Many of those who are diagnosed with carpal tunnel are usually recommended to get surgery to improve pain, but is this the only option?
The carpal tunnel is part of the wrist, it is an arch formed by the carpal bones (of which there are eight) and a roof composing of the retinacular ligament. This small tunnel is essentially a tiny highway for nerves, tendons, arteries and veins to pass through. When everything is happy, no symptoms should be present, but when there are issues such as swelling, we begin to see problems arise due to an increased amount of pressure that is placed on the components which go through this small space.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel?
Common symptoms include:
- weakness when gripping objects
- pain or numbness in the hands (usually intermittent and affecting the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger).
- the feeling of pins and needles in your hand
- fingers that feel swollen
- pain or numbness that is worse at night or worse with repetitive movements
What causes carpal tunnel?
Carpal Tunnel can be caused by:
1. Anatomical differences from person to person.
Your carpal tunnel may naturally be small and lead to more problems due to it's nature.
2. Swelling and inflammation.
When selling occurs, it will compress the components that go through the carpal tunnel. This compression may lead to feelings of tingling and weakness.
3. Health factors.
High blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, repetitive motions and other factors may all play a role in the cause of carpal tunnel.
How can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture can be beneficial in the treatment of carpal tunnel in a variety of ways.
By inserting needles (acupuncture of motor point needling), acupuncture may help with reducing swelling, improving range of motion, and alleviating pain.
Using moxibustion may also help to reduce muscle tension which may be the cause of a decrease in space along the tunnel, or to reduce pain throughout the area.
Guasha and cupping could also be used.
Other than just treating the obvious symptoms of pain, swelling and numbness, acupuncture may look at the cause of the carpal tunnel and also treat this along with the main carpal tunnel symptoms.
This could mean including points anywhere along the body that would be beneficial for diabetes/arthritis, hypothyrodism and more.
If this sounds like you, click the button to book in for your next acupuncture appointment.
References
Sports Medicine Acupuncture: An Integrated Approach Combining Sports Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine - Matt Callison