If your wrist hurts you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Hours at a computer or constant use of a cash register can make wrists hurt. Shoveling landscape rocks can create wrist pain also.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage at the base of the wrist formed by the ligaments of the hand. The median nerve and tendons of the hands pass through this tight space. Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as median nerve entrapment, occurs when swelling or irritation of the nerve or tendons in the carpal tunnel put pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, as well as impulses to some small hand muscles that allow the fingers and thumb to move.
Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers. Symptoms often first appear during the night. As symptoms worsen, people might feel pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks.
Acupuncture points, stretching exercises, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements are chosen to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
As well as reducing swelling, inflammation and wrist pain, acupuncture addresses many related problems that often accompany this condition such as headaches, neck pain, and sleeping problems.
If not properly treated, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can cause irreversible nerve damage and permanent deterioration of muscle tissue. From an Oriental medicine perspective, CTS is seen as a disruption of the flow of Qi and Blood within the area and associated with Cold, Dampness or Wind penetrating the muscles and sinews of the wrist.
If you or someone you know suffers carpal tunnel syndrome, call to find out more about how Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine may help.
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Author – Jim Burnis is a local Gold Canyon Acupuncturist – www.acualt.com 480-671-5178, contact Jim Burnis.