Description

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed. Symptoms include:

• Pain, numbness, or tingling in the thumb and first three fingers
• Pain that extends to the elbow
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags
• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb
• Intermittent shock-like sensations that start from the forearm and go out toward the fingers 

CTS can be caused by a number of things, including: Wrist fractures, Swelling and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis or other diseases, Mechanical trauma, Elevated pressure, and Ischemic damage. 

You can often treat CTS yourself, but it can take months to get better. You can try these things to reduce your risk of developing CTS or to reduce symptoms:

• Treat conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis
• Pay careful attention to hand posture
• Avoid activities that overextend your wrist
• Physical therapy exercises 

Can Yoga & Meditation help manage carpal tunnel syndrome?

yoga and meditation can help manage carpal tunnel syndrome: 

• Pain relief: Yoga can help reduce pain and tingling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. 
• Improved hand strength: Yoga can help improve hand strength. 
• Flexibility: Yoga can improve flexibility in the hands and wrists. 
• Relaxation: Yoga can promote relaxation in the hands and wrists. 
• Psychological benefits: Yoga can also provide psychological benefits. 

The National Institutes of Health recommends yoga as a non-surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Clinical trials have shown that yoga can significantly reduce carpal tunnel pain in as little as eight weeks.