When I became a chiropractor in Glendale, I discovered that my technical skills were unusually advanced because I’d been playing guitar for more than fifteen years. It probably goes without saying that my hand coordination was well-developed! I also became aware of the hand problems that many musicians develop, like carpal tunnel syndrome. And, I can tell you without bragging that in addition to being a well-known chiropractor in Glendale, I was also referred to as “the music doctor” because musicians from all over started coming to see me to “fix” their hand problems. The pain relief and increased mobility that my patients experienced, and the carpal tunnel surgeries (often ineffective or worse!) that were avoided resulted in a whole bunch of “thank yous.” In fact during the holiday season, I not only got numerous “fruit baskets” from my grateful patients, but plenty of “fruitcakes” from overjoyed insurance claim adjusters who spent far less each year in patient reimbursements for chiropractic treatment than they did for carpal tunnel surgeries!
You may be wondering why so many musicians, and guitarists, bassists, and pianists in particular, develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is because the carpal tunal is located within the underside of the wrist! It is an actual “tunnel” (or passage) through which the Median nerve passes and allows it to give animation to the hands and fingers. The repetitive movements required by musicians can cause nerve entrapment. Not surprisingly, this time of nerve entrapment disorder is wide spread. The nerve is impinged between other tissues when the size of the tendon enlarges due to irritation and inflammation caused by overuse…long hours of practice, as well as extended performance, are generally the exascerbating cause. Plus, such activities can cause a misalignment of the carpal bones. Far too many musicians development pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tingling in their fingers and hand(s), particularly their thumb and adjacent two fingers. It is not secret that many musicians routinely wake up with these symptoms. And, the absolutely disastrous effects for musicians is that CTS can cause the hands to feel undexterous or weak, and fatigue easily with activity. If not addressed, eventually, grasping small objects (like a guitar pick or the bow of a bass) with the thumb and fingers can be extremely affected. And, although the well-informed musician who is aware of the healing effects of chiropractic care would not allow this to happen, CTS left untreated can lead to complete disability of the hand.
In addition to musicians, anyone else who is suffering from repetitive stress pain should see a chiropractor who is an expert when it comes to recognizing the symptoms and solving the problem, like your chiropractor in Glendale. You can learn more about safe and natural chiropractic care. Find out what it can do for you, by calling a chiropractor today!