Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Alternative Therapies and Natural Treatments that Work

According to the National institute of Health, carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. Although certain people are predisposed to get carpal tunnel syndrome, anyone who does repetitive work involving the wrist can fall victim to this painful and potentially crippling condition. Proper body mechanics is the best preventive medicine for carpal tunnel syndrome. Common treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome are anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, the use of splints and in severe cases, surgery. This article is going to address 5 alternative therapies to bring relief from the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Natural treatment is gaining ground as the economy and the ever increasing cost of health care combine to make conventional treatment difficult to obtain.

The first alternative therapy I will cover is acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient alternative medicine involving very thin needles inserted into specific parts of the body.The theory is that the problems are caused by blocked energy in the meridians of the body. The blockage in these energy pathways is believed to cause pain. The acupuncture releases this trapped energy and allows it to flow properly. According to National institute of health acupuncture has helped with the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Research is ongoing as to the benefits of this alternative treatment. Acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome would be performed on the wrist, hands and upper extremities.

Acupressure is another natural treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome it is similar in theory to that of acupuncture but does not involve the use of needles. Pressure is applied with your fingers to different meridians usually on the arms and wrists. This alternative therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome can be performed by yourself and is generally considered helpful in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome from becoming more severe. Acupressure is most effective in the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Yoga has also been considered an effective alternative therapy for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Yoga according to Yogasite.com not only reduced pain but actually increased hand strength. Compared to people with just splints which showed no decrease in pain or increase in strength. Most yoga exercises for the natural treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome are relatively simple to learn. Joining a class to learn the ropes is generally recommended until the techniques are learned, then yoga can be practiced at home.

The deficiency of vitamins B6 and B12 have been shown to play a role in developing carpal tunnel syndrome. A natural treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome should include vitamins B6 and B12 in your diet. Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapples and is often used as a natural treatment to reduce inflammation in the body. Vitamin B6 as well as Bromelain require many weeks time to start showing results. Arnica on the other hand has shown relief in as little as two weeks time. Arnica which belongs to the sunflower family has been used medicinally since the 1500's.

If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome then choosing a natural treatment might be right for you. The important thing to remember is whether choosing a common treatment or an alternative therapy to treat carpal tunnel syndrome that proper body mechanics is the key to preventing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms from returning. In my research it is often recommended to utilize a combination of natural treatments for best results. remember Yoga and Acupressure can be learned and used by you in your work or home environment. vitamins B6,B12, Bromelain and Arnica can all be obtained at your local pharmacy or alternative medicine store.

SOURCES:

National Institute of Health: www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm

YogaSite.com: www.yogasite.com/carpal.htm

AltMD: www.altmd.com/Articles/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome--Encyclopedia-of-Alternativ