The researchers have followed up patients with carpal tunnel syndrome after 7 and 13 months. The patients were divided into two groups. One group of patients had taken steroids for one month. Another group had one moth of acupuncture. The acupuncture group had a significantly better improvement throughout the 1-year follow-up period.

The findings are inline with research on Carpal Tunnel syndrome and acupuncture published in The Clinical journal of pain in 2009.

Reference: J Pain. 2010 Nov 24

Update: here another controlled trial on carpal tunnel syndrome and acupuncture published in J Med Assoc Thai 2010; 93 (12): 1463-9

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They found acupuncture to be as effective as steroids and improved symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and clumsiness. Acupuncture improved sleep and was significantly better than corticosteroids at reducing awakening at night experienced by carpal tunnel patients.

Mayo Clinic: Because oral corticosteroids affect your entire body instead of a particular area, this form is the most likely to cause significant side effects. Side effects depend on the dose of medication you receive. Within days or weeks of starting oral therapy, you may have an increased risk of:

• Elevated pressure in the eyes (glaucoma)
• Fluid retention, causing swelling in your lower legs
• Increased blood pressure
• Mood swings
• Weight gain, with fat deposits in your abdomen, face and the back of your neck

Acupuncture is very safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. Side effects are extremely rare and usually mild. It is a clear winner, especially for patients who are health conscious or can not tolerate steroid treatment.

Reference: The Clinical journal of pain, 2009 May, Mayo clinic

Image courtesy of .ygor

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