Q. I have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. My doctor is recommending surgery. Are there any other alternatives?

A. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can usually be treated conservatively, that is without surgery. This is especially true if it is diagnosed early before any nerve damage occurs. If your condition is relatively mild, and you do not have significant muscle weakness or atrophy, some simple non-operative measures will go a long way.

Wearing a night splint that keeps your wrist still and avoids extreme wrist positions at night, can be very helpful. Stretching exercises for the hand and forearm muscles are important. Some studies have suggested that taking B vitamins can help. Finding the root cause, if there is one, is essential. For example, jobs that require repetitive wrist and hand movement may be a culprit. Even improper height and adjustment of your computer keyboard could irritate the nerves and tendons about the hand and wrist. Massage and yoga type arm exercises are effective and even acupuncture can sometimes keep you off the operating room table.

If you carpal tunnel syndrome is not getting better or if you have significant muscle weakness or atrophy then surgery may be needed. Certain conditions such as thyroid problems, diabetes or even pregnancy can make you more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.