Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Q My hands are severely numb during pregnancy. Is it safe to receive treatment at a Korean medicine clinic? I would like to know about safe methods.

A. Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy is primarily caused by hormonal edema, and it often improves naturally after childbirth. Acupuncture treatment (excluding contraindicated points) and wrist braces can be safely used during pregnancy.

Q Both hands are numb and painful. Can I receive treatment for both sides simultaneously?

A. For bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, acupuncture and pharmacopuncture treatment is possible for both sides in a single visit. In the case of moxibustion needles, it is safer to proceed one side at a time, while herbal medicine acts on both sides simultaneously.

Q I have a herniated disc in my neck. How can I distinguish whether the numbness in my hands is due to carpal tunnel syndrome or the herniated disc? Can I receive treatment for both?

A. Differentiating cervical nerve compression (herniated disc) and carpal tunnel syndrome is important because their symptoms are similar. They are distinguished using the Phalen test, Tinel sign, and numbness distribution patterns. If both conditions occur together (dual compression), a Korean medicine clinic can treat both the neck and wrist simultaneously.

Q Do I have to wear a wrist brace at all times? Does it help if I wear it during the day as well?

A. Wrist braces are most effective when worn at night. Wearing them only during work hours and maintaining wrist exercises during the rest of the time is a way to manage symptoms without losing muscle strength.

Q Are there any stretches or exercises that help with carpal tunnel syndrome? I would like to know how to do them at home.

A. Nerve gliding and tendon gliding exercises are effective in preventing adhesions within the carpal tunnel and alleviating symptoms. Performing them consistently for 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day, helps enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

Q Is the treatment called Dochim dangerous to the wrist nerves? I am worried about side effects.

A. Dochim is a thin instrument, approximately 0.5 to 1 mm in thickness, that selectively separates only adhesions of the transverse carpal ligament under ultrasound guidance. The risk of direct median nerve damage is very low, and the procedure can be safely performed by a skilled Korean medicine doctor.

Q I am currently taking Vitamin B12 and anti-inflammatory painkillers prescribed by a neurologist for carpal tunnel syndrome. Is it okay to take herbal medicine at the same time?

A. Direct interactions between Vitamin B12, anti-inflammatory painkillers, and general herbal medicine are rare. However, it is recommended to space the doses 1 to 2 hours apart to reduce the burden on the digestive system and optimize absorption. Please be sure to inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking during your consultation.

Q It has been 6 months since symptoms appeared, but I haven't had surgery yet. If I start treatment at a Korean medicine clinic now, can I fully recover?

A. If the condition is mild to moderate and occurs within 6 months of onset without muscle atrophy, complete recovery is often possible with conservative treatment. With consistent treatment combined with lifestyle modifications, most patients can return to their daily lives within 2 to 3 months.

Q It seems like I have lost a lot of muscle on my thumb side. Will treatment be effective in this condition?

A. If thenar muscle atrophy has progressed, nerve regeneration takes longer, and in severe cases, rehabilitation after surgery is recommended as a priority. If residual numbness or muscle weakness remains even after surgery, integrated treatment supporting nerve regeneration with acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal medicine is effective.

Q I am a woman in my 40s who has been doing assembly work at a factory in the Dongincheon area for 10 years. Recently, my fingers have been tingling, and I cannot sleep because my hands feel like they are burning at night. Why are these symptoms occurring?

A. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which passes through the narrow passageway (carpal tunnel) inside the wrist, is compressed. Repetitive wrist use, vibrating tools, and prolonged flexion postures are the main causes, and it is particularly common in women and middle-aged people. It is characterized by tingling and a burning sensation that worsens at night.

Q I am a housewife in my 50s currently receiving thyroid treatment, and recently my fingers have been tingling frequently. I heard that carpal tunnel syndrome is related to systemic diseases; what is the relationship?

A. Systemic diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis increase pressure within the carpal tunnel through tissue edema or inflammation, thereby causing or worsening carpal tunnel syndrome. It is important to manage underlying conditions and treat the wrist simultaneously.

Q Are there any foods that are bad for carpal tunnel syndrome? What should I do with my daily diet?

A. Refined carbohydrates, trans fats, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol consumption, which promote inflammation, can worsen nerve and tendon inflammation. Conversely, consuming omega-3-rich oily fish, antioxidant vegetables, and sufficient fluids is helpful.

Q It seems my symptoms worsen when I use my smartphone for a long time or knit. What daily activities aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome?

A. Repeatedly bending or straightening the wrist causes pressure inside the carpal tunnel to rise rapidly. Holding a smartphone for extended periods, knitting, typing, using tools, and lifting heavy objects are typical aggravating factors.

Q How often do I need to come for treatment? It is difficult for me to come often because I work.

A. During the initial 2 to 4 weeks, intensive treatment 2 to 3 times a week is used to rapidly stabilize symptoms. Afterward, the frequency is reduced to once a week, transitioning to a maintenance and recurrence prevention phase. The total treatment duration is generally 4 to 6 weeks for mild cases and 8 to 12 weeks for moderate cases.

Q What is the order of treatment when visiting the Korean medicine clinic for the first time? I would like to know in advance what is done during the first visit.

A. During the initial consultation, severity is assessed through medical history taking, physical examination, and compression provocation tests (Tinel and Phalen). The first treatment begins with acupuncture or pharmacopuncture. An individualized treatment plan is established based on symptoms and lifestyle patterns and proceeds in stages.

Q My symptoms have improved significantly. How long should I continue treatment? Is there a criterion for ending it?

A. When symptoms improve by more than 90% and nocturnal pain disappears, it is the maintenance and finalization stage. During this period, to prevent recurrence, follow-up treatments are performed 1 to 2 times at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks, and the treatment transitions to self-exercise management.

Q Is treatment at a Korean medicine clinic actually effective for carpal tunnel syndrome? I am curious if it is possible to recover without surgery.

A. For mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, Korean medicine treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and pharmacopuncture can reduce nerve compression and significantly improve symptoms. Overseas clinical studies have also reported that acupuncture is effective for short-term symptom relief, and there are many cases of recovery without surgery in non-severe cases.

Q I received steroid injections twice, but the condition has recurred. Does treatment at a Korean medicine clinic help prevent recurrence?

A. While steroid injections provide short-term anti-inflammatory effects, they do not resolve the underlying causes—adhesion and tissue weakening—leading to frequent recurrences. It is advantageous for preventing recurrence to substantially restore ligament structure using needle acupuncture, thread embedding, and pharmacopuncture, while addressing constitutional causes with herbal medicine.