Just recenty I read about a consult with a patient by the name of Andrea who was suffering with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Andrea mentioned during her first consult that the tingling and numbness in her fingers and hand, especially her thumb and index, middle and ring fingers was getting so bad that she was afraid she might lose her job. The condition was at a point that she consistently needed to “shake out” her hands after 15 minutes of typing on the computer.
She was nervous and worried.
She did her due diligence and did go see an orthopedic hand specialist who initially recommended a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, corticosteroids and a carpal tunnel splint (also commonly called cock-up splint). Unfortunately, the treatment failed to produce any long-term relief.
The Functional Medicine doctor confirmed the diagnosis with orthopedic tests called phalen’s and tinel’s tests.
Review of her past medical records showed a positive nerve conduction test.
The initial treatment consisted of biomechanical and myofascial treatments. Adjustments of her cervical spine, wrist (carpals) , radius and ulnar followed with myofascial release and ultrasound did provide some relief but it was short lived.
Worried that she would need to settle for a surgical release to help with her carpal tunnel syndrome, the functional medicine doc recommended a simple supplement that proved to solve the case and return Andrea back to a normal functional life.
This simple nutrient was B6.
We used the more biological active form called pyridoxal 5′
Surgeon Dr. John Ellis wrote extensively about how vitamin B6 cleared the majority of carpal tunnel syndromes, and other clinicians confirmed this.
The normal dose of pyridoxal 5′
If you don’t see results consider the fact that B6 requires adequate levels of zinc.
Zinc deficiency inhibits conversion of B6 into its active form.
B6 is useless until the zinc deficiency is corrected.
Going downstream in the functional medicine thinking, it also important to remember to check for low alkaline phosphatase (<70). Levels below 70 is commonly correlated with a zinc deficiency.
I also want to mention that plasticizers or phthalates create hidden zinc deficiencies which in turn could impact the usability of B6.
An even more common reason for failure of simple and previously effective therapies is the high level of hidden heavy metals that everyone carries. Mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and aluminum are some of the most common heavy metals that are in all of us.
They sit right in enzymes, kicking out the minerals that are required for normal function. It’s not until we have stockpiled enough that we then get symptoms in a place that never bothered us before, like the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome).
So before you opt for surgery give this simple solution. try. What is the worst that happens it does not help? You will be no worse than prior to the test if B6 (Add Zinc to make sure that the B6 works)
Give it a try what do you have to lose but your Carpal Tunnel Syndromes.