Acupuncture Stops Carpal Tunnel Wrist Pain, & Restores Dexterity

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway. It is surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. CTS occurs when the median gets pressurized. Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by a numbness and tingling sensation in the hand and arm.

It is estimated that more than eight million people are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome every year. Some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include weakness in the hand, burning, itching, or tingling in the palm and thumb or the middle and index fingers. In many cases, tingling can travel up to the arm.

Some common causes of CTS include repetitive motions such as typing or wrist movements that are performed repeatedly. Some health conditions that increase the risk of CTS are obesity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism.

Many people in Walnut Creek with CTS use acupuncture to manage their pain. The ancient Chinese practice is based on the belief that energy imbalances lead to health problems. Acupuncturists use paper-thin needles that are inserted in the skin at strategic points in the patient’s body to restore the natural flow of energy.

A study involving 80 participants (average age – 49 years) reported that acupuncture can help relieve CTS pain. 65 of the participants were women. Researchers divided the participants into three groups.

One group received treatment with verum electro acupuncture at the wrist. Another group received acupuncture in the ankle opposite to the affected wrist. The third group received sham acupuncture. Participants were given 16 treatments over eight weeks.

All groups reported some relief from pain. However, the two groups that received acupuncture also showed physiological changes. High-tech imaging revealed mapping changes in the brain of the participants who received acupuncture. The participants who received acupuncture in their wrist reported more benefits than those who received acupuncture in their ankles.

Researchers concluded that the signals that the brain receives after acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin to remap the brain, modifies pain signals from the wrist.

Researchers also concluded that when acupuncture needles create a puncture at the insertion site, the body sends extra blood to the spot, helping damaged nerves heal.

Many studies have proved that acupuncture is more effective than anti-inflammatory medications. Acupuncture can help alleviate CTS pain, numbness, and inflammation, and restore motor dexterity.

Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness is a team of skilled acupuncturists. Our acupuncturists have dedicated their lives to helping people fight pain. We are committed to improving our patients’ quality of life. To make an appointment with one of our TCM practitioners, book a time on our website today.