Help PLEASE re: Carpal Tunnel for my Mom

[Guest guest]

Please, if someone can give me information if TCM (herbs & /or acupuncture) can

be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome instead of an operation.

 

My Mom finally had the testing done & the specialist said she has it bad in

both hands. I'm not dubious but don't understand enough if it's just that.

The middle three fingers of both hands (minus thumb & pinkie) often go numb &

have little sensation. IF an operation is what she needs, fine. But I've also

heard others who've said that even after an operation, they continued to have

problems. And surgery, even local, is not something trivial - especially for

her age which is 84.

 

Does TCM offer a long lasting 'cure' for this if full treatment is given? Or

can both be used together - operation & TCM? I don't want to see her getting

something unnecessary that may only cause problems later & TCM is never

invasive or irreparable that I know of.

 

Just an extra - I know my Mom's system is way out of whack despite her living

a reasonably healthy lifestyle & staying active. For 84, she's in good health

(according to her doctors) but has a host of more minor nuisances, similar to

what I had (since we're fairly similar in nature). Her main problems are

she's a extreme worrywart, anxious & nervous a lot; frequent headaches; &

lots of sinus congestion & pain despite not having allergies. I got her

started working the area between her thumb & palm (on the back of the hand)

that's meant for sinus & headaches. Even with doing that for a few days,

she's felt a remarkable difference. So is there any points or areas that she

can work on to help the numbness in her fingers for now? If so, she may be

convinced into not getting this operation (if others feel it's not

necessary). Any relief for now would be appreciated, even if she needs the

op, until she goes in.

 

Thank you everyone who replies. I'm feeling pretty desperate for my poor Mom.

 

Judy

[Guest guest]

I'm not sure if TCM can help but I know of several

people who got carpel tunnel relief with Feldenkrais -

a neuro-muscular retraining type of body work.

 

--- Judy Wilkins <isomorphix wrote:

 

> Please, if someone can give me information if TCM

> (herbs & /or acupuncture) can

> be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome instead of

> an operation.

>

> My Mom finally had the testing done & the specialist

> said she has it bad in

> both hands. I'm not dubious but don't understand

> enough if it's just that.

> The middle three fingers of both hands (minus thumb

> & pinkie) often go numb &

> have little sensation. IF an operation is what she

> needs, fine. But I've also

> heard others who've said that even after an

> operation, they continued to have

> problems. And surgery, even local, is not something

> trivial - especially for

> her age which is 84.

>

> Does TCM offer a long lasting 'cure' for this if

> full treatment is given? Or

> can both be used together - operation & TCM? I don't

> want to see her getting

> something unnecessary that may only cause problems

> later & TCM is never

> invasive or irreparable that I know of.

>

> Just an extra - I know my Mom's system is way out of

> whack despite her living

> a reasonably healthy lifestyle & staying active. For

> 84, she's in good health

> (according to her doctors) but has a host of more

> minor nuisances, similar to

> what I had (since we're fairly similar in nature).

> Her main problems are

> she's a extreme worrywart, anxious & nervous a lot;

> frequent headaches; &

> lots of sinus congestion & pain despite not having

> allergies. I got her

> started working the area between her thumb & palm

> (on the back of the hand)

> that's meant for sinus & headaches. Even with doing

> that for a few days,

> she's felt a remarkable difference. So is there any

> points or areas that she

> can work on to help the numbness in her fingers for

> now? If so, she may be

> convinced into not getting this operation (if others

> feel it's not

> necessary). Any relief for now would be appreciated,

> even if she needs the

> op, until she goes in.

>

> Thank you everyone who replies. I'm feeling pretty

> desperate for my poor Mom.

>

> Judy

>

[Guest guest]

I've looked into Feldenkrais but for my mother, it wouldn't work. Not that the

techniques wouldn't help her but with her age & being set in her ways, I'm

sorry to say, she wouldn't stay with the exercises (practices). I'm still

going to see if I can get her to do something about Feldenkrais but pretty

sure she won't follow through. Her worrisome ways & anxiety makes it hard for

her to stick to something other than healthy habits & routines she's done

most of her life. Introducing new ideas to her is hard.

 

Still, I truly thank you for giving this thought. I appreciate any help &

ideas for her. I just can't force her to do what she doesn't want to do.

She's not stubborn so much as addled.

 

Judy

 

On Wednesday 06 September 2006 2:02 pm, Lewis Kramer wrote:

> I'm not sure if TCM can help but I know of several

> people who got carpel tunnel relief with Feldenkrais -

> a neuro-muscular retraining type of body work.

[Guest guest]

Judy:

 

There is a book about cervical spondylosis (Jing Zhui

Bing) that may be of some relevance.

 

In my case, the pain is centered around my neck

muscles, but extends to my shoulders and arms, because

I use the computer too much.

 

The book contains a number of strategies for dealing

with the problem, so if this is relevant, you may be

able to adapt some for your mom. Strategies range from

wearing a neck brace to eating pork bone soup, to

herbal medicine.

 

I take weekly massage. Some of the points worked in my

shoulders touch off responses all the way to my hands,

where I seem to have a minor affliction of carpal

tunnel.

 

Typical TCM Therapy for Cervical Sondylosis " published

by the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese

Medicine Press ISBN 7-81010-793-3 is the book, written

in Chinese and English.

 

If the book sounds relevant or interesting we could

talk in more detail.

 

Kind regards, Jack

 

--- Judy Wilkins <isomorphix wrote:

 

> Please, if someone can give me information if TCM

> (herbs & /or acupuncture) can

> be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome instead of

> an operation.

>

> My Mom finally had the testing done & the specialist

> said she has it bad in

> both hands. I'm not dubious but don't understand

> enough if it's just that.

> The middle three fingers of both hands (minus thumb

> & pinkie) often go numb &

> have little sensation. IF an operation is what she

> needs, fine. But I've also

> heard others who've said that even after an

> operation, they continued to have

> problems. And surgery, even local, is not something

> trivial - especially for

> her age which is 84.

>

> Does TCM offer a long lasting 'cure' for this if

> full treatment is given? Or

> can both be used together - operation & TCM? I don't

> want to see her getting

> something unnecessary that may only cause problems

> later & TCM is never

> invasive or irreparable that I know of.

>

> Just an extra - I know my Mom's system is way out of

> whack despite her living

> a reasonably healthy lifestyle & staying active. For

> 84, she's in good health

> (according to her doctors) but has a host of more

> minor nuisances, similar to

> what I had (since we're fairly similar in nature).

> Her main problems are

> she's a extreme worrywart, anxious & nervous a lot;

> frequent headaches; &

> lots of sinus congestion & pain despite not having

> allergies. I got her

> started working the area between her thumb & palm

> (on the back of the hand)

> that's meant for sinus & headaches. Even with doing

> that for a few days,

> she's felt a remarkable difference. So is there any

> points or areas that she

> can work on to help the numbness in her fingers for

> now? If so, she may be

> convinced into not getting this operation (if others

> feel it's not

> necessary). Any relief for now would be appreciated,

> even if she needs the

> op, until she goes in.

>

> Thank you everyone who replies. I'm feeling pretty

> desperate for my poor Mom.

>

> Judy

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy

 

you may want to try acupuncture instead.. maybe relief some pains. Let me

introduce myself, i am winall from singapore.. currently a student studying TCM

massotherapy and would be gladly lending a helping hand if you would need my

assistance.

 

As for her age at 84, it is advisable not to go for operation if necessary.

you may want to get advice from the doctor first and see if operation can be

delayed. Is she having high cholesterol?

 

Some light exercise would be great for her.. and get some chinese herbs brewed

for her if she doesn't mind the " bitter taste " of some herbs. you may want to

get some advice from the chinese physician about your mum's aching problem and

what he may advice to take.

 

I personally do not like to take western medication as much because it is more

towards chemical composition and would prefer something natural plants extracts

which our body readily accepts.

 

Take care my friend..

Winall

 

 

Lewis Kramer <sethwai wrote:

I'm not sure if TCM can help but I know of several

people who got carpel tunnel relief with Feldenkrais -

a neuro-muscular retraining type of body work.

 

--- Judy Wilkins <isomorphix wrote:

 

> Please, if someone can give me information if TCM

> (herbs & /or acupuncture) can

> be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome instead of

> an operation.

>

> My Mom finally had the testing done & the specialist

> said she has it bad in

> both hands. I'm not dubious but don't understand

> enough if it's just that.

> The middle three fingers of both hands (minus thumb

> & pinkie) often go numb &

> have little sensation. IF an operation is what she

> needs, fine. But I've also

> heard others who've said that even after an

> operation, they continued to have

> problems. And surgery, even local, is not something

> trivial - especially for

> her age which is 84.

>

> Does TCM offer a long lasting 'cure' for this if

> full treatment is given? Or

> can both be used together - operation & TCM? I don't

> want to see her getting

> something unnecessary that may only cause problems

> later & TCM is never

> invasive or irreparable that I know of.

>

> Just an extra - I know my Mom's system is way out of

> whack despite her living

> a reasonably healthy lifestyle & staying active. For

> 84, she's in good health

> (according to her doctors) but has a host of more

> minor nuisances, similar to

> what I had (since we're fairly similar in nature).

> Her main problems are

> she's a extreme worrywart, anxious & nervous a lot;

> frequent headaches; &

> lots of sinus congestion & pain despite not having

> allergies. I got her

> started working the area between her thumb & palm

> (on the back of the hand)

> that's meant for sinus & headaches. Even with doing

> that for a few days,

> she's felt a remarkable difference. So is there any

> points or areas that she

> can work on to help the numbness in her fingers for

> now? If so, she may be

> convinced into not getting this operation (if others

> feel it's not

> necessary). Any relief for now would be appreciated,

> even if she needs the

> op, until she goes in.

>

> Thank you everyone who replies. I'm feeling pretty

> desperate for my poor Mom.

>

> Judy

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Business.

 

 

[Guest guest]

The following info is taken from chapter 9, " Carpal Tunnel

Syndrome " , The Treatment of Modern Western Medical Diseases with

by Bob Flaws & Philippe Sionneau:

 

" Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) describes the symptoms when the median

nerve traveling through the tunnel of the wrist bones is compressed

by the tendons which also run through the carpal tunnel. Although

CTS may be the result of a single acute traumatic event, this

syndrome is the most common of the cumulative trauma disorders

resulting from repetitive motions of modest force. " (p. 101.)

 

CTS is diagnosed via " an electromyograph (EMG)of the wrist. " The EMG

will show if the median nerve is compressed. (p. 101.)

 

The authors go into some of the non-surgical treatmets for CTS:

Resting the wrist, a wrist-splint, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid

injections into the wrist, special exercises, and vitamin B6. (p.

101.)

 

" Carpal tunnel syndrome is perceived at first as an uncomfortable

feeling in the hand frequently associated with tingling. This

paresthesia becomes more and more frequent as the condition

progresses and may sometimes become continuous. These uncomfortable

sensations associated with CTS tend to occur more frequently at

night and during sleep and may wake patients from their sleep. The

classic CTS comment is, 'I wake in the middle of the night with my

hands tingling and have to shake them to make them stop.' " (p. 101.)

I quoted this section because it can be an important clue as to what

the underlying TCM imbalance is.

 

The medial nerve affects the thumb, the index finger, and the middle

finger. (p. 101.) I believe you said in her case that the thumb

isn't affected but the ring finger is in addition to the index and

middle fingers. I'm wondering if an operation just on the medial

nerve area would help the ring finger problem? Also, why isn't the

thumb affected?

 

One etiology possibility that the authors don't mention but needs to

be mentioned is does she ever prop her wrists on the edge of a

table? Like when she's reading. Sometimes people who use computers

a lot come down with CTS not because of the typing but because of

resting their wrists on the hard edge of the computer table.

 

Flaws and Sionneau also write that in addition to repetitive

motion, " diabetes mellitus, RA, thyroid disease, and pregnancy " can

predispose a person to developing CTS. (p. 101.)

 

Flaws and Sionneau list 3 possible underlying imbalances for CTS:

Blood Vacuity (Deficiency) Not Nourishing the Sinews and Vessels, Ai

Stagnation and Blood Stasis, and Wind Damp Impediment. (pp. 102 -

103.)

 

Blood Vacuity Not Nourishing the Sinews and Vessels main

symptoms: " Tingling of the fingers of one or both hands which tend

to be thin in form and pale in color accompanied by possible pale

lips and nails, a pale white or sallow yellow faial compexion, night-

blindness, brittle nails, dry skin, dizziness, heart palpitations, a

pale tongue, and a fine pulse. " (p. 102.)

 

Remember how I emphasized the quote about how CTS often is worse at

night? This is one of the things that points to possible Blood

Deficiency. At night, a lot of the Blood is stored in the Liver.

To put this in Western terms, blood volume tends to decrease

slightly at night. During times of activity, more blood is pumped to

the muscles and sinews at night. When CTS (or any condition) is

worse at night than during the day, always suspect and rule in or

rule out the possiblity of Blood Deficiency (Vacuity). (Blood

Deficiency sumptoms aren't the only symptoms that can be worse at

night - Yang Deficiency symptoms also can worsen at night because

it's cooier at night than during the day.)

 

However, pain being worst at night also can be a symptoms of

localized Blood Stasis. If there's insufficient Blood, there is

going to be Blood Stasis. Some of the most severe pain is that

caused by Blood Stasis.

 

Qi Stagnation & Blood Stasis main symptoms: " Wrist pain which is

relatively severe, fixed in location, and is worse at night.

Possible systemic symptoms may include a dark, purple tongue with

static macules or spots and a bowstring, choppy pulse. " (p. 102.)

 

Blood Stasis problems are especially common in the elderly, and many

of the disorders that the elderly are especially prone to have

underlying Roots of Blood Stasis. (For more info on Blood Stasis

problems in the elderly, see Aging & Blood Stasis: A New TCM

Approach to Geriatrics by Yan De-Xin.)

 

Wind Damp Impediment main symptoms: " Wrist pain that comes and goes

or migrates up the arm, numbness and heaviness in the hand and

fingers, somewhat inhibited finger joins, worse pain or impediment

on exposure to cold or during damp, rainy weather, a pale tongue

with shimy, white fur, and a possibly soggy, bowstring pulse. " (p.

103.)

 

This is Painful Obstruction Syndrome, aka Bi Syndrome,

aka " arthritis " . This is Wind Cold Damp invasion. You mentioned that

she also has sinus problems. Nasal and sinus congestion also can be

symptoms of Wind Cold (or Wind Heat). In other words, the same thing

that is giving rise to the CTS could also be giving rise to the

sinus problems. If this is the case, correcting the underlying

imbalance is going to help both problems.

 

I want to say something about Wind, Cold, and Damp. After an

imbalance has gone on for some time (years) or reached a certain

severity, the person is going to be bothered by things that wouldn't

bother a healthy person. For example, 70 degrees F may feel

wonderful to most people, but this temperature can feel downright

chilly to someone who is Kidney Yang Deficient and/or Blood

Deficient. There may be something she's doing that she did without

problems in years past before the imbalance got so bad. Some things

like testing the temperature of water coming out of the faucet to

see if it's warmed up enough and it's still cold. If someone is

prone to Bi Syndrome with an emphasis on Cold, that can set off

arthritic pains. It may not happen immediately, but the stage could

be set for pain several hours afterward. Another example I can

think of is allowing one's hair to air dry instead of using a hair

dryer. That can be too much Dampness (and Cold) for a person prone

to Bi Symdrome. (Voice of personal, painful experience here.

Headaches in my case.) In the past she may have been able to wash a

lot of things by hand without any problems. Etc.

 

There can be more than one underlying Root in cases of CTS. For

example Blood Deficiency can give way to Blood Stasis and to an

increased vulnerability to invasion by Pernicious Evils like Wind,

Cold, and Damp. (The number one cause of vulnerablity to Perncious

Evils in the environment is weak Protective Qi, but long-term Kidney

Yang Deficiency and Blood Deficiency can do it too.)

 

In the footnotes section, Flaws and Sionneau talk about the use of

liniments, ointments, and formentations to help CTS. The herbal

recipe used should be appropriate for the pattern or patterns the

individual has which underlie the CTS. The use of external herbal

treatment isn't going to help too much if the underlying pattern is

Blood Deficiency, but they can help a lot in cases of Blood Stasis

and/ir Wind Cold Damp invasion. The authors say, " Heat therapy with

a TDP lamp may help all patterns of CTS. " (p. 104.)

 

In the footnotes section, Flaws and Sionneau also say that if the

person doesn't have liver depression qi stagnation before developing

CTS, the person may develop it because of " the frustration of not

being able to work or play. " (p. 103.)

 

This is not TCM, but a castor oil pack on the wrist could help if

there is inflammation.