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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Sufferers...You'll Get a Jolt Out of This!

Do you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome?  I have been dealing with it for twenty five years or more. I am hesitant to opt for the surgery because of the long recovery times, and because it does not necessarily guarantee a cure. I have known people who benefitted from the surgery, and some who required more surgery after the first one.



In the meantime, I go through periods of time when it's not bothersome and other periods where I awaken during the night with the feeling of pins and needles from elbow to hand.  I have rigid wrist braces and they really do offer some relief. The disadvantages I find are that they are cumbersome and make it difficult to do just about anything involving hands during waking hours.  I tend to wear them overnight when I do use them.

A study published in the June issue of CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) compares this traditional method of splinting vs. splinting with electroacupuncture for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.  Of the 174 patients who completed the study, there were significant advantages seen when adding electroacupuncture to nighttime splinting.  You can read more detail about the study by clicking here. (For those who do not already know, electroacupuncture involves inserting two acupuncture needles, then passing a weak electrical current between them.)

I don't know about you, but I just might look into this treatment for myself.  It's not a perfect solution, but it  almost sounds too good to be true!

Sources: Medscape; Wikimedia

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