Electroacupuncture May Benefit Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

WEDNESDAY, June 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Electroacupuncture may be a beneficial treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome, according to a study published online June 6 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.

Researchers assigned 181 participants, all with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, to nighttime splinting alone or nighttime splinting plus 13 sessions of electroacupuncture over 17 weeks. A total of 174 participants finished the study.

The team found that those who underwent electroacupuncture treatment reported less disability and less severe symptoms, plus improved function and dexterity. The electroacupuncture treatment didn’t appear to have a significant effect on pain or sensation.

“For patients with primary carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic mild to moderate symptoms and no indication for surgery, electroacupuncture produces small changes in symptoms, disability, function, dexterity, and pinch strength when added to nocturnal splinting,” the authors conclude.

Abstract
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