Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is an overuse injury affecting the nerves in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a passage in the wrist through which nerves run. The pain, tingling and numbness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when this passageway narrows, thus compressing the nerves in the area. Activities such as racquet sports and performing office work with nonergonomic equipment can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Alternative medicine may be used along with conventional treatments to relieve your pain.
Yoga
The slow flowing movements and stretching during yoga can relieve your carpal tunnel pain, according to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Yoga is designed to simultaneously release tension, stretch and strengthen your joints. Performing movements that incorporate your upper body can have a beneficial effect on the nerve compression pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. The often-used anjali mudra position in yoga, or putting your hands together in a prayer pose, is similar to a forearm stretch recommended by the Penn State Hershey Medical Center for people with carpal tunnel syndrome. Participate in yoga several times weekly under your doctor's direction to reap the benefits of this form of alternative medicine.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a type of Oriental Medicine that realigns your body's energy, called the qi, when you are ailing. Diane Joswick, a licensed acupuncturist and holder of a Master's of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM), explains that carpal tunnel syndrome is thought to be a disruption of the qi, allowing cold and dampness to affect the muscles and other structures of your wrist. Acupuncture may provide pain relief for some people with carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as tension in the neck that may contribute to nerve compression and its associated pain, numbness and tingling. More scientific studies are needed to fully support acupuncture as an alternative medicine remedy for CTS, according to Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology for carpal tunnel syndrome pain relief is considered conservative treatment by some medical organizations, but a more alternative approach by others. Ultrasound is used to heat the affected areas of the wrist, which can aid healing of the tissues. Ultrasound is not used as a first-line approach even as a conservative treatment; splinting the wrist and hand and arm exercises are the initial methods used to reduce nerve compression. Short-term use of ultrasound over the span of several weeks may reduce pain, but according to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, long-lasting results may vary.
Considerations
Consult your medical care provider before submitting to alternative medicine treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Make sure practitioners for acupuncture and other forms of Oriental Medicine are licensed to ensure your well-being. Discuss your treatment plans with your insurance company; some plans do not cover alternative medicine or limit your coverage.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Alternative Medicine; February 2011
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Carpal Tunnel Fact Sheet; April 2011
- "Yoga Journal"; Carpal Tunnel Relief; Stephanie Layton
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; February 2011
- Acupuncture Referral Service; Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Diane Joswick
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