So maybe you have experienced a dull ache in your forearms as you type on a computer, or possibly your hands have a mild, burning sensation that only increases as you use them more. If you have a job or an activity that involves a lot of repetitive motion, it is likely that you are experiencing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, or C.T.S. C.T.S. is caused by inflammation putting pressure on the tendons that control the hand muscles. Continued use only increases inflammation, and this in turn causes more pain, and the cycle continues. So, what natural methods of treating carpal tunnel are available?

1. Acupuncture and Acupressure – Based on the degree of injury and inflammation, an acupuncturist can determine weather acupuncture or acupressure is appropriate, and then use it to treat or C.T.S. symptoms.

Does it work? In a word – YES! Although the exact reason why acupuncture or acupressure works isn’t known, numerous studies have shown it can be more effective than most other forms of treatment, including surgery. I myself have found acupuncture very effective at treating tendinitis and tendon pain. Although I personally haven’t had surgery for tendinitis, I have had steroid injections…and I find acupuncture equally effective, and MUCH safer.

2. Yoga – Exercise in general is good to help reduce C.T.S. symptoms, but yoga in particular focuses on stretching the muscles and tendons in a way that relieves inflammation and pressure within the body. A study was conducted using 42 people with C.T.S. It found that doing 11 specific yoga stances, twice a week, for 8 weeks was as effective as wrist splinting and taking Ibuprofen (Advil, which is a Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory.) I have used yoga myself and found it quite effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. In fact, this is my personal favorite self-administered treatment, because I have found it the most effective!

3. Chiropractic – Although I personally never used a chiropractor to treat my C.T.S. millions of people have, and many studies generally conclude that chiropractic work is at least somewhat effective in reducing pain. One study focused on 91 carpal tunnel sufferers, and found chiropractic work to be as effective as conventional medical treatments for carpal tunnel.

Overall, these three natural methods for treating carpal tunnel syndrome are more effective than conventional medical treatments such as splinting, anti-inflammatory medication, steroids, or even surgery. Studies have shown that chiropractic work, acupressure and acupuncture can be extremely effective in treating chronic pain related issues, such as tendinitis, various muscle and back issues, and C.T.S.