So, I have carpal tunnel syndrome...

[Falkner]

I just got back from the doc who confirmed that I have carpal tunnel syndrome. I knew I had it for a while now, but it somehow feels worse having confirmation. I guess I was hoping that I was overreacting.

I'm bummed as hell. I haven't even touched my basses in at least two months because of the sharp pains and lack of finger dexterity.

I got pills, but I have a feeling they won't do too much. The last ones he gave me when I first noticed symptoms helped a little, but not that much. As for surgery, there's no way I could afford it with no insurance and only a part time job.

[Pilgrim]

Bite the bullet and do what your doc sez....a layoff from playing is better than a disability.

[xgator4u]

Mineral Ice. I use it for arthritis. It works pretty well. Perhaps it will help with the C.P. as well, I dunno, I am not a doctor.

[BillyRay]

Sucks. Take up another instrument that isn't as rough on the wrist while you wait for it to heal or get insurance. Don't let this get you down and depressed.

[thumpbass1]

Has your doc got you wearing wrist braces at night when you sleep? I've done that when I had a touch of the evil biz, and he also was keen on the cortisone shots as part of the treatment. Fortunately I was able to get mine under control and avoid surgery. I wish you the best in dealing with it, because CTS stinks.

[Falkner]

Originally Posted by thumpbass1

Has your doc got you wearing wrist braces at night when you sleep? I've done that when I had a touch of the evil biz, and he also was keen on the cortisone shots as part of the treatment. Fortunately I was able to get mine under control and avoid surgery. I wish you the best in dealing with it, because CTS stinks.

I've been wearing braces at night for a few months. I wear them most of the time around the house too. He didn't say anything about the shots (yet at least) but I don't know if I could even afford those right now.

I grew up having good health insurance all my life from my dad's job. I never needed it. Now that he divorced my mother last fall I've been missing it very very much for reasons other than this too. I'm quite depressed right about now.

[Correlli]

Ice around the wrist area and LOTS of stretching. Maybe vitamin B6 for nerve swelling.

[tplyons]

Start reading The Bassist's Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health by Dr. Randall Kertz. He's a bass player and a doctor and the book has helped a lot with my Carpal Tunnel.

http://www.drkertz.com/buy_book.html

[uethanian]

i used to have moderate carpal tunnel a few years ago, noticed it when i first started playing upright. the only two things i can attribute to my recovery are

1. stopping immediately when i felt any pain or when my hands felt weak
2. seeing a chiropractor

honestly a chiropractor who does wrists will do far more good in the long run than surgery or medication.

[Jimmy Bones]

You could try the stuff I use, Meloxicam (mobic). It's an anti-inflammatory I use for my own arthritis and carpal.

[Falkner]

Originally Posted by uethanian

i used to have moderate carpal tunnel a few years ago, noticed it when i first started playing upright. the only two things i can attribute to my recovery are

1. stopping immediately when i felt any pain or when my hands felt weak
2. seeing a chiropractor

honestly a chiropractor who does wrists will do far more good in the long run than surgery or medication.

I've heard good things about chiropractors and CT. Do you know about how much a chiropractor would cost? That's my primary concern right now. I'm just happy my doctor hands out med samples like candy or I'd have nothing right now.

[Nolifer]

When you do get better, do plenty of stretching!
This video has some stuff in here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVd9X...e=channel_page