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Relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Acupuncture

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Inner Alchemy Acupuncture and Herbs
Relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Acupuncture

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), one of the most common work-related injuries, is the leading cause of lost days among all injuries. It is responsible for more than 2 million visits to doctors' offices each year and 465,000 carpal tunnel releases operations every year. This makes it the most common surgery on the wrist and hand.

Acupuncture can be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. It is much more effective than surgery and does not require the use of corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory drugs. People seek acupuncture for repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Recent research suggests that acupuncture may prove to be more effective than corticosteroids in treating CTS.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway through the wrist that is made up of bones and ligaments. This tunnel is home to the median nerve and the tendons connecting the fingers to the forearm muscles.

Median nerve entrapment is also known as carpal tunnel syndrome. This happens when the median nerve gets pressured by irritation or swelling of the nerves or tendons. The median nerve controls sensations in the thumb and fingers on the palm side, along with impulses to small muscles that allow the thumb and fingers to move.

Symptoms typically begin slowly, with frequent burning, feeling tingling or numbness in your palm and fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Symptoms often appear at night. People may feel pain in their wrists and hand, as well as weakness or numbness, which can radiate up to the arm throughout the day. A decreased grip strength can make it more difficult to grasp small objects, form fists, and perform manual tasks. CTS, if not treated properly, can lead to irreversible nerve damage as well as permanent deterioration in muscle tissue.

Clinical Study of Acupuncture and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

One study found that acupuncture is just as effective as prednisone in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

The controlled, randomized study, published in The Clinical Journal of Pain in May 2009, examined the effectiveness of acupuncture in comparison to steroid treatment for patients with mild-to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, as determined by nerve conduction studies as well as symptom assessment surveys.

 

77% of the patients were randomly split into 2 groups. One group received eight treatments of acupuncture over four weeks. The other received prednisone oral doses daily for four weeks. Results showed that acupuncture was as effective as corticosteroid in pain, numbness and tingling. The acupuncture group showed better results for motor function and nighttime awakening symptoms.

Researchers concluded that acupuncture can be used to treat CTS side effects and for patients who don't want to undergo surgery early.

Acupuncture can be used to diagnose and treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Alexheyne specialists treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrom with Acupuncture, Stretching Exercises, Herbal Remedies, and Nutritional Supplements. Acupuncture reduces swelling, inflammation, pain in the wrist and helps with sleeping problems, such as headaches, neck pain and stiffness. Now Accepting NEW Patients in Los Angeles & Via Telemedicine

You may also need to consider any underlying conditions, such as rheumatoid, thyroid, diabetes, and hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, when you treat CTS.

Getting Started

Alexheyne practitioners can help you heal from repetitive stress injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. You will see the results sooner if you start. Make an appointment today.

 

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