The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
B Vitamins
Posted by Sarahumbrella (Lethbridge Ab) on 05/16/2016
★★★★★
I started a new job back in January and I spend more time at a computer than ever before. My wrists started hurting so badly to the point where my whole arms and hands would ache. I bought a wrist brace but that didn't seem to help. I've never written a review on EC before but I signed up to say that b vitamins do really work for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Within days my wrists stopped bothering me and I was able to work without pain.
I made sure I bought a b complex that has at least 100mg of b6 as I had heard that was the vitamin that helps. What a relief. I was starting to think i would have to quit my job!!!!
B Vitamins
Posted by Jo (Lutz, Fl, USA) on 09/22/2008
★★★★★
I am a Registered Nurse who does holistic medicine. Tell Walking Tumeric to take B6 along with B-complex 50 mg. 1 B6 200 mg. and 1 B-complex 50 mg tablet daily until the pain subsides in his carpal tunnel it usually works for most people. Hope it works for you.
Wrist Supports
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 03/05/2016
★★★★★
I have dealt with carpal tunnel pain here and there over the years. Pregnancy and holding babies would affect it but it was never really bad.
In recent years I have used a laptop computer instead of a desktop and the carpal tunnel was becoming more noticeable. If I used the computer much during the day I would have pain in the evening or the next day.
I realized that with the laptop, I type and my wrists are resting right on the hard computer. (With a desktop I am positioned better and my wrists aren't touching anything.)
I looked for something to put on the computer to cushion my wrists but didn't find anything that looked like it would work. I ended up buying wrist braces that I use if I am going to use my laptop. This has completely solved my problem. If I am good about using the wrist supports (which cushion my wrists as well as stabilizing them) I do not have any trouble with carpal tunnel. If I get lazy about it I start to notice some nerve pain.
I do not have to wear the braces all day or when I am sleeping, or even when I am using a desktop computer. Just when I am using my laptop.
~Mama to Many~
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Emmet (Tx, USA) on 04/20/2022
★★★★★
My protocol for repetitive injury strain
For anyone suffering with RSI on hands, I found a protocol that works for me. I got mine from a gaming controller and using the phone for many hours (something we are seeing way more of in the 2000's). It was a deep, throbbing pain in my left hand, particularly the index finger, and also a kind of painful fatigue. I am right-handed so I could still do a lot but had to lay off my left hand for a week, careful not to carry anything or use my hand as a grip where I have to clench. But I would hold light things or gently open a door with that hand just avoiding anything excessive. Carrying grocery bags or lifting anything with resistance was a definite trigger. Just act like your hand is in a sling and you will do better with perhaps occasional, light use.
My protocol that worked is:
Magnesium oil massaged into the hand twice daily. This helped for pain a lot.
Bromelain + Quercitin pill. Helped a lot for pain and seemed my most powerful ally to get me through the day.
NAC: I read this aids the Bromelain so I had some and added it alongside.
Nettle. Seemed to be integral when I added it to my protocol and I felt started to really heal it to where I wasn't feeling it all day.
Curcumin Turmeric complex with black pepper, cherry and Vitamin C. I felt that these actually aided in the healing process rather than just easing pain.
Some of these pills were combos that I bought in the health food store. All in all, it cost me around $30 total which is far less than people pay for a doctor to just give painkillers. I did Bromelain on an empty stomach in the mornings and did the rest throughout the day. Typically, I would just take one of each pill resulting in about 3 pills per day. This condition can be depressing and discouraging so don't lose hope. I was lucky in that it wasn't my right hand. Pay attention to how you hold the phone with your other hand too as you'd be surprised how much we use our "off-hand".
Change Sleep Position
Posted by Becky From Ohio (Northeastern, Ohio, Usa) on 02/23/2012
★★★★★
Brian, I think you are on to something there. I was having issues with shoulder pain, and thought it might be problems with my rotator cuff? I am a side sleeper, and noticed that sleeping on my side made it much worse (no surprise really). I tried unsuccessfully to sleep on my back to cure this- but I just can not sleep that way. I tried googling side sleeping and shoulder problems and happened upon a suggestion that it wasn't sleeping on your side that hurt your shoulder- but sleeping with your hand up under your head. The suggestion was to keep the bottom arms down closer to your side. I tried it, and it did get rid of my shoulder pain (while still being able to sleep on my side! ). But, after reading your post I noticed that I wasn't having problems with my hands (possible carpal tunnels) anymore too. So- I believe your suggestion is good for the hands and the shoulders!
Stretching
Posted by Paul (Seymour, Ct) on 11/05/2010
★★★★★
I went through a terrible ordeal with bilateral carpal tunnel symptoms; terrible pain around the clock in both arms (from the shoulders to finger tips). I was beside myself in pain and was really panicking since I could barely function in the office or at home. Pain killers did not work so it was very frightening and starting to cause depression. I was forced to get very educated on the subject quickly and found the majority of information on the Internet on how to combat this problem did NOT work, including vitamins, massages, chiropractors, wrist braces, wrist wrests, and even read surgery doesn't work in many cases since carpal tunnel syndrome often originates in the upper body (neck, chest, and shoulders). In any case, I tried all of these (aside from the surgery) and actually got worse.
After researching for months, all it took was daily stretching exercises! Once I found them I was better in 10 days. Nothing else worked, but this worked instantly. There is a book called Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that shows what exercises to do. Please post this - people need to know this!
Castor Oil
Posted by William (Calgary, Alberta,canada) on 10/20/2011
★★★★★
In April I was moving furniture, and tore my forearm and bicep @ the elbow. (partially detatched the bicep just above the elbow-can't be re-attatched). A couple of weeks later, tingling started in my hand, then it began to radiate down my forearm. My doctor, said it sounded like CTS, but I had/have my doubts. Anyhow, after a meeting with a plastic surgeon who specializes in this, and after showing him photos on my phone of the bruising, and I told him that I started massaging my lowerarm with Castor oil and that the pain was essentialy gone, he felt that surgery was unnecessary and that if it becomes a problem-then he'll look at it.
After using Castor oil on my arm, the CTS pain/discomfort disappeared to the point that I have gone 3 weeks without using the oil. I have started using it again after aggravating my arm performing my job (electrician). Rotating the wrist is the big culprit.
B Vitamins
Posted by Yonela (San Diego, Ca) on 03/17/2008
★★★★★
Hi first of all i just wanted to Thank God and congratulate you for this magnificent website that is a real blessing for many people that are looking for an alternative to modern medicine prescriptions. This is to the person named Mary that suffers from carpal tunel syndrome i apologize for any words mispelled i also had this problem and i did not want to go thru surgery for this problem so i started looking for a natural cure i came across an article of a doctor that had researched for the cure of carpal tunel this doctor however i do not remember the name said that after many studies he came to the conclusion that drinking 100mg of vitamin b-6 and 100mg of vitamin b-2 once a day for 3 mos can cure carpal tunnel syndrome if this is a problem that has persisted for a long time he suggested taking these vitamins for up to 6 mos on a daily basis well to not make this story any longer ive been drinking these vitamins for 2 mos now and i can truly say i have not had any more pains on my wrist and hands i can move my fingers with no symptoms whatsoever ..i really dont remember how this works but its wonderful to know im taking a natural product without any secondary effects and i feel great . Ted if you can advise me of anything you know about vit b-6 or b-2 i would greatly appreciate it thank you, God bless you!
B Vitamins
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 03/13/2008 490 posts
★★★★★
To Vanessa 3/12/08 Hi Vanessa, For that carpal tunnel problem you need to get some Vitamin B6 - get 50 mgm tablets and start with l tablet twice a day - if no improvement noticed after 5 - 7 days increase to 3 times a day - if no improvement then start taking 2 tablets 3 times a day - You can keep increasing until you get improvement and hold it at that dosage for several weeks - BUT DO NOT take more than, 6000 mgms (6 grams) per day. I have read that some adverse inwanted side effects occur at that dosage.
Exercise
Posted by Don (Az) on 07/23/2024
★★★★★
Exercise to open the carpal tunnel and return the arm and wrist to normal.
I came across a video from Dr John Bergman where he explains about carpal tunnel and an easy exercise to return the tunnel to normal. I tried it and it seems to be working. Go to YouTube and look up "Dr John Bergman" and look for the video named "How to Regenerate Joints - Regenerative Exercises". Go to the 11:52 minute mark where he shows how to do this exercise.
Boron + B2
Posted by HisJewel (New York) on 12/04/2023
★★★★★
Boron and B2 Helped Carpel Tunnel
Greeting EC and Everyone,
You never know if you are going to get a reaction from a supplement even one that you have tried before because your health condition may have changed. I have used Boron before, I have used Borax before, and B2 is in my B complex vitamins, yet I never had a floor moving reaction. However, I will say maybe some brands absorb better than others do.
When I started getting some new pains in my ankles, I took a Boron supplement that I bought this summer that also has 25mg of B2.
In my research, I found out that B2 heals cracked lip corners, which was a new problem for me that also started in the summer so this would take care of two problems. Well, I have only felt an earthquake in New York once, that was about thirty years ago. However, the first evening of taking one of these capsules, I felt the floor moving under my feet.
At first, I did not realize that the floor moved only on one side. I asked my daughter, "Do you feel the floor moving?" She said, no. So-o, I thought it was moving only where I was sitting at the computer. Then I got out of my seat to walk around, and realized that every place I walked the floor moved, but only under my left foot. Then I realized my left foot was vibrating, sometimes I would also get a fluttering in my left ear. That continued on and off for 2 or 3 days. When the vibrations finally stopped, I seemed to have less numbness and less carpel tunnel.
I don't recall ever experiencing such a moving experience before. The closest I can think of is when coming off a three-day food and water fast in my older years; my foot would cramp up when I started to receive liquids again. Mother said, take potassium and that worked.
HisJewel
Massage and Exercises
Posted by Pam (Livonia, Michigan) on 10/29/2015
★★★★★
I was just diagnosed with carpal tunnel and my doctor wants to do surgery but I wanted to root cause the problem first.
I discovered that most carpal tunnel is caused by over use of the flexor muscles : The muscles that bend (flex) the fingers. These flexor muscles move the fingers through cord-like extensions called tendons, which connect the muscles to bone. The flexor muscles start at the elbow and forearm regions, turn into tendons just past the middle of the forearm, and attach to the bones of the fingers
Massaging the forearms, wrists and hands with castor oil mixed with coconut oil for ten minutes daily, will release the muscles and tendons that are in spasm and begin to reduce the inflammation of the tendons.
Also:
Build the extensor muscles (the back or your forearms) by doing isometric exercises: Hold your hands (palms down) out in front and lift your hands with fingers pointing upward. Repeat ten times holding for five seconds each time. Do this three times a day
I started the massage and exercises two days ago and already feel a difference. No surgery for me!
Castor Oil
Posted by Cathy (Placentia, CA) on 07/22/2008
★★★★★
I don't have carpal tunnel syndrome, but a friend of a friend just had surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome on one hand, and could not recover from surgery, so I told her about castor oil to heal stiff and sore muscles. She tried it and now she swears by it, and massages it into her whole body every morning to take care of all her aches and pains. She was supposed to have surgery on the other hand as well, but the pain has been alleviated with the castor oil.
I have successfully used castor oil to relieve pain for my mother, who had fibromyalgia. Just massage in the castor oil and your aches and pains will disappear for a few days. It is a miracle drug as far as I am concerned. I have used it for menstrual cramps, rashes, yeast infections, sore muscles and even tooth pain for an abscessed tooth. It is great. And the more you use it, the more the pain goes away.
My sister in law used it for her knee which was clicking and she thought she was going to have to have surgery on it, but she kept massaging it with castor oil, and now she is fine.
I would be interested in the feedback from others to see if it can help them too.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Claire (London, UK) on 02/24/2007
★★★★★
This is g8 stuff.I had a big problem with carpal syndrome some nights I could not sleep cause of the pain. Searched on the internet for any ideas came across this site and read reviews. Next day brought some BSM (Black Strap Molasses). Took a tablespoon before i ate every morning and another before i slept. After a few days the pain in my arm was not so severe. Within a month the pain disappeared.Also, my husband noticed that i had lost weight. Maybe this was due to taking bsm (black strap molasses) . i continued to take it and in 6 months I have lost 3 stone. I think the bsm stopped my craving for sugar and also i didn't feel hungry. So overall, a wonderful medicine with loads of vitamins and minerals. recommend it to anyone.feel g8, hair is shiny. nails strong and skin glowing. This would be g8 for someone who is pregnant as it has calcium and iron in it.
Vitamin B6
Posted by Julie (Crystal River, FL) on 08/31/2019
★★★★★
I started to have a very painful wrist from repetitive motion in my right wrist and I am right handed. Had a lot of animals to care for so this really bad. Heard of B6 and didn't believe it could be that simple, but it was. Now I take a multi B and only have problems if I discontinue them. Took straight B6 at the start.
DMSO and Magnesium Oil
Posted by Denine1 (Philly) on 12/12/2018
★★★★☆
I have had wrist pain off and on for a couple of years, but in the past week, it's been steady and painful enough that I've started taking copious amounts of pain relievers. I haven't been diagnosed with anything because I refuse to go to a doctor who will probably prescribe things I can't take or that are more harmful than the otc pain relievers.
I have tried DMSO and Magnesium oil. It does NOT work after the first time, you have to layer it, meaning massage it in as needed through out the day. Don't just use it on your wrist, my pain starts within the area of the middle and ring fingers, is also felt on the outside of the wrist where the pinky finger is and flows down about an inch and a half past the wrist.
I massage the DMSO and Mag oil all over my hands and fingers and to the shoulders. It didn't work just doing the wrist and hand, and it didn't work just doing it one time. You can also incorporate Castor Oil (mag oil and dmso can be very drying) Unfortunately, Castor Oil alone didn't work for me
For some, this may be time consuming, but if you prefer not to use meds, and bringing the pain down from a 12 to a 3 can help, try this method. I find this more helpful overall than 1000 mg of Ibuprofen two to three times a day.
B Vitamins
Posted by Suzanne (Ohio) on 01/23/2016
★★★★★
I wanted to come in to say thank you for suggesting B-50. I took your suggestion and bought it along with Castor Oil (suggested on here as well) it was used as an ointment but I couldn't find it and bought the capsules instead. These two things along with a tablespoon of ACV daily and not sleeping with my hands under my head at night has done the trick. I am very excited because I didn't think it was going to work but it did. I hope others reading will try it.
Blackstrap Molasses, Apple Cider, Vinegar, No Aspartame
Posted by Tracy (Frederick, MD) on 03/19/2008
★★★★★
Since there is now a new header for CTS, thought I'd add my .02 cents, since looking for CTS cures is how I found this website so long ago. The number one thing that I think really helped, was quitting Aspartame. I was drinking 3-4 diet cokes, plus equal in my coffee. Bad. I also added Black Strap Molasses to my coffee in the morning and I take ACV daily (twice a day). I believe the combination of these three things has cured my Carpal Tunnel. Prior to these changes I was waking up in the middle of the night in agony with "dead arm"/hand. Every once in a while, if I paint or do active things with my hand it will flair up, but flair up now means tingles that I can shake out, as opposed to agonizing hand/arm pain. SO, quit the Aspartame and get some BSM and ACV in your diet and see for yourself.
