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.

In our practice we use a variety of treatment techniques for carpal tunnel syndrome including cold laser technique, manual therapies and biopuncture injections, in addition to acupuncture treatment. This integrative medical approach can greatly enhance the results for many patients.

Source: The Clinical Journal of Pain. 25(4):327-333, May 2009.

For more information on Chinese medicine and carpal tunnel  treatment, please click on this link to receive my free ebook “How to Thrive in a Modern World.”  For an article on acupuncture treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome on acufinder.com please click here.

If you would like more information about Dr. Denny’s practices please visit http://www.drscottdenny.com or http://www.multicareclinic.org or http://www.dodaifusion.com. Please call 954-473-8925 for further information.