Clinical Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments of symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may improve symptoms and aid nerve repair as well as improve sensory and motor functions. However, limited evidence is available regarding the effects of these treatments based on comprehensive evaluation methods. This research completed the treatment and evaluation of 26 patients with confirmed CTS. Participants were divided into two treatment groups based on a modified neurophysiological grading scale. Of the total number of participants, 15 received acupuncture and 11 received electroacupuncture on both upper limbs. Acupoints were PC-7 (Daling) and PC-6 (Neiguan) along the pericardial meridian compatible with the median nerve tract. The treatment program consisted of 24 sessions of 15 min duration over 6 weeks. After electroacupuncture treatments, symptom severity was evaluated using the short clinical questionnaire by Lo and Chiang, which indicated improvements in the respective symptom severity score. After the acupuncture treatment, grip strength in the major symptomatic side in CTS patients could be significantly increased. Electrophysiology evaluation likewise indicated a significant increase in the distal median motor amplitude of the palm-wrist segment. In addition, Tinel's sign significantly decreased in the major symptomatic side. Our findings indicated that electroacupuncture could improve symptomatology, while acupuncture could exert positive therapeutic effects for CTS patients, as evidenced by improved symptomatology, grip strength, electrophysiological function, and physical provocation sign.

Protective Effect of Electroacupuncture on Neural Myelin Sheaths is Mediated via Promotion of Oligodendrocyte Proliferation and Inhibition of Oligodendrocyte Death After Compressed Spinal Cord Injury

“…After treatment, neurological function was improved by EA, consistent with the improved ultrastructural features of myelinated nerve fibers in EA groups. Given that myelin is important in normal nerve impulse conduction, the electronic stimulation may affect the electrophysiological conduction along axons [28][29][30].…”

The Acupuncture Effect on Median Nerve Morphology in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Ultrasonographic Study

“…Additionally, acupuncture has immune modulator and anti-inflammatory effects which might affect the inflammation in the entrapped median nerve in the carpal tunnel [19, 20]. In the previous literature, positive effects of acupuncture were shown in CTS patients [11, 12, 21]. Previously, in a randomized controlled study, acupuncture effects were compared with oral steroids in CTS patients [21].…”

“…Further, CSA of the median nerve at the wrist was a prognostic factor for carpal tunnel decompression surgery [9], and it might be used for monitoring of treatment [10]. In previous studies, acupuncture treatment has been shown as an effective and safe treatment modality for the CTS [11, 12]. However, to the best knowledge of the authors, the effect of the acupuncture on median nerve morphology has not been investigated in CTS patients before.…”

Restoration of finger and thumb movement using one-stage free muscle transplantation

“…Acupuncture is a rehabilitation method in traditional Chinese medicine, through which the release of neurotrophic substances can be increased and promote nerve regeneration [11][12][13]. It was conducted as an adjuvant to electrical stimulation by therapists.…”