Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, also referred to as “Median Nerve Entrapment”, occurs due to swelling/irritation of the median nerve or tendons passing through the carpal tunnel, resulting in compression of the nerve. Symptoms typically appear at night and begin with tingling, burning or numbness in the palm and fingers; particularly in the thumb, index, and middle. As symptoms worsen, patients might feel pain, weakness or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform routine tasks.
If untreated, CTS can cause nerve damage and deterioration of muscle tissue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it has been the reason for over 3.8 million visits to doctor’s offices annually. Furthermore, National Institute of Health estimates that the average lifetime cost of CTS for each worker is about $30,000, including medical bills and lost time from work.
Acupuncture is a natural medical treatment for this condition forgoing the surgical process and complication. It helps reduce the swelling, inflammation and pain in the wrist by restoring the balance in the body. It addresses any shoulder stiffness, neck pain and sleeping problems that often accompany the condition.
The recommendation is 2 to 4 treatments per week for a total of 8 to 16 sessions. Although some patients might respond immediately after the initial treatments, others may not show improvement until the 8th or 9th visit. Additionally, there have been cases requiring 2 to 3 weekly treatments for several months in obtaining full results.
Along the acupuncture treatments, stretching exercises, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements can be added for enhanced results.