Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful disease caused by the compression of the median nerve, one of the nerves of the hand, that goes to the hand through the canal called the Carpal Tunnel, which is located between the bones of the wrist, as a result of narrowing in this canal.
It is seen in people who constantly repeat the same hand and wrist movements. Such as housewives who do excessive handiwork and housework, those who constantly use computers and those who play musical instruments. It can also occur in weight gain and pregnancy. It usually resolves spontaneously after birth and with weight loss.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is 4 times more common in women over the age of 40, especially in women aged 40-60.
Initial findings of carpal tunnel syndrome; Complaints of numbness, burning, tingling and pain, especially in the three fingers of the hand (thumb, index and middle fingers). The pain may radiate to the arm. These problems are more common at night. It can be so disturbing that it wakes people from their sleep. Pain and numbness increase in tasks where they force their hands (wringing cloth, cleaning, using a mouse, tightening screws). Patients express relief by shaking, squeezing and rubbing their hands. Pain and numbness sometimes spread to the arm and sometimes to the shoulder and neck. In advanced cases, melting of the thumb muscles, weakness and difficulties in holding and grasping movements may occur.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be confused with neck hernia symptoms. In addition, similar problems occur in diseases affecting the nervous system. Sometimes this disease; It also occurs as an extension of other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. It is necessary to make a differential diagnosis with these diseases.
Protective and healing measures are taken:
• Activities that cause trauma to the wrist are restricted.
• Wrist is rested in neutral position. A wrist splint can be used.
• Stretching exercises can be done. The patient is taught to exercise for that area, and he or she is provided to practice it.
• To reduce edema, ice can be applied to the wrist once or twice an hour for 10-15 minutes.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment:
• Anti-inflammatory drugs and B6, B12 supportive treatment can be given.
• Cortisone injections are applied to the wrist area
• In advanced cases, surgical operation is performed.
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Acupuncture;
With acupuncture treatment, there will be no need to use cortisone or similar chemical-containing drugs that may have side effects on the patient. There will be no need for surgical treatment with acupuncture.
Acupuncture increases the body’s own cortisone. Therefore, it naturally dissolves edema. Acupuncture provides healing by solving edema and inflammation in the wrist area. Circulation in that area increases, swelling decreases. It regulates pain as it increases the body’s natural painkillers. It relaxes and calms the person. Acupuncture alone can be an effective treatment when applied together with general precautions.
Both classical needle acupuncture and laser acupuncture applications are beneficial. This process is accelerated when ear and body acupuncture are applied together to solve the inflammation and edema in the problem area. A treatment of about 6 to 12 sessions provides improvement in most patients. Application in the early period increases the benefit from the treatment and accelerates the treatment.
