An Overview of Treating Carpal Tunnel Practicing Unique Exercises

August 28, 2009 by Tom Nicholson  
Filed under Yoga

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause of the pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness of your hands, fingers, and wrist. When you have this syndrome, your work will be affected and your life will tend to change. People who suffer from this syndrome usually disregard the option of surgery for the treatment. Thanks to the alternative remedies to relieve the pains brought by the carpal tunnel syndrome.

The easiest procedures for treating the syndrome is by applying cold packs to the swelling wrists, and give your self a whole lot of rest, especially your hands. Allow yourself to rest not only from your duties, but also from the particular activities that your hands usually do.

You can also try chiropractic care. This procedure will focus on relaxing the compressed nerves to treat the syndrome. The theory was that the syndrome is caused by the nerves that are compressed in the spinal cord or near it thereby causing pain and numbness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Chiropractors call this as double crush syndrome. Because of such compression, no nutrient is absorbed by the body and even the distant parts of the body, especially the hands, get weak and numb. This is what causes the pain and the swelling.

This is the reason why patients of carpal tunnel syndrome also suffer pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms. Chiropractors would usually treat this syndrome by including the neck, shoulders, and arms in the treatment of the wrist. Other doctors doubt this theory as to its effectiveness and accuracy, plus some question the treatment applied. But for some people, this chiropractic care in treating the syndrome is the most effective one.

The acupuncture is also an alternative remedy for carpal tunnel syndrome. This treatment uses thin needles to be inserted to certain parts of the body to release the energy that blocks the nerves of the body. The acupuncture procedures will help the body to regain healthy flow of blood and oxygen and the syndrome will eventually get healed.

When being treated for carpal tunnel syndrome, needles are placed on the wrist, thumb, arm and hands as well as any other spot that the therapist thinks may assist in opening the blockage. You may feel relief after a single session. How many sessions you need will depend on how long you’ve had the condition, your health and how much you use your hand. Acupressure can also be used in place of acupuncture. The same pressure points are used, but instead of needles, the therapist applies pressure at these points with their fingers. The pressure points are thought to relieve muscle tension, and promote circulation. Acupuncture and acupressure has given relief to some people for whom even surgical procedures were not effective.

Other alternative therapies like vitamin B6 supplementation, herbs like arnica and yoga have shown promise in relieving this condition as well. Movement re-education programs like Feldenkrais may also help reduce joint stress and improve flexibility.

Ask about exercises and stretches that you can do to help heal your carpal tunnel syndrome and prevent its return. By doing exercises and other alternatives, you can avoid surgery to cure this condition.

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