The question of whether acupuncture treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is effective depends on several criteria. This article outlines the inclusion criteria for the treatment, its safety, and possible side effects. Read on to learn more. Originally published in Chinese in 2001, the study focuses on carpal tunnel syndrome patients, but the findings apply to all cases. Acupuncture treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome has been practiced for centuries.
Exclusion criteria for acupuncture treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Two complementary treatments were compared: night splinting and acupuncture, and vitamin B1, B6, and sham acupuncture. Participants in the intervention group received 8 sessions of acupuncture and night splinting over four weeks. In total, 72 patients met the inclusion criteria. Eight patients were excluded because of preexisting conditions or severe CTS. Of these patients, 64 completed the 4-week intervention.
Patients with severe CTS were excluded from this study because of its potential side effects. In addition, they should have fibrillation potentials or reinnervation on needle EMG. Further, patients should have improved symptoms during the initial observation period. Other exclusion criteria included predisposing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, and diabetes Mellitus. Patients with cognitive disorders were also excluded.
Effectiveness
Research has shown that acupuncture may improve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by improving nerve repair and motor and sensory functions. Researchers studied the effects of acupuncture on carpal tunnel syndrome in 26 participants. The participants were divided into two treatment groups based on their neurophysiological grading scale. One group received acupuncture, while the other received electroacupuncture. The acupuncture points were located along the median nerve tract and pericardial meridian. Patients in both groups underwent 24 15-minute sessions.
This study involved 27 females with CTS. The patients were diagnosed with CTS by electromyographic studies. Participants were excluded if they had severe symptoms, had experienced trauma, or had undergone wrist or hand surgery. All participants provided written informed consent before undergoing acupuncture treatment. The needles were placed at the corresponding acupuncture points on the limbs and were adjusted for pain relief. The patients may experience minor pressure while the practitioner adjusts the needles.
Safety
Studies have shown that acupuncture is as effective and safe as oral steroids for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Acupuncture can be used in the treatment of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome in patients of any age. However, it should be noted that acupuncture may cause local pain, numbness, and bruising. In contrast, oral steroids can cause side effects such as leg edema, elevated blood sugar, and difficulty controlling the sugar level.
One study used both laser and microamps TENS to treat superficial acupuncture points on the wrist. Subjects in the real-treatment group reported significant improvements in pain and numbness. However, in the sham group, no change was observed in Phalen and Tinel signs. These findings have led to a more positive view of acupuncture as a treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Side effects
Acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome is receiving special attention as a new therapy for the condition. However, the results of studies comparing acupuncture with traditional treatment methods have not been conclusive. There are a few side effects to consider. Acupuncture treatment may not be right for you if you are allergic to needles or have other medical conditions. Many doctors do not recommend acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome.
During a study, researchers studied the effect of acupuncture on the median nerve in the wrist and on clinical changes in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Acupuncture reduces pain in certain areas of the brain. A study conducted by Maeda et al. (2013) showed that the effects of acupuncture on brain activity were correlated with changes in the clinical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
