Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Naturally
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a growing concern for many people. Certain health conditions and work environments contribute heavily to its development. People with thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of wrist trauma are at high risk. However, a wide range of individuals report having symptoms. Electrotherapy is a recognized method used to control uncomfortable symptoms in a safe manner.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The median nerve runs from the forearm into the palm. This controls sensation in the majority of the palm side of the hand. It is also responsible for some motor control in the fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is squeezed. Pressure can result from swelling, thickening, or inflammation of the tendons surrounding the nerve.
What Are the Symptoms?
People with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome frequently experience symptoms in their thumb and first three fingers. These range from numbness and tingling to pain. Some complain of a painful burning sensation shooting up the arm. Muscle weakness in the hand and wrist pain are also commonly experienced. If you have any of these symptoms, consult your health care professional.
Treatment
People with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome have a variety of treatment options available; among them are wrist splints, anti-inflammatories, movement modifications, and steroid injections. In more extreme cases, physicians often recommend surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can also be treated with Massage Therapy. Massage can help improve posture to prevent further irritation to the hands and wrists, and also help relax muscles in your hands, wrists, and forearms to quell pain.
Another method growing in popularity is use of a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) unit to combat symptoms. This machine uses electrotherapy to send electrical current through painful areas of the wrist and forearm. It interferes with pain signals sent to the brain, thereby stemming uncomfortable sensations. Additionally, it causes the body to produce its own set of natural pain-killing substances, known as endorphins. The combination of these two benefits provides almost immediate relief to some patients.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful and increasingly prevalent condition. However, there are many treatment options on the market. Consult your doctor to see which method is right for you.