MANAGEMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN AYURVEDA: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the level of the wrist. It is an occupational disease commonly seen in dentists, soldiers, and laboratory workers who make repetitive upper limb movements. The incidence of Carpal tunnel syndrome is 1-3 cases per 1000 subjects per year; the prevalence is approximately 50 cases per 1000 subjects in the general population. There is no direct reference in Ayurveda; the symptoms can be compared to Vishwachi. In contemporary medicine, analgesic tablet liniments are prescribed, temporarily providing temporary symptomatic relief. Surgery is advised as a relief measure. In this single case study, a 60-year-old male patient with complaints of pain, tingling sensation in the wrist, fingers of the right hand and inability to perform daily activities for eight months is considered. He was diagnosed with Carpal tunnel syndrome. He is treated by snehana nasya, one of the Panchakarma indicated in urdhwajatrugata vyadhi, along with sthanika abhyanga and Kukkutanda pinda sweda which proved very beneficial and effective in relieving the symptoms of the patient. Treatment by Ayurveda is the current need as there is no effective treatment for complete management of the condition in conventional medicine.