1 out of 20 people will be diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, making it the reason for over 2 million visits to the doctor, and almost half a million surgeries every year. It is the most common job-related injury and is responsible for the highest number of missed workdays among all work-related injuries. Given the common nature of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is a good idea to know your treatment options should you suffer from this condition
To learn more about using acupuncture to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, contact Dr. Tony Willcox for a consultation. Just pick up the phone and call 561-274-4447 or contact us online.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? In the wrist, there is a narrow passageway made of ligaments and bones. The nerves and tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the fingers pass through this small tunnel. When inflammation occurs, this already restricted area can become blocked and can cause pressure on the nerve, which creates numbness, tingling, a burning sensation, and pain in the hand and fingers. The symptoms often first occur at night but can worsen over time, causing decreased grip strength, interrupted sleep due to pain, and difficulty performing fine motor tasks.
Typical medical treatments include corticosteroids, pain medicine, splinting, and even surgery. But what about the side effects associated with many medicines? What about the risks associated with any surgery requiring anesthesia? When presented with this choice, many people turn to alternative therapies such as acupuncture to find relief for the symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
In a 2009 research study comparing the effectiveness of acupuncture versus corticosteroids for carpal tunnel, acupuncture was shown to be equally effective in treating the symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. For symptoms related to nighttime awakening associated with carpal tunnel, as well as fine motor function, acupuncture was shown to be more effective than the corticosteroids, with none of the side effects associated with corticosteroid use.
Another study, completed in 2012, measured nerve conduction improvements in people receiving acupuncture versus people receiving fake acupuncture. The group receiving true acupuncture treatments measured significantly better on the nerve conduction study’s electrophysiological measurements. Not only did the participants feel that acupuncture was helpful, but hard science also shows that acupuncture is effective in restoring the nerve conduction issues caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
If you are suffering from the pain and motor skills issues of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, if you are tired of the side effects of the medications needed to control the condition, or if you have reached the point where you feel surgery might be necessary to relieve your symptoms, consider instead of giving acupuncture a try. Dr. Tony Willcox of Acupuncture Zen in Delray Beach, Florida can meet with you to discuss your particular situation and to develop individualized, all-natural treatment for your carpal tunnel symptoms today.
To start using acupuncture to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, set an appointment with Dr. Tony Willcox at Acupuncture Zen by calling 561-274-4447 or schedule an appointment online.