Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Acupuncture

By Yeji Lee, LAc

Active Care Chiropractic & Acupuncture

. http://www.activecareclinic.com/

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Acupuncture

Today, we rely heavily on electronic devices such as smartphones and computers, leading to an increase in pain related to daily activities. One of these conditions is nerve pain in the wrist area, known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

In Western medicine, a syndrome often indicates a complex disease with no direct cause, making it difficult to find an exact treatment. However, acupuncture is a treatment option that can help manage this syndrome.

Before seeking treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important to understand the symptoms and how to diagnose the disease.

Symptoms

• Tingling: Carpal tunnel syndrome may start with mild pain and gradually intensify. The most common initial symptom is tingling in the fingers, especially from the wrist to the middle finger. The tingling may feel like an electric shock and can spread to the arm as the symptoms worsen.
• Numbness: Patients may also experience numbness while using their smartphone or holding objects such as a phone, book, or newspaper.
• Weakness: In severe cases, patients may also feel weakness while holding objects, leading to dropping them when trying to pick them up.

Diagnosis

The most common physical tests for carpal tunnel syndrome are Tinel’s sign and Phalen’s maneuver, which doctors can perform. If these tests are positive, they can strongly suspect carpal tunnel syndrome. Ultrasound and MRI can also assist in the diagnosis and show if the median nerve and surrounding soft tissues are swollen or compressed. However, before making a diagnosis, doctors must rule out other possible diseases.

Treatment

Traditional oriental medicine offers several options for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, including acupuncture and moxibustion.

The most straightforward way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome with acupuncture is by targeting the wrist, arm, hands, and fingers. One treatment may already help, but it may take time to completely heal. The duration of treatment varies per person and situation.

Other acupuncture options for this syndrome include electric acupuncture, moxibustion acupuncture (also called warm acupuncture), and magnetic acupressure. Moxibustion with acupuncture is highly recommended. Patients can receive acupuncture from an acupuncturist in a clinic and perform moxibustion at home for convenience.