Are you a carpal tunnel syndrome sufferer looking for treatment that doesn’t involve corticosteroid injections or invasive surgery? If you are, you’re not alone. Whether you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or any other disorder, it is always wise to try natural and alternative treatments before considering traditional medical procedures.

The two most recommended medical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome are steroid shots and surgery, but they both have their drawbacks.

Cortisone or corticosteroid injections offer relief when first given. The problem lies in the fact that over time, they cause thinning of the joint cartilage, weakening of the ligaments of the joint, and increased inflammation in the joint (arthritis).

The object in treating carpal tunnel syndrome is to reduce swelling. Weakening the joints and increased inflammation in the wrist joints as a side effect is counterproductive causing more damage than the original disorder.

Carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers who choose surgery report "some improvement" in 70% of the cases. Only 60% report full restoration. The cost of the surgery is between $5,000 and $10,000 and has a recovery time of six weeks to three months.

As you can see, the traditional medical recommendation of injections and surgery aren’t too appealing. Before you try these methods of treatment, give the following some thought.

Wrist Splints

Wrist splints can be prescribed to you by your family doctor. Some people get relief from the splints, especially at night, because it keeps the wrists in a neutral position. Many people sleep with their wrists flexed. This leads to the circulation being cut off and increasing the tingling, numbness, and pain.

Immobilizing your wrists with splints during sleep or during down time at home may offer relief especially when combined with other natural treatments.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic treatment involves the entire body. When you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, the chiropractor will not only make adjustments in your wrists that will allow more room for your compressed median nerve, but in your neck and shoulders that may be contributing to your nerve compression in your wrists.

Chiropractic treatment should be your first choice for a natural, non-invasive treatment.

Supplements and Herbs

Neurophine is a supplement that includes vitamins B6 and C. Carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers many times are deficient in these vitamins so restoring the balance often helps give relief from symptoms.

Neurophine also has the minerals potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Chromium, Copper, and Manganese which offer inflammatory relief and a wide assortment of herbs to act as anti-inflammatories to speed healing.

Other herbs that have been known to improve circulation, provide antioxidant benefits, and anti-inflammatory benefits are:

• Boswellia Serrata
• Turmeric
• Cayenne Pepper
• Massage

Massage, performed by a trained massage therapist can offer relief for carpal tunnel syndrome. Therapy consists of the therapist using "myofascial stretching" to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

NSAIDs

NSAID is the acronym for Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications. You are familiar with most of these medications as ibupropen, Advil and Motrin. All of these medications reduce swelling and can help reduce the swelling of the ligaments and tendons in your wrists, giving you relief.

NSAIDs do have side effects from frequent use; so, be careful to not take these for long periods of time.

The above natural treatments can prove to be effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome before it reaches critical stages which can lead to permanent nerve damage. Before trying traditional medical procedures, consider trying one of these alternative treatments.

Jason Ladock

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Jason Ladock