Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Is it really carpal tunnel syndrome?

If you suspect carpal tunnel syndrome as the cause of your pain here are a few key signs to look for:

• Pain, pins & needles sensation or numbness that affects the palmar side of the wrist, hand(s), fingers 1 - 3 and half of the 4th finger 
• Pain or numbness that wakes you from your sleep 
• Needing to shake out your hand(s) to relieve symptoms 
• Pain or numbness when driving, holding a phone or book
• Difficulty using your hands to open jars, do up buttons or perform manual tasks

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the nerve (Median nerve) that travels through the wrist and feeds the palm of the hand and fingers 1 - 4. When this nerve becomes compressed from repetitive strain, injury or swelling over an extended period of time carpal tunnel syndrome can develop. 

Who is most at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome?

Since carpal tunnel syndrome can be considered a repetitive strain injury (RSI), the people most at risk are individuals that use their hands a lot for work or activities. 

Enquire today to find out how we can help you begin using your hands again without pain and get you back to doing the things you love!

To book a consult or for more information click here or call 5590 0232.

 

Ryan Samuels, 

Registered Acupuncturist and herbalist 

 

References:

Preston, David, Electromyography and Neuromuscular Disorders (Elsevier Saunders, 3rd ed, 2013)

McDonald J, Janz S. The Acupuncture Evidence Project: A Comparative Literature Review (Revised edition). © Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd, 2017: http://www.acupuncture.org.au.