At our Parkland, Florida location we treat carpal tunnel syndrome (CPS) often. It is a very common condition that affects many of us. CPS affects the median nerve which runs through the arm and ends at the wrist and hand. The condition causes pain and distress and occurs when the nerve is pinched at the wrist. People with the condition may experience numbness and tingling as well.
There are a number of causative factors such as repetitive hand movements, abnormal wrist structure or an underlying health problem. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway meant to protect the nerve that travels to your hand and the tendons moving your fingers. When this nerve is compressed you experience pain, numbness, weakness and tingling described as carpal tunnel syndrome.
The condition can be treated, relieving the numbness and tingling and the patient gets back full wrist and hand function. Acupuncture has been shown to treat the condition, giving the patient full recovery and restoring function in the affected hand, usually in a very short time
Western medical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome
People with carpal tunnel syndrome can get treatment the conventional way as there are Western forms of treatment that can treat the condition and give relief. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive condition which means treatment should start as soon as possible. It is also brought about by some underlying conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis which need to be treated first.
Some common ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Chiropractic adjustments – a chiropractor can help patients regain hand function through adjustments of the upper spine as well as application of cold, use of a brace or splint for immobilizing the area and rest.
- Yoga is also known to reduce the pain caused by the condition and helps improve grip
- Physical therapy – strength workouts and some basic stretching exercises work well mostly for patients who are recovering and the pain and swelling are lessening.
- Medicine- pain and swelling can be treated using non-steroidal anti-inflammation medicines like ibuprofen.
- Patients can also be treated through surgery, such as endoscopic and open release procedures. These are only used as a last resort.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the condition is thought of a disruption of the Qi energy in the body and improper blood flow. It is also considered to be the result of cold and dampness in the wrist. We use acupuncture points along the forearm and wrist to treat the condition. The process is painless as sterile needles are inserted (painlessly) just below the skin at local and distal points.
Your acupuncturist may also suggest taking nutritional supplements such as B vitamins, fish oil and herbal medicine to help offer further relief. Patients typically see results within 1-4 short treatments and full recovery anywhere from 6-8 treatments (in most cases).
Research backing the treatment
Acupuncture relieves pressure on peripheral nerves which are affected by the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Nerve conduction studies, electromyography and ultrasonic imaging have shown that acupuncture develops electrophysiological peripheral nerve responses and repairs peripheral nerve tissues in patients who suffer from the condition.
Additional research form Ding et al. shows that acupuncture offers significant pain relief. The research, which was published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, applied objective and subjective testing and pain relief was measured using a numerical rating scale.
Have you experienced symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome? Let us help. At our Parkland Florida office we offer free consultations daily. Stop suffering today! Give us a call.