying literature to connect symptoms occurring at the carpal tunnel with symptoms in those in the cervical spine.  De-La-Llave-Rincon et al recently published an article in JOSPT examining a relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome with postural dysfunction/decreased cervical range of motion.  This article examined how a treatment of the cervical spine may have an effect as distal as the carpal tunnel. More conclusive research has indicated proximal grade 5 thrusts to the CT junction can have effects as distal as the lateral epicondyle.

So, if the median nerve has motor and sensory contributions derived from nerve roots of C6-T1 that can become compressed proximally in addition to the carpal tunnel, why not examine/assess the cervical spine in the treatment of individuals with CTS (Even the test for examining neural tension of the median nerve involves lateral flexion of the cervical spine away from the effected side). There are several syndromes that can present with proximal/distal features such as: thoracic outlet, multi-crush and T4 syndrome but could carpal tunnel syndrome actually be a misunderstood diagnosis and have a more proximal player (how many median nerve releases have you seen be relatively non-effective?).

I believe, we should attempt to investigate further into individuals who present carpal tunnel symptoms.  I believe compression of the median nerve may not always be at play directly within the carpal tunnel and that a proximal compression may be playing at least an equal role.  There has been research on regional interdependence in between the low back, hip and knee and I believe there could be similar findings from the cervical spine down to the carpal tunnel.