What helps carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)mis caused by compression of the median nerve creating tingling, numbness and pain. For people with really severe CTS or where other teatments have failed surgery is the available.
Recently an Iranian pilot study assessed the effectiveness of chamomile oil in patients with severe CTS. Chamomile oil is considered a tonic for the nerve system and is well known for its anti-inflamatory and analgesic (pain relief) properties. Twenty six patients with severe CTS who had declined surgery took parit in a randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial and were allocated either to the treatment group or the control group. Both groups were requested to wear immobilising wrist splint every night for four weeks as the standard treatment. Both groups were asked to to apply five drops of the perscribed oil (chamomile for the treatment group and parrafin/sesame oil mixture for the control group) for their wrists morning and evening without massaging the area. Electodiagnostic measure shows no significant changes however significant improvements were reports in the symptomatic and functional status of the patients. The author’s concluded that “chamomile oild seems to be helpful for patients with severe CTS” however, longer intervention period seem to be essential and further studies of a larger patient group are recommended.
If you are experience any symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome we office Seated Acupressure Neck & Shoulder massage which may assist you.
References
Hashempur MH, Lari ZN, Ghoreishi PS, et al (2015). A pilot randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial on topical Chamomile oil (Marticaria Chamomilla L.) for severe carpal tunnel syndrome, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 21: 223-228
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