We are in somewhat of the same boat. Im 19 and just found out i have carpal tunnel and a bunch of open fractures on spine from 5 years ago.....yay... For me ive been working more on strengthening my technique and thats seemed to have helped a little. Sometimes though my left hand will actually lock up and not move. If that happens just take a break till it goes down. Also give physical therapy a shot. My parents run a chronic pain clinic and its seemed to have helped a lot of people with these conditions.