Acupuncture For Pain From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

We use our hands for everything, and if you’ve ever broken a finger, you know that losing the use of even one of them can be debilitating.

After a long day at the office, do you feel numbness in your wrists or hands?

Does your job require you to use vibrating power tools, such as in construction work, or to keep your wrists in an extended position, for example if you are a musician or a hairstylist?

If so, you may be at risk for developing carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that can lead to permanent nerve damage and cause you to lose function in your hands.

The various treatments for carpal tunnel include physical therapy or surgery.

But today I’d like to discuss acupuncture as an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Perhaps you have already been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and you are in pain.

When people seek out acupuncture for health, they’re looking for a wide range of different solutions, including:

• As a naturopathic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
• Relieving headaches
• Managing menstrual pain
• Easing the effects of chemotherapy

And a number of others.

However, many don’t know that you can use acupuncture for pain from carpal tunnel syndrome as well.

Let’s have a closer look at the causes and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you have the risk factors or symptoms, this is not something to let get out of hand.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Flip your hand so it faces up.

Now take a look at your wrist.

Beneath there is a narrow passage of ligaments and bones.

It’s called your carpal tunnel.

Your median nerve passes through there.

It’s the nerve that branches through your hand and into each of your fingers.

It provides the feeling to your thumb, index, middle finger, and part of your ring finger.

It also provides impulse to the muscle in the hand that allows you to grip.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve.

When your nerve becomes compressed, the result is pain, numbness and an inability to properly use your hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur in one or both hands.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes

Compression of the median nerve is caused by swelling in your wrist.

Sources of this inflammation could be an underlying medical condition.

The inflammation will also restrict blood flow to the area.

Medical conditions commonly linked to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Thyroid issues
• Fluid retention due to pregnancy
• Menopause related inflammation
• Wrist trauma or fractures

Repetitive motion can also aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome and cause it to worsen.

Repeated over extension of the wrist causes swelling to occur.

Typing, using a mouse, playing the piano, or using a vibrating power tool are all examples of actions that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms of carpal tunnel usually occur along the median nerve.

Some of the earliest signs that you could be developing carpal tunnel syndrome are numbness or tingling in your thumb and first three fingers of the palm side of your hand.

Symptoms can develop into wrist pain during the night that may interrupt your sleep.

More severe cases of carpal tunnel cause pain and burning that travels up your arm.

Muscle weakness also develops, such that you may have difficulty grasping small objects.

In the most severe cases, you may be unable to feel the difference between hot and cold on your fingertips and palm of your hand, which can lead to accidental burns.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur in either hand but it usually begins in your dominant hand.

How Can Acupuncture For Pain From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Help?

Because carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder, acupuncture is an effective method of relieving symptoms.

Acupuncture needles are very fine, and they penetrate the skin just deep enough to remain in place.

The result is increased blood flow to the area and nerve stimulation.

Acupuncture has been used to great success for chronic pain relief, and carpal tunnel syndrome is no exception.

Studies have shown that participants experience pain relief following acupuncture treatments for carpal tunnel.

There is also evidence that acupuncture serves to remap the brain, stimulating nerve endings and relieving symptoms stemming from nerve disorders.

How does this happen?

The acupuncture needles stimulate your nerve at the area of inflammation and modify the pain signals sent from your wrist to your brain.

After a treatment, acupuncture patients describe a feeling of relief and an easing of symptoms.

Additional blood flow to the area being treated helps damaged nerves to heal.

Book Your Appointment With Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND, Today

In the most severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be necessary.

However, it doesn’t always have to get to that point.

Avoiding the activities that aggravate your carpal tunnel symptoms are sometimes the only way to reduce its occurrence.

Wearing wrist protection on the affected handis also recommended.

Physiotherapy, including learning targeted stretches that will not overextend your wrists, is another option.

But if you are experiencing mild symptoms such as numbness in the hand and are worried you may be at risk for carpal tunnel, why not give acupuncture a try?

If you are suffering from pain or discomfort in the wrist from carpal tunnel syndrome, acupuncture can be an effective way to relieve your pain.

Contact me, Dr. Sheila Dyer, today with your questions and we can set up an appointment.