Alternative Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you spend considerable time typing on a computer keyboard, you're more at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms come as sharp, shooting paints piercing through the wrist and then up your arm. Although it can feel like cramps, it's carpal tunnel syndrome. About five percent of the working population suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome, with about one percent of the general population (see Resource). Usually it's due to the repeated use of hands and wrists. People suffering from this painful condition can become desperate for relief, searching for alternative, as well as conventional medical treatments.

Identification

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the main nerve supplying sensation to the thumb and adjacent two fingers is compressed. Thus, the area supplied by the nerves is numb and can even be painful. Carpal tunnel syndrome can affect either one or both hands.

Other Causes

Besides continual use of hands, fingers and wrists, carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by pregnancy, obesity, hypothyroidism, arthritis and diabetes. Because the carpal tunnel is smaller in women, they're more at risk than men. Usually, carpal tunnel syndrome only occurs in adults

Types of Alternative Treatments

Acupuncture can be used in treating carpal tunnel symptoms according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (see Resources). However, there's still not enough research to determine its degree of effectiveness.

Acupressure, usually on the forearms, hands and wrists, is based on the same theory as acupuncture, but it uses pressure rather than needles applied to acupuncture points. This is believed to promote blood to flow to the hands and wrists, easing numbness and swelling.

Vitamins, herbal medicine and supplements are also used as an alternative treatment. For example, enzyme supplements as bromeliad or enzyme combinations can reduce swelling of tissues, although it may take several weeks to see results. Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 have also been used, as well as homeopathic arnica tables and ointments. A few good food sources of vitamin B6 are avocados, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, brown rice, chickpeas, mangoes, salmon, pork and turkey. Foods containing B12 include liver, egg yolk, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cabbage and others.

Yoga has relieved symptoms of carpal tunnel in some patients. Because yoga postures are geared to stretch, strengthen and balance upper body joints, it can sometimes be used for pain reduction and for increasing gripping strength.

Chiropractic treatments also suggest some effectiveness such as splinting for relief, although, again, there isn't enough reliable scientific proof.

Misconceptions

It's a common misconception that alternative and conventional treatments are mutually exclusive. However, this is not true, as often relief comes when combining treatments from both alternative and conventional treatments.

Warning

Do your homework before choosing an alternative treatment over conventional treatments. Although there's much information online regarding herbal supplements and alternative treatments, discuss them with trusted health care professionals, including a conventional doctor before making a choice.