Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by repetitive finger and hand use resulting in any or all of the following symptoms: tingling, burning sensation, pain, numbness and weakness in the wrist and thumb, index, middle and ring fingers of the hand involved. There may even be pain or aching in the forearm, shoulder and neck. A nerve, the median nerve, becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow “tunnel” in the bones and ligaments on the underside of the wrist. Although statistics show that only about three men and five women in one hundred have CTS at some point in their lives, the advancement of home computer use with incorrect positioning of the hand on the keyboard and mouse will certainly increase the risk of developing this condition. Anyone using their hands for repetitive movements, such as playing tennis, using a screwdriver, knitting and sewing, working as a bank teller, cashier, hairdresser, musician, librarian, or even a farmer milking cows, is particularly susceptible to pain caused by CTS. Obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, diabetes and arthritis can also factor into it. Traditional treatments can include medication, steroid injections, wearing a wrist splint and carpal tunnel surgery for more severe cases. Natural remedies are yoga, tai chi, vitamin B6 (found in bananas, chicken, salmon, sweet potatoes, etc), herbs, acupressure and acupuncture. Several studies have shown that acupuncture treatments can be very successful in the treatment of CTS. One such study was conducted recently by the Phramongkutklao College of Medicine in Bangkok. 61 patients with mild CTS were divided into two groups. One of the groups wore splints at night for five weeks and the other group received electro-acupuncture twice a week for five weeks. While results of general symptoms and function were similar for both groups at the end of the study, there was a definite reduction in pain for the patients who received acupuncture.
There are six main acupuncture or qi meridians that run through the neck, shoulder, arm and wrist all the way into the fingers. Each one relates to an internal function or organ. If there is a deficiency or ”cold” condition in an organ, or a blockage or stagnation of qi in any one of the meridians, it will cause symptoms, such as pain, anywhere along its length. CTS is usually affected by four meridians, which connect to the lungs, large intestine, heart and pericardium. Pulse and tongue examination will show which organs are causing the problem so that the appropriate meridians can then be needled. Qi and blood flow are increased, and the pain is relieved. Various studies have shown that a relatively short course of acupuncture treatments will bring long term improvement for patients with CTS. One such study published in the November issue of The Journal of Pain reported that significant relief was found in the one year follow up period of a group that had received only one month of acupuncture treatments.
An acupressure point that may help alleviate wrist and hand pain is Pericardium 7. Place your thumb on the point in the middle of the inner side of the wrist crease between the two tendons. Gradually increase pressure and hold for a minute or two. The pressure should not cause any discomfort or added pain. Repeat on the other wrist.
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