Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
March 27th, 2009
Acupuncture is often beneficial for individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a repetitive stress injury which often is experienced by individuals who perform daily tasks involving repetitive hand movements, such as computer keyboard operators. Symptoms of CTS may include numbness, weakness, tingling, or pain in the forearm, wrist and hand.
Repetitive forearm and hand movements cause the median nerve in the wrist to become compressed. Acupuncture can provide long-term pain relief as well as restore normal nerve function. By increasing levels of endorphins and enkephalines, the body’s natural pain killing chemicals, acupuncture can ease the discomfort associated with CTS.
Presently, CTS has no known cause. Allopathic therapies often consist of splinting the wrist to avoid twisting or bending, avoiding repetitive activities and resting the affected wrist. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and other nonprescription pain relievers may be indicated to ease pain.
The National Institutes of Health has issued a consensus statement declaring acupuncture useful as a supplement to standard CTS treatment or as part of a comprehensive CTS management program.
Acupuncture can effectively reduce pain and soft tissue swelling and inflammation by increasing production of the hormone cortisol. By reducing swelling in the soft tissue, pressure on the median wrist nerve can be reduced.
Acupuncture can also treat the qi, or meridian energy imbalances, that may contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Strengthened qi circulation can reduce CTS symptom occurrence and pain intensity.
By treating the condition on a biweekly basis for a period of four weeks, acupuncture can produce significant improvement in CTS inflammation, numbness, tingling, and pain. Acupuncture therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome may include needling of the affected hand and wrist area, moxibustion and stimulation of acupoints in distal body areas. Chinese herbal formulas may be recommended to reduce inflammation and enhance overall constitution.
For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500. .
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