Acupuncture is as effective as the corticosteroid, prednisone, for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), according to a new study.
The randomized, controlled study that was published in the May 2009 issue of the Clinical Journal of Pain, investigated the efficacy of acupuncture compared with steroid treatment in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome as measured by both nerve conduction studies and symptom assessment surveys.
Seventy-seven patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group received eight acupuncture treatments over four weeks, and the other group received oral doses of prednisone, daily, for four weeks. The results showed that acupuncture was just as effective as the corticosteroid for pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. For the symptoms of night time awakening and motor function, the acupuncture group had better results.
The researchers concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for CTS for those who experience side effects to oral steroids or for those who do not opt for early surgery.
Source: The Clinical Journal of Pain. 25(4):327-333, May 2009.
doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e318190511c
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Study Shows that Acupuncture Effective in Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Ask The Acupuncturist
Q: I am 50 years old and have successfully avoided surgery on my knees for several years but have now decided to go ahead with it. Can acupuncture help my recovery at all?
A: Yes. Acupuncture is an excellent supportive therapy for many kinds of surgery. It works to improve your body's response to the trauma or inj... Read More