Holistic solutions can relieve repetitive stress and inflammation.
Blackberry thumb, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger are increasingly common today with computers on every desk or frequent texting. Virtually unknown a generation ago, these conditions are caused by compression or damage to the median nerve in the wrist, which produces painful sensations in the palm, thumb, and first three fingers.
More than just a passing cramp or morning stiffness, repetitive stress can lead to sharp, piercing pains that shoot up your fingers and wrists. Symptoms include mild numbness, faint tingling, and burning sensations in one or both hands, often spreading up your forearms.
Up to 3 times more common in women, carpal tunnel and trigger finger are inflammatory conditions. Arthritis, obesity, pregnancy, Type 2 diabetes, and an underactive thyroid can also lead to repetitive stress syndrome.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
Since we have entered the information age, techno-generated injuries are certainly becoming more prevalent. So what else can we do?
Rest is the best treatment—but, realistically, who’s able to stay off a computer or PDA for 4 to 6 weeks? Splints and other support may be useful, but not terribly practical.
Although commonly recommended for repetitive stress injury, drugs like the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can produce bleeding in the upper GI tract, so these OTC meds present risks for anyone with ulcers, taking anticoagulant drugs, or older individuals. Research at Oregon Health and Science University finds that several NSAIDs raise blood pressure and the risk for heart attack, as well.
Corticosterioids carry their own risks—and can make it difficult for anyone who has prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes to regulate blood sugar levels. Fortunately, repetitive stress responds to safer therapies.
Holistic Approaches
Both acupuncture and acupressure have been found effective in treating repetitive stress challenges. Chiropractors and Osteopaths have discovered that carpal tunnel begins in the neck, upper back, and/or shoulders as people sit hunched over their computers—so consider a visit to one of those practitioners. Surprisingly, even yoga has been found to lessen pain and improve grip strength in carpal tunnel.
A Japanese study shows that students with lower levels of vitamin B-6 exhibit carpal tunnel symptoms, while other research links higher levels of this vitamin with fewer repetitive stress injuries. That’s why I like B-Complex Forte which contains 60 mg of B-6, along with other B vitamins that strengthen nerve tissue. B vitamins are so helpful to combat all stresses and are terrific for beautiful hair, skin, and nails as well. I call the B-Complex, the “Beauty-full B’s.”
Also of interest, a double-blind, randomized study by the Department of Plastic Surgery at Queen Victoria Hospital in the U.K. shows that homeopathic arnica (taken both in tablets and applied topically as an ointment) significantly reduces pain caused by repetitive stress in only 2 weeks. The natural plant enzyme bromelain may help reduce tissue swelling with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Sources:
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/carpaltunnelsyndrome/a/carpal_tunnel.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20000300
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm
www.mayoclinic.com/health/trigger-finger/DS00155/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
I’ve also heard that Carpal Tunnel can be linked to thyroid issues and/or gluten intolerance. Can you please comment on this?
Johnson & Johnson just recalled over 40 OTC pain relievers (mostly for kids, I think).
While Tylenol is not a NSAID, all these commonly used products carry risks. Thanks for sharing some safe solutions to “take two pills and call me in the morning.”
I found that energy healing (Reiki, Reconnective Healing, Qigong, etc.) was very helpful as was a good massage therapist who worked on my wrists.
Sylvie- Both gluten intolerance and thyroid problems cause swelling and inflammation around the joints which causes the Carpel Tunnel. People who have problems with gluten and don’t know it, are often quite amazed when they give up grains and their arthritis disappears.
Yes — Joel confirmed Dr. ALG’s own thinking: Grains are highy reactive with sensitive indididuals and trigger inflammation throughout the body.
Moderation is the key and make sure they are getting their B vitamins.