Carpal Tunnel syndrome results in a numbing and tingling in the hand and arm due to a pinched nerve in the wrist.
The carpal tunnel is a space between the carpal bones and a ligamentous band
(retinaculum) running between the pisiform and the hook of hamate, and the scaphoid and the trapezium. Its role is to keep the flexor tendons close to the carpal bones as they pass over the wrist. The median nerve lies between the ligament and the flexor tendons. If the ligament shrinks or the tendons swell, pressure is put on the median nerve producing the following signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel.
*pin and needles
*pain in palm and forearm (may cause wasting of the thenar muscles).
*Carpal tunnel is often worse at night due to an accumulation of fluid in the arm and hand which puts more pressure on the median nerve.
In Chinese Medicine this is generally diagnosed as qi stagnation in the Heart and Pericardium Channels (down the inner soft surface of the arm).
The use of appropriate acupuncture points and techniques can help alleviate the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel.
Phone your nearest qualified (AHPRA registered) acupuncturist today.