Acupuncture is as effective as the corticosteroid, prednisone, for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), according to a new study.
The randomized, controlled study that was published in the May 2009 issue of The Clinical Journal of Pain, investigated the efficacy of acupuncture compared with steroid treatment in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome as measured by both nerve conduction studies and symptom assessment surveys.
Seventy-seven patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group received eight acupuncture treatments over four weeks, and the other group received daily oral doses of Prednisone for four weeks. The results showed that acupuncture was just as effective as the corticosteroid for pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. For the symptoms of nighttime awakening and motor function, the acupuncture group had better results. The researchers concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for CTS, for those who experience side effects to oral steroids, or for those who do not opt for early surgery.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist made up of ligaments and bones. The median nerve and the tendons that connect the fingers to the muscles of the forearm pass through this tightly spaced tunnel. Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers. The 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.
What we can do for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Chinese meridians massage relaxes muscles, tendons and joints so as to reduce the compression of the median nerve. Acupuncture improves blood circulation, promotes energy flow, and decrease inflammation therefore relieving the pain. Special herbal bag (external use) stop the swelling, inflammation and pain in the wrist. This herb has been used on over 30 patients with pain problems, nobody yet has said it does not work. Some even called it a miracle bag.
Source: The Clinical Journal of Pain. 25(4):327-333, May 2009.
For more information, please call Dr. Liyan Lu of Ping’s Acupuncture and Herb Center at 661- 513-9265.