carpal tunnel syndrome?

for · 01-17-2021, 08:33 AM

as ridiculous it sounds i've been practicing drums by air drumming last weeks

few days ago i felt the effects of carpel tunnel syndrome on my right hand, well at least i think its what it is, i feel some numbness on my right hand palm.....so I'm giving it some rest now

its just small numbness currently but it surely worried me a bit, i can move the hand but i can feel the numbness still, its only been 2 days that i stopped, and won't do that again of course

just seeing if anyone has/had experience with this

can only give it rest now

thanks!

b2001 · 01-17-2021, 10:15 AM

I haven’t had that problem; however, I only play air guitar...😳

ivansc · 01-17-2021, 11:36 AM

I am old & been playing seriously since I was ten years old. I now have horrible arthritis in both hands (as well as other places) & also had metacarpal tunnel problems, also known as trigger finger about 20 years ago, which I have under control.
The only things apart from anti-inflammatory and pain drugs I have found help are not the greatest thing in the world for you, health-wise in general. you can help yourself by reading up on warmup exercises, which have helped me a lot.
Sadly at 76 I am beginning to think I am on my last lap as a player. Experience and sleight of hand can only cover up so many things you can no longer do.

Good luck!

for · 01-17-2021, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivansc

I am old & been playing seriously since I was ten years old. I now have horrible arthritis in both hands (as well as other places) & also had metacarpal tunnel problems, also known as trigger finger about 20 years ago, which I have under control.
The only things apart from anti-inflammatory and pain drugs I have found help are not the greatest thing in the world for you, health-wise in general. you can help yourself by reading up on warmup exercises, which have helped me a lot.
Sadly at 76 I am beginning to think I am on my last lap as a player. Experience and sleight of hand can only cover up so many things you can no longer do.

Good luck!

i see......will surely cut down on fast stuff i think for time being

thanks ivansc

bjohn · 01-17-2021, 12:55 PM

Sorry to hear you're having this problem. Carpal tunnel syndrome is actually one of the less common repetitive strain injuries; I have thoracic outlet syndrome which is much more prevalent--I got mine from using the mouse on my computer. Symptoms are numbness in the ring finger and pinky (and sometimes the whole hand), but the actual effect is happening in the shoulder, not the hand or wrist. It required several years of physical and massage therapy to get my symptoms under control, but like most repetitive strain injuries it's permanent: you just have to avoid activities that make it flare up.

If it continues, you should see a doctor.

Winfield · 01-17-2021, 01:13 PM

I got it from working with a mouse - and it flares up if I use a mouse for a day or so. I keep it in check with a digitizer pen and this:
https://www.contourdesign.com/product/rollermouse-pro3/
(and occasional massage therapy)

-W

for · 01-17-2021, 01:25 PM

actually i thing i started feeling this weird feeling from the mouse too...but with this air drumming thing my wrist had a lot of movement i think that ignited the issue

thanks guys for your responses

nait · 01-17-2021, 03:40 PM

Carpal tunnel is something that can definitely be tested by a doc (as well as potentially be permanently fixed). My mom had carpal tunnel surgery done decades ago and hasn't had problems since. It could be that, but there's also a good chance it is something else. It is pretty easy to overwork the muscles in our hands. As a guy that works on a computer a lot, I'll get problems frequently. I also play guitar and play hockey and both can really cause me some real hand/wrist problems. Like Ivan, I also have issues with trigger finger.. I'm only 46 though, but I feel like I'm 96 sometimes haha.

I think exercises are probably your best friend here, to build up some strength in your hand. Outside of that, take breaks. That's always the tough part though cause when inspiration hits, it's hard to say "I should break now"!

Leo777 · 03-30-2021, 04:05 PM

I read that vitamin B6 is often used as a conservative and adjunct therapy in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (though its effectiveness is controversial). Many people attempt to treat their symptoms with vitamin B6 on their own. I personally wouldn't do it without a prescription. I took this vitamin some time ago and checked the info about it. According to the Canadian pharmacy, it has side effects and contraindications.

nicholas · 03-30-2021, 05:42 PM

Hi for ....

Check with your doctor that it is cts that you have. If so, I bring you good news!

I had really bad carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand, as a result of which I went under the knife for corrective surgery last October. I'd previously tried wrist splints, cortisone injections, etc, but with no ongoing relief.

It was a simple procedure, an incision of about an inch long near the base of the hand, then to clean up whatever is causing the pressure/blockage. Whole thing took about 20 minutes.

I was put under a general anaesthetic, but some surgeons prefer local.

I was released from hospital same day. Within a couple of weeks I was using the hand again for simple tasks. More subtle hand functions (like threading a needle) take longer to return - but I bet there's not much subtle about your drumming! (Statutory drummer joke!

)

My right hand is now as good as new.

All in all, you have nothing to fear!

Any more questions, ask away.

Philbo King · 03-30-2021, 07:02 PM

Some yoga-based stretches I found very helpful:

https://forum.cockos.com/showpost.ph...6&postcount=27

Rhonin · 03-31-2021, 02:15 PM

i dunno , ive been dealing with it pretty bad for over 15 yrs now
i do a lot of excercises but it only manages the situation
i have to be very careful how i play
or the pick goes flying accross the room

it doesnt affect me playing bass or fingerstyle
so i try to work on those things

vitalker · 03-31-2021, 02:19 PM

Use vertical mouse instead of a horizontal one.

ivansc · 03-31-2021, 02:47 PM

I already alternate between upright and regular mice & it does help.
However several other old farts in my family have been suggesting I try homeopathic Turmeric tablets. Took my first one today & am hopeful.
I bought a year`s supply for a mere 6 UK pounds.

vitalker · 03-31-2021, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivansc

I already alternate between upright and regular mice & it does help.

For a regular one there is a mousepad with a silicone gel.

Rhonin · 04-07-2021, 04:13 PM

does anyone know of a non-surgical way to deal w carpel tunnel in the picking wrist. it is really impossible to strum a guitar

nicholas · 04-07-2021, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhonin

does anyone know of a non-surgical way to deal w carpel tunnel in the picking wrist. it is really impossible to strum a guitar

It really depends on how bad it has become, how far it has developed. If it's not so far advanced, targeted exercises, ice packs, wrist splints, NDAIDs such as ibuprofen or a corticosteroid injection ... any of these might be able to help you.

In my case, surgery ultimately became the only realistic option. Obviously I can't give you medical advice, only to say that in my case the procedure was simple and effective, and that the success rate for this surgery is high.

The best thing you can do is to see your doctor.