Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

[docdosco]

Every now and then my ulnar nerve gets pinched while asleep and I wake up with my pinky and ring finger tingling and burning. This lasts most of the day. If I go see a chiropractor and he adjusts my neck, the tingling stops with a few minutes (last time it was gone by the time I got into the car; I was so surprised that I went back in to tell him). No follow up visits, no supplements, no magic stones, magnets or crystals being waved over my body.

The first time it happened, it lasted a few days and I called my GP who referred me to a neurologist who ordered a CT and then recommended he do some surgery on my neck. An Occupational Therapist friend of mine recommended seeing a chiro first, and if that didn't work, leave any cutting to a 2nd and 3rd opinion.

Neck surgery or a chiropractic adjustment... let me think about that.

Just my (very positive) experience with the ulnar nerve issue and chiropractic solutions. I'm not a doc or a chiropractor, I just find it frustrating when someone with no quoted experience with an issue (whatever it is) states an opinion on said issue. Do what you believe is best for you, and I believe that includes actually doing real research and gathering factual data. And you might want to find some better research than Wikipedia. Again, just my opinion. BTW, I did not consult a chiropractor for my gall bladder surgery, my RT surgery or my upcoming back surgery to remove calcification resulting in nerve impingement as he is not the appropriate professional for these issues.

I apologize for the rant, but I want to save anyone from needless surgery. Always check all your options, first.

Thanks again for the added info. I did a single gig yesterday. I made it through by the skin of my teeth, mostly because I yodeled a lot. Well, I sang as much as I could get away with and got do a bunch of new tunes I added by Jimmy Van Heusen. He lifted his 'stage' name from the shirt maker, BTW. I thought that kind of humerous. I am happy about the pipes, though. I may never be Mel Torme, but it is nice when the voice opens up. At least that still works.

My hands were really trashed with shooting pains when I packed up and both my hands are buzzing and jolting like crazy today. But my ulnar nerve is not as impacted as the other 2 nerve chains (median and radial). The compression/impingement is really bad in my wrist, but I am sure all the way up too. My thumb is numb now and my hand buzzes like a bumble bee when I type. Yikes!

Anyway, I know I'm alive. Cause I hurt!!!

: )

Doc Dosco

[matt.guitarteacher]

The first time it happened, it lasted a few days and I called my GP who referred me to a neurologist who ordered a CT and then recommended he do some surgery on my neck. An Occupational Therapist friend of mine recommended seeing a chiro first, and if that didn't work, leave any cutting to a 2nd and 3rd opinion.

Neck surgery or a chiropractic adjustment... let me think about that.

Just my (very positive) experience with the ulnar nerve issue and chiropractic solutions. I'm not a doc or a chiropractor, I just find it frustrating when someone with no quoted experience with an issue (whatever it is) states an opinion on said issue. Do what you believe is best for you, and I believe that includes actually doing real research and gathering factual data. And you might want to find some better research than Wikipedia. Again, just my opinion. BTW, I did not consult a chiropractor for my gall bladder surgery, my RT surgery or my upcoming back surgery to remove calcification resulting in nerve impingement as he is not the appropriate professional for these issues.

This was also my experience almost exactly, except mine was in the low back. At the very least, chiropractic holds the possibility of ruling out possible nerve issues etc. If it gets better with an adjustment, you're going to know that it's probably a mechanical problem vs. something worse.

For me, chiropractic is just another way of treating the symptom rather than curing the dysfunction, but it can have it's place for things like: short-term relief or (sometimes) inexpensively ruling other causes etc. I'm a little apprehensive about advice to go straight to a surgeon. You'd have to use judgement and consider qualified advice, but you also have to understand that surgeons are going to be about doing surgery. That's not a bad thing necessarily. They believe in what they're doing, like all of us should, if we're really fulfilling our purpose in life. I mean your chiropractor believes his way works too. But all of their opinions are shaped by their biases the same way ours are.

I wouldn't have jack zucker recommend anything differently than he does. His advice is based out of his very real experience. If I was Jack, I'm sure I'd do the same. On the other hand, I don't think it's appropriate for anyone else to recommend the same thing on his behalf, third-person. There are plenty of personal testimonials of individuals who have had problems with surgery which may have been unnecessary, done too quickly, out of a lack of 2nd and 3rd opinions. It's very helpful to have a friend in medicine who doesn't have a dog in your hunt so to speak. They can often point you in the best direction.

I don't remember if it was someone on this forum who recommended the book, Pain Free by Pete Egoscue, but I really like the philosophy of it, dealing with causes of physiological dysfunction rather than merely treating symptoms. I haven't been working with it long enough to testify to its usefulness, but I love the idea of proactively seeking to take care of your own health and wellness.

[ashleyorm]

I understand the decision on surgery is difficult as it is hit or miss. With many success stories there are some that have not seen the results or had a lengthy recovery. If you are looking for an alternative to help increase mobility and and reduce the pain and numbness with wrist, focus on things that increase the blood flow (but with minimal strain). I recommend treatments that don't require a lot of exertion in being able to do so. While treating the source at the shoulder, it may be worth treating the wrist specifically as well. Things such as massage therapy, ultrasound, BFST, acupuncture, etc. These types of treatment give you the nutrients and oxygen you need to heal but reduce the risk factors involved with a lot of physical activity. It's also very important to follow anything physical such as playing, with a cold compress. If the area is inflamed it hinders the blood flow even more than it would typically. Get the inflammation down, then increase the circulation. My main recommend is the BFST. I have heard and seen the results first hand and think it is wonderful. I have attached a link to look into. Worth a shot to be able to treat and manage if you want to avoid surgery and try to continue playing without the frustration of dealing with this ailment, if it works, great!
Best of luck!
King Brand BFST Information