[Evaluating the pain management methods of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome].

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate pain severity and pain management methods of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted with patients who were diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (n=99) in the neurology clinic of the university hospital between August 2014 and December 2015. Patient data form, visual analog scale (VAS) and a pain management inventory were used to collect data.

RESULTS

Of the total, 64.6% of the patients experienced pain. Patients used prescription medication, massage, and exercise to control pain, and reported that the most useful method was exercise, followed by massage and, finally, prescription medication.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare professionals may share the findings of relative benefit according to method of pain management and encourage patients to use non-pharmacological methods.