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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition wherein the median nerve, the nerve responsible in connecting the brain and the spine through the finger tips, gets pinched due to compression.
The carpal tunnel is the area that the median nerve passes while in the wrist. The median nerve is also responsible for sending signals to certain muscles in the hand, as well as sensory information. Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur at any age, although it affects women more than men.
Around 1/10th of the adult population gets affected by carpal tunnel syndrome in their lifetime, and more than half of those who have CTS are over 40 years of age.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are a burning, and tingling numbness (called paresthesia) that is felt at the palm of the hands and fingers especially the middle, thumb, and index finger. The wrist also gets weaker. The symptoms usually first appear during sleep because most people sleep with bent wrists which aggravates the carpal tunnel. Since strain is on the median nerve, the position of the wrist heightens the numb and tingling sensations. The numbness and paresthesia are the principal symptoms experienced by those suffering from carpal tunnel symptoms. If these are not the major symptoms, it may not be CTS.
The leading cause for carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown, although there are certain underlying conditions believed to worsen carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of these are obesity, arthritis, diabetes, trauma of the bones, stress, and hypothyroidism. Certain repetitive activities that put stress on the wrist can also trigger carpal tunnel syndrome, some of these are typing or any other activities that need repetitive wrist bending.
There are many forms of natural carpal tunnel syndrome treatment available, although the best way to prevent being diagnosed is to constantly take breaks in repetitive tasks and jobs. Stretching and bending wrists during long hours using the keyboard will minimize chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. Acupuncture is one form of natural therapy, as it is a way of reducing the pain in the wrists since it is one of the pressure points being targeted. The process of acupuncture releases pain-relieving chemicals into the body, therefore decreasing the pain felt in the wrist.
Intake of Vitamin B6 has also been reported to ease the discomfort caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Ideally, the intake for vitamin B6 is 50 mg, twice a day. It should be known that the maximum daily intake should not go over 200 mg. Vitamin B12, arnica, and enzyme supplements are also useful to improve conditions of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Acupressure is also another form of therapy that can soothe carpal tunnel syndrome. Since the practice of acupressure relies on pressure points, it releases blood flow in the pinched nerve areas by focusing on areas in the wrist, forearm, and hands.
Homeopathic remedies are also a good natural way to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome. Selection of the right homeopathic remedies are also very important, as well as the dosage. Some of the good homeopathic remedies available for CTS are causicum, hypericum, ruta graveolens, viola odorata, and guaiacum.
Prevention for carpal tunnel syndrome is still better than looking for cures, and the key to this is to ensure stretching and taking breaks during long monotonous jobs.
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