Carpal Tunnel Pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) most commonly affects people who work with small hand tools or computer keyboards, and it occurs when the repetitive or forceful movements of the wrist cause swelling around the tendons which then pinches the nerves as they pass through the narrow “tunnel” from the arm to the hand.
Some common symptoms include:
- Daytime tingling in the hands with a decreased ability to squeeze things
- Pain shooting from the hand, up as high as the shoulder
- Night-time painful tingling that frequently disturbs the sleep
- Loss of strength in the muscle at the base of the thumb, near the palm
- A sense that the fingers are swollen even though it may not be visibly apparent
In a preliminary trial reported in the American Journal of Acupuncture, 83% of people with CTS (some of whom had previously undergone surgery) experienced complete relief that lasted for two to eight years of follow-up after acupuncture or electroacupuncture treatment. (Chen GS. The effect of acupuncture treatment on carpal tunnel syndrome. Am J Acup 1990;18:5-9.)
Even if you are not ready to give acupuncture a try, Traditional Chinese Medicine has other treatments to offer including moxibustion and safe and effective anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving Chinese herbs.
