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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ( CTS ) Info

#21
deckstirparnell said:
After seeing all the info on here I can see there are several experts on the subject in this thread. I'm not trying to run anyone's knowledge down. Just speaking from experience.
I've been playing bass a lot for 48 years and I developed CTS in both hands from I assume playing my bass up high with a short strap which worked best for me. I had the surgery on both hands in 1990 and I was scheduled for the endoscopic surgery from one of the pioneers of that method. Just prior to the surgery the endo cutters were recalled by the manufacturer so I had to go with the open method from the same hand surgeon. He stated that he could do a better job with the open method because he could see better. The scars were 1/4" long, right in the crease of my palms and I defy anyone to find them today. The band leader made me come back to work 3 weeks (recovery time supposed to be 6 weeks per hand) after the second hand was done because he thought my replacement sucked. I was a little sore but did fine.
The moral of the story is the endo method is good and quick but don't be scared of the traditional method if you can find a good cutter. Go to a "Hand Specialist" not just an ortho Doc and don't play your bass with the strap too high. I lowered my strap a couple of notches (still higher than many play) and the rest is history. :bassist:
Click to expand...

The object of the thread is as how you have posted....its about experience. Not all procedures will have the same result...that depends on the surgeon.....not the procedure, it depends on the conditions deterioration within the hand....not the procedure.
So the more info about experience that is gathered, then a better experience to relate to can be had by those that are sufferers.

So all info, link, and of course personal experience, good or bad welcome. Trust me if you get your head in the right place, it is not as traumatic as you think, its just anatomy.:)
 
#24
I play drums as well as bass, although bass has always been my main instrument. I have had CT surgery in both hands as well as trigger finger release surgery in all of my fingers and thumbs. Plus I have also had a bone graft of the scaphoid bone of the left wrist, some cartilage debriding and other arthroscopic surgery on both hands. Not fun.

However, I remember not too many years back, playing a three hour gig on drums where both of my hands were completely numb the entire time. The surgeries, pain and physical therapy are absolutely worth not having the joy completely removed from playing music. I have had no problems since the final trigger finger surgery other than the expected occasional wrist arthritis from my original injury, when I was a teenager.

Carpal tunnel surgery is an easy surgery to screw up. Make sure you have a reputable surgeon who has performed the operation ideally hundreds of times. It was a long slog, but for me, it was absolutely 100% worth it.
 
#26
I wanted to share my story on this topic. I have followed this post and even reached out to some members on their experience as I was weighing the option on whether to do the carpal release surgery or not.
I had grew up playing music. Alto sax since 4th grade, bass guitar since 15yrs old, guitar since 18yrs, and keyboards. I stopped playing in the mid 90s. You know the story: wife, career, kids, etc. I went to see a friend's band play about a year ago. Real good 70s and 80s rock cover band. I was truly inspired to get back to my music. Still have the wife and career, but kids are grown. Wife enjoys music and has always pushed me to get back in to my other "love". Well, this is where it turns bad. After trying to play my son's guitar, within 10 minutes I could not feel my left thumb, first and second finger. So bad that I could not fret anything. My right hand thumb and first finger would cramp up where I couldnt even hold the pick. I thought, let me try bass again. The fingering is easier on the left hand and the right hand is straight (I play with fingers, not pick). The right hand no problem. I could make it work. The left hand, not so good. Again, within 10 minutes I couldnt feel my fingers.
I knew I hade carpal tunnel as far back as 7-8 years ago, maybe longer. It was never an issue or stopped me from working so I never dealt with it. (Lesson #1 for the youngsters. Dont mess around with hand issues. Deal with them immediately.) I went to the doctor last spring and had the carpal tunnel diagnosis confirmed. At this point I was determined to play my instruments again. Determined!
I wanted to see the best. I wanted someone that knew musician's needs. I went up to UCLA medical center for an appointment with the chief hand surgeon in the orthopedic department. He again confirmed carpal tunnel and wanted to schedule the release surgery. I put it off until November 4th. I wanted to try physcial therapy, stretches, voodoo, etc. nothing worked. I kept my November 4th appointment with him.
So a few weeks ago I had my left hand done. He did a carpal tunnel release and ulnar release. I wanted my left hand done first because that was the more important of the two for me (even though I am right handed). For guitarist and bassists, the left hand is critical. (yes, both, but you get my point). I had the cast on for 2 1/2 weeks and just got it off. Today, I picked up my bass and NO pain. No pain or numbess so far in the left hand. I played for about 30 minutes, but real easy. It was WONDERFUL. I hope to get back to practicing and relearning on a daily basis. I was play every day for the past several months, but in very short amounts.
I cant tell you how exciting this is. I am so thankful. I have my right hand scheduled for December 2nd.
I have my Bass Method books and ready to learn!!!!
 
#27
Tbranella said:
I had it in both wrists...
had open surgery for it about 16 years ago (endoscopic surgery was not an option then) and it's been GREAT ever since.
took me about a full year to get my full hand strength back.

I know a guy that had the endoscopic surgery for CTS about 6 years ago and he was playing bass with no problems about six weeks later!
get the surgery if you can.;)
Click to expand...

Big +1, same for me, left hand in 2010, right hand in 2011. The open surgery was quick and relatively painless (except for the nerve response testing used to confirm the diagnosis ...yuck!). I was back to regular gigging in a little over a month, though it took about a year for full healing such that I can't even tell it ever happened without looking.
 
#28
ahdowns said:
I had my bilateral endoscopic surgery 39 days ago and still have a lot of pain. My Dr. said the nerves are irritated from the surgery and it may take a while. He said it could be 3 -6 months, as everyone heals in a different time frame. Also, I am almost 67. I am on some general pain pills, one that is for nerve pain and one that is suppose to work on nerve inflammation. A few days ago I was wondering if I can ever pickup a bass again, which is a rather depressing thought. All I can do is hope for the best.
Click to expand...

Hang in there, man, it heals (just a little slower now in our '60's :)).
 
#29
Todd johnson taught me a great analogy about 8 years ago, "treat your wrists like a water hose, the more unnattural bend in your wrist, the less bloodflow" ive been playing with my bass up super high on my chest ever since and it's done wonders for my technique dexterity and tone. Just my 2c
 
#30
After years of avoiding it, I think I've got it in my left hand, but I can't tell for sure yet. I know one thing, though...doing those exercises the past 10 minutes seemed to have helped in the short term. Mine comes from bad typing technique with the left hand and resting my arm on this horrible chair arm without thinking about it, so now i have to watch it a bit. Right arm still trouble free, though.
 
#31
We cannot avoid it Jimmy, it is an in-evadible part of the wear and tear of growing old.....but the dominant hand usually shows symptoms first, so the right hand for right handed people and visa versa.
If you are not sure of the cause get some Nerve Conduction Tests to help evaluate the damage.

For many the initial symptom is the sensations in the fingers of the thumb, index and middle finger. Now this could be anything, so the nerve conduction tests help measure the nerve response rather than judge a feeling. Because the initial sensation is new we become aware of it, it could stay at that level for years without any further determination, so stretches and a few exercise help relieve and manage it.

My last nerve tests two years ago showed the same level of nerve impairment i had on previous ones, so no real deterioration has occurred in years, which was great as the damage when i broke my neck registered a serious nerve issue there....that does affect my hands.

I have a new test in March so it will be interesting to see the results for both areas. Get it checked out if you can, always good to have a correct diagnosis to target any treatment or action you take for relief. :)
 
#32
JimmyM said:
After years of avoiding it, I think I've got it in my left hand, but I can't tell for sure yet. I know one thing, though...doing those exercises the past 10 minutes seemed to have helped in the short term. Mine comes from bad typing technique with the left hand and resting my arm on this horrible chair arm without thinking about it, so now i have to watch it a bit. Right arm still trouble free, though.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear you got it too Jimmy.

Good news is if you stay after the exercises, stretching, warm ups...it seems to help keep it at bay. Keep rockin :bassist:
 
#33
Thx Fergie and mrb. Definitely going to have it looked at soon if it doesn't clear up. Seems to get better after a period of inactivity, though. I need to stay off the comp for a few days.
 
#34
Two other points of info for everyone:

I learned to drive a standard, so I steer left handed. Not so good for left hand cts
When i sleep, i close my left hand and wake up with wicked cramps in my forearm. Have since learned to sleep with my arm on night stand, palm down. Odd yes but it helps
 
#36
Just an update on my CTS surgery.

Both hands done and healing real nice. Most important = I CAN PLAY AGAIN

hands and fingers dont go numb. I dont have full strength yet, so the hands tire easy.


Jimmy, I love your posts on the site. Take care of the hands. Stretching, ice, heat, etc. worked for me but only very temporary. First, have a doctor confirm CTS. There are many other problems that could cause numbess and tingling. However, dont be afraid of the surgery if it came down to it. It was well worth it for me.
 
#38
mrb327 said:
Two other points of info for everyone:

I learned to drive a standard, so I steer left handed. Not so good for left hand cts
When i sleep, i close my left hand and wake up with wicked cramps in my forearm. Have since learned to sleep with my arm on night stand, palm down. Odd yes but it helps
Click to expand...

My brother was injured awhile back and as part of his rehab a wrist/hand brace was used to help keep his hand open. Maybe something like that would help you?
 
#39
Stumbo said:
My brother was injured awhile back and as part of his rehab a wrist/hand brace was used to help keep his hand open. Maybe something like that would help you?
Click to expand...

It might, thanks for the idea. Since I have been more cognizant of the issue, I am more careful how i use my left hand, which has done a lot.

A trip to the chiropractor helped as well. Doesnt take much to upset all those little nerves
 

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