The UnCommon Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Andrea mentioned during our 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.

I confirmed the diagnosis with orthopedic tests called phalen’s and tinel’s tests.

I need to mention that review of her past medical records showed a positive nerve conduction test.

My 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, I recommended a simple supplement that proved to solve the case and return Andrea back to a normal functional life.

This simple nutrient was B6.

I prescribed the more biological active form called pyridoxal 5′-phosphate.

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′-phosphate for carpal tunnel syndrome is Vitamin B6 50 mg 3 times day for just a month or two to reverse the condition.

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).

If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, and have not given chiropractic a try, please see a chiropractor first. In addition, consider adding B6 to your supplementation routine and see if that doesn’t help.

Here is the B6 Vitamin that I recommend for my patients by Pure Encapsulations

About the product

• DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Pyridoxal 5’ phosphate (P5P) is the active metabolite of pyridoxine and is the predominant form of plasma B6. P5P is required for proper absorption of B12 and magnesium, and for the production of gastric HCl.*
• METABOLIC SUPPORT: P5P is an important coenzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and helps release glycogen from the liver and muscles.*
• CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT: In addition, P5P helps maintain the balance of sodium and potassium, which regulates body fluids and promotes the healthy functioning of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.*
• PURE INGREDIENTS: Pure Encapsulations manufactures a line of hypoallergenic, research-based dietary supplements. Products are meticulously formulated using pure ingredients designed to deliver predictable results for the benefit of all patients, even the most sensitive.*
• FREE FROM: Pure Encapsulations products are free from wheat, gluten, egg, peanuts, magnesium stearate, hydrogenated fat, artificial sweeteners and colors, and other unnecessary excipients. Any product containing ingredients derived from allergens, such as soy, dairy or shellfish is clearly labeled. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References:

Folkers K, et al, Biochemical evidence for a deficiency of vitamin B6 in the carpal tunnel syndrome based on a cross-over clinical study, Proc Nat Acad Sci USA 75: 3410-12, 1978

Ellis JM, et al, Response of vitamin B6 deficiency and the carpal tunnel syndrome to pyridoxine, Proc Nat Acad Sci USA 79: 7494-98, 1982

Analysts J. M., Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with vitamin B6, South Med J , 80:882-84, 1987

Ellis JM, et al, Clinical aspects of treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with vitamin B6, Ann New York Acad Sci, 585:302-20, 1990