Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dr. Atil Narayan, DACM, L.Ac.

Atil Narayan, DACM, L.Ac. Acupuncture & Pain Management located in West Covina, CA

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a leading cause of wrist pain and can interfere with your normal daily activities. At Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff offer multiple natural healing modalities that can treat carpal tunnel syndrome and restore pain-free wrist function. If you’re searching for a solution that doesn’t require surgical intervention or pain medication, schedule a visit today. Call and speak with a member of the office staff.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common wrist condition that occurs due to nerve compression. Your wrist contains a slim passageway created by very small bones and a strong ligament. This is your carpal tunnel, and it serves to protect your median nerve, which extends down your arm and into your hand.

If anything places pressure on your median nerve, symptoms will follow. In addition to generalized wrist pain, you might experience a combination of the following:

  • Sensations of numbness, burning, or weakness in your thumb or fingers
  • Sudden, shocklike nerve pain
  • Tingling or pain that travels up into your forearm
  • Increased clumsiness or weakness in your hand

These symptoms often begin gradually and worsen over time. It’s not uncommon to notice symptoms at night or when you hold your hands at certain angles, like when using the phone or driving.

Am I at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, but certain factors can increase your risk level, including:

Family members with the condition
Pregnancy
Health issues like diabetes, thyroid gland imbalance, or rheumatoid arthritis
Activities that require extreme wrist or hand angles

Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common among men and women who spend long hours typing on a keyboard or working in a setting that requires repetitive hand and wrist motions.

Is acupuncture painful?

Many men and women worry that acupuncture treatments will be painful, especially when they hear the term “needles.” In reality, not only is acupuncture painless, but it can also be a very relaxing experience.

The treatment needles are so thin they flex. They’re sterile and are only used once. They don’t penetrate deep within your body and cause no damage to your organs or nervous system.

You might experience some minor bruising or bleeding at the treatment site, but those effects are not lasting. There’s no need for anesthesia or downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately after your session.

Dr. Narayan can estimate how many treatments you’ll need during your initial consultation. Be prepared to give feedback about your symptoms during your visits, as this information helps Dr. Narayan customize your treatment plan. To get started, book an appointment today, either online or by phone.

What are some treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?

You have choices when it comes to treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Narayan and his staff can evaluate your symptoms and guide you toward the option that’s best for your specific set of needs.

Many men and women find relief through traditional acupuncture, which uses sterile treatment needles to stimulate the nerves and muscles in your wrist to improve symptoms. Electroacupuncture can also be beneficial and incorporates gentle electrical current into the acupuncture process.

Acupressure is another option that can offer pain relief. Dr. Narayan places precisely controlled pressure on certain acupressure points along your arm and wrist to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.

Can herbal remedies help treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Herbal remedies offer powerful treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, but it’s important to work with a skilled, experienced herbalist to achieve optimal results and avoid negative interactions with other supplements or medications you may be taking.

Some of the natural remedies that can assist in treating carpal tunnel syndrome include:

  • Arnica
  • Ginko biloba
  • Circumin (Turmeric)
  • Ruta graviolens
  • Rhus toxicodendron
  • Solomon’s seal
  • Boswellia

Some remedies are best taken orally, while others are administered via a cream or salve. To learn more, book a visit to Natural Wonders Healthcare today, by phone.