Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve, which is in charge of sensation and movement in the hands. While the exact reason for the compression of the median nerve is not fully understood, it is believed that the things below increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Injuries to the wrist
- Strenuous, repetitive work with the hand
- Pregnancy – up to about 50% of pregnant women develop CTS
- A family history of CTS
- Health conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
Those affected by this issue have probably tried everything to get rid of the pain, such as taking breaks, wearing a splint at night, and doing stretches. But, what about flaxseed oil?
The Oil You Need To Try – Flaxseed Oil
According to a recent study done at the Tehran University of Medical Studies, applying flaxseed oil onto the wrists brings relief from the dull ache and helps regain certain level of mobility.
During the study, 100 subjects were divided into two groups. The first group was given placebo oil whilst the second group was given flaxseed oil. They rubbed the oil on their wrists on a daily basis for a month and wore a splint at night.
At the end of the trial, all of the subjects were asked to fill out a Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The second group, meaning the one given flaxseed oil, experienced a drop on their pain and reported greater improvement in mobility when compared to the placebo group.
Why It Works
It is believed that flaxseed`s pain-relieving and healing properties are attributed to its nutritional profile. Specifically, it is packed with omega-3 fats, which work wonders when it comes to reducing inflammation. As a matter of fact, nearly a half of flaxseed oil is a fatty acid.
As for the other half, it is worth mentioning that it`s as good as the first one, too. It is loaded with antioxidants, B-vitamins, and protein. It even contains lignans, an antioxidant which is particularly good for relieving inflammation.
Given that the skin absorbs these nutrients, it`s no wonder that using flaxseed oil topically, meaning applying it onto the wrist, can help alleviate pain. Of course, taking a spoonful along with your dinner is beneficial as well, in terms of preventing dementia, diabetes, and heart disease.
Some Other Things Worth A Go
There are other things worth trying, including the following:
- Eat foods like spinach, salmon, walnuts, brightly colored veggies, and pineapple, all of which have been found to help reduce carpal tunnel syndrome
- Massage therapy
- Take regular breaks to move around
- Stretch regularly
- Avoid doing repetitive tasks, if possible
source: http://besthealthyguide.com
