What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
When your wrist and hands engage in repetitive actions that put continuous pressure on the median nerve, carpal tunnel syndrome may result. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a chronic, musculoskeletal disorder causing pain, stiffness and numbness. Lying underneath your wrist and extending through a narrow pathway constructed of ligaments and bones (the carpal tunnel) is the median nerve, one of several nerves running through the arm for the purpose of sensation, feeling and strength. When consistent pressure is placed on the carpal tunnel, the median nerve becomes inflamed and irritated, causing severe pain even when the hand is not being used.
Causes and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Workplace factors represent the primary reason for the development of CTS. According to the National Institutes of Health, people employed as assembly line, construction and keyboard workers are at a heightened risk for suffering CTS. Wrist fractures, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disorders also increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms involve pain in the hand, wrist or upper arm severe enough to interrupt sleep and interfere with completing daily tasks. Decreased sensation, tingling and numbness in the fingers, especially the middle and index finger, may indicate a compressed median nerve. Your ability to firmly grasp objects or hold onto things may also be affected due to increasing weakness of the hand and wrist.
Acupuncture for Relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
By inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body, Dr. Peter Lok decreases the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome by promoting blood circulation and releasing endorphins and analgesics natural to the body that help relieve median nerve inflammation. Acupuncture for CTS also:
- Stimulates regions of the brain responsible for reducing sensitivity to pain
- increases release of adenosine, a chemical with potent, analgesic properties
- Induces cortical plasticity, or a type of brain conditioning that regulates sensory nerve processing to the fingers to improve symptoms of CTS
Start treating your carpal tunnel symptoms naturally with acupuncture treatments performed by licensed acupuncturist Dr. Peter Lok.
Are you currently coping with carpal tunnel syndrome?