Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Repetitive Stress Injuries

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Stress Injuries to the hand and wrist are the most common work and sports related injuries. Acupuncture is highly effective in treating these conditions and in some cases can eliminate the need for steroid treatments, anti-inflamatory drugs, or surgery. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons that a person seeks acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture offers relief from pain, improves blood circulation to the hand, and unblocks the affected acupuncture meridians to improve the flow of energy to the affected area.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is constructed of bones and ligaments. Together they form a passageway for the median nerve and several tendons to pass from the forearm into the palm of the hand, through the wrist. Normally the median nerve passes through the tunnel without difficulty providing movement to some muscles of the thumb, index, and middle finger, and delivers touch sensation to the skin of the thumb, palm and fingers. When the transverse carpal ligament becomes inflamed, it can put pressure on the median nerve causing compression. When this happens the median nerve becomes irritated and starts sending out pain, tingling or prickling sensations in the hand and wrist. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the term used to describe chronic nerve compression.

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

There many causes for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome including diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, hereditary nerve disease, pregnancy, repetitive use of the wrist and stress or trauma to the hand or wrist.

Basically any activity that involves fine motor wok, repetitive hand movements, abnormal finger and wrist postures, pinching-grasping, and use of vibrating tools, can cause carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive stress injuries.