Why acupuncture helps nerve entrapments

(By Dr. Grace Rollins, DAc) Acupuncture is exceptionally well-suited for the treatment of nerve entrapments like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, piriformis syndrome, peroneal nerve entrapment, tarsal tunnel syndrome, just to name a few.

Not only can we normalize conductivity in the entrapped nerve, but we can address root causes.

What many of these “syndromes” have in common is the manner in which muscles tighten from repetitive strain, causing inordinate pressure in spaces between either the muscle(s) and the passage of a nerve, or the tendons of the muscle(s) and the nerve.

In addition, tendon sheaths can become inflamed and swollen from too much pressure and shearing-- which originally resulted from that muscle tension and overuse. These issues often underlie a nerve entrapment scenario.

Postural imbalances can also easily lead to a vicious cycle of nerve and muscle tension, causing ischemia (lack of blood flow) in the related nerves and symptoms like weakness, tingling, numbness and even pain.

Sometimes even high amounts of stress can impact blood flow to an area, affecting our nerves, through changes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to help regulate the ANS as well as improve blood flow.

Nearly all traditional acupuncture points are strategically located over areas that powerfully activate our peripheral nerves and the innervation sites of muscles. We basically have a road map on how to help your nervous system be healthier.

We'd love to help you out with any peripheral nerve symptoms-- just get in touch!