Carpal Tunnel

[fcleff]

I think that I may be getting (or have) carpal tunnel syndrom. Does anyone know what can be done about this besides surgery (no insurance, here)?

[Uncletoad]

I have been treating my Carpal Tunnel problem for the last several years with the following:

1. Alexander Technique lessons monthly
2. Acupuncture quarterly
3. Massage biweekly
4. Aleve 1 daily

Seems to be working well at preventing further degeneration. I'd suggest you address the body use issues immediately. That is almost always the root cause. For me as I've posted before Alexander is a lifesaver.

I have had two nerve function tests two years apart. Both showed severe restrictions. Interestingly they assumed I'd have significant changes between the two tests and the above treatment although not curative has kept it from getting worse. After my first testing the doctor was recommending immediate surgery and warned me that if I didn't do it I'd have larger problems later. After the second testing with no changes she no longer feels surgery is needed.

Given my trepidation about missteps in surgery and the possibility of other side effects from surgery I've chosen this method to address my issues.

That also may change in time as I am noticing some wasting in my thumb muscle that may suggest the need for some other intervention in the future.

[fcleff]

Thanks for the reply Uncletoad. I would like to know more about the Alexander Technique. I know that there is someone on TB that teaches this and will find his name soon.

I have been doing house construction this summer so my hands are really taking a beating. Now they are starting to go numb at night. Arnica cream has been helping with this. My son's godmother is a cranial-sacral/massage therapist so I will seek her help. Does the Aleve work better than Advil? Is there any particular preference here?

[Uncletoad]

Originally Posted by fcleff

Thanks for the reply Uncletoad. I would like to know more about the Alexander Technique. I know that there is someone on TB that teaches this and will find his name soon.

I have been doing house construction this summer so my hands are really taking a beating. Now they are starting to go numb at night. Arnica cream has been helping with this. My son's godmother is a cranial-sacral/massage therapist so I will seek her help. Does the Aleve work better than Advil? Is there any particular preference here?

Don Higdon. aka the donosaur is the guy you're looking for.

I just like Aleve, I don't know that it matters what you take. More important I think to get a level built up in the blood so it can do it's thing over time. The carpal tunnel wrist braces you can get at local drugstores are real nice too. Put them on when you sleep and it keeps you from hyper-extension. Cranial/Sacral work sounds very nice. Google Alexander Technique. I'm sure there are teachers in Austin. Dono might know some. Do a search on Alexander here on TB and you'll find some interesting arguments.

Lastly if you are doing something that causes you pain or makes your hands go numb.....STOP. It's important information your body is giving you. Best to heed it.

Good luck.

[fcleff]

Yeah, I'm looking around for other work (my private teaching plummets during the summer). But until something else comes along I have to pay the bills. My search will intensify. Thanks for all of the info. I'll keep asking questions, so brace yourself.

[goodgig]

I was scheduled to have CT surgery two years ago. I went to a chiropractor and have been greatly helped. Recently I have been practicing DB more intensively and have had numbness in my hands during playing and at night in my arms. These are classic symptoms. One treatment at the chiropractor has greatly helped. Massage therapy is also part of the treatment. The massage therapist recommended this exercise. Place your arm down at your side and stretch it down toward the floor, holdind that position for five seconds. Relax and repeat. You can bend your head to the other side for more impact. Also "work out" with a rubber band between your thumb and finger(s), streaching the rubber band as you open and close your fingers. Do while driving! Works the muscles on the "other side of your hand". Put ice, or a bag of frozen peas, on your wrist for about 15 minutes before you go to bed and wear a splint. Hope this helps.

[Jake deVilliers]

Hi fcleff.

As a craftsman, I have had the numbness problem on and off over the years. On me it comes from brachioradialis, the two-headed monster. Its the muscle in your forearm most used when you're gripping tools and has two insertion points, one just below your elbow, one just above, on the 'top' of your arm as you rest your hands in your lap. A little pressure in this area should enable you to narrow it down. Direct pressure with your thumb helps a lot. I use an old sliding clamp I have that fits me just right! Follow that with 20 minutes of ice.

That's what keeps me going.

Good luck, Jake

[fcleff]

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Hi fcleff.

As a craftsman, I have had the numbness problem on and off over the years. On me it comes from brachioradialis, the two-headed monster. Its the muscle in your forearm most used when you're gripping tools and has two insertion points, one just below your elbow, one just above, on the 'top' of your arm as you rest your hands in your lap. A little pressure in this area should enable you to narrow it down. Direct pressure with your thumb helps a lot. I use an old sliding clamp I have that fits me just right! Follow that with 20 minutes of ice.

That's what keeps me going.

Good luck, Jake

Hi Jake,

I got laid off from the construction gig about a month ago Low and behold, the numbness is gone! Now I cut up fish all day (or night) No numbness yet, but man it gets cold in that fridge! I'm working hard to not cut my fingers off!

[Uncletoad]

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

Lastly if you are doing something that causes you pain or makes your hands go numb.....STOP. It's important information your body is giving you. Best to heed it.

Good luck.

Can I say I told you so.

[bejoyous]

Hi Fcleff;

I hand mega-bad arm and hand problems. So much so that I had to stop playing for about 10 years. That's a long story. I found chiropractic adjustments worked the best to physically remove the physical misalignments that caused the nerves to be pinched. The pinching is what causes the numbness and tingling. It's good for your whole health as well.

Good luck. Here's a list of chiro offices in your area: http://www.switchboard.com/Chiroprac...ellowpages.htm .

[fcleff]

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

Can I say I told you so.

Yes, you can. I am very humble about things like this. But I am incredibly cocky when it comes to food. This is mostly due to the fact that I am a complete bada$$ in the kitchen. You can probably testify to this if you made my blueberry pie .

[fcleff]

Originally Posted by bejoyous

Hi Fcleff;

I hand mega-bad arm and hand problems. So much so that I had to stop playing for about 10 years. That's a long story. I found chiropractic adjustments worked the best to physically remove the physical misalignments that caused the nerves to be pinched. The pinching is what causes the numbness and tingling. It's good for your whole health as well.

Good luck. Here's a list of chiro offices in your area: http://www.switchboard.com/Chiroprac...ellowpages.htm .

Thanks. I'm hoping that when my insurance comes through that I can check into some of this.