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Carpal
Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition
that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms in the hand and arm. CTS is
caused by a compressed nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the
palm side of your wrist. This nerve controls sensation and muscle movements in
the hand if the carpal tunnel becomes narrowed from swelling or injury the
nerve becomes compressed or impinged, leading to the diagnosis of CTS.
Cause
of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is usually unknown. Pressure on the nerve is the main
reason for developing this condition. The pressure can be caused for several
reasons including; swelling of the flexor tendons, joint dislocations,
arthritis and fractures.
Keeping the wrist bent for
extended periods of time has led to diagnosis, thyroid conditions, diabetes and
rheumatoid arthritis can also be related in developing carpal tunnel.
Western
Medicine and Carpal Tunnel Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome sends over a million patients into a physicians office each
year. In which approx 400,000 cases result in surgery. Treatments also recommended
in Western medicine may include, splits, steroid and non-steroidal medications,
and anti-inflammatory drugs. Some recommended homecare ideas include icepack,
rest, stretching and there are a few specialty therapies including occupational
therapy, physical therapy, neurologist, and physical rehab that can also be of
help for a patient suffering from CTS.
Surgery for Carpal Tunnel is the most
frequent surgery done in the wrist/hand to date. Surgery can cost anywhere from
$1500 to $3000. A
surgery overview would look something like this, the surgeon would go in
through the palmar side of the hand, cut the transverse carpal ligaments
releasing pressure on the medial nerve, they’d then close the incision up with
stitches.
Recovery can be anywhere from 4-6 weeks with strength and movement
improving over the next year, most cases needing some type of physical therapy.
Some cases are never
Alternative
or Traditional Chinese Medicine offer other
healing methods with clients who have CTS.
A fundamental in Chinese medicine is to not just treat the symptoms of
the disorder, but to discover the cause and work on a treatment that targets
the root of the problem.
These are some options TCM recommends if
you are trying to prevent Carpal Tunnel;
Good health, If you work at a desk, move as much as possible, don’t sit
in the same position for 45minutes, keep warm, often people who have cold hands
are more prone to CTS, keeping circulation strong is important, and use both
hands evenly.
A few things to do if you are noticing
signs or have been diagnosed; try wearing a splint, get a massage helping
release tension throughout the body can help loosen everything, including
hands, rest, try yoga, and acupuncture is a highly recommended treatment in TCM
for this condition.
Acupuncture is a holistic health technique that stems
from Traditional Chinese Medicine practices in which trained practitioners
stimulate specific points on the body by inserting thin needles into the skin. Although, needles are used in acupuncture, treatments are relatively
pain-free. The energy then circulates
throughout the body along well-defined pathways. If the energy circulation
is disrupted, the result can be pain or illness. (Such as CTS) Acupuncture
points are stimulated to balance the circulation of energy, which influences
the health of the entire being and promotes the body's natural healing ability.
A very successful treatment
in TCM for carpal tunnel that has been used it Acupuncture combined with moxa
along the specific points of the body. A client may have to return into
acupuncture clinic for several weeks for a full recovery and may also be
referred for massage along with acupuncture. The cost per session of
acupuncture can vary greatly depending on your area of living.
I found the information
I’ve researched on this topic very interesting. Happy Healing!
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