Carpal Tunnel

[DGH9442@AOL.COM]

Carpal tunnel syndrome is found in occupations requiring repetitive action of
the flexors of the hand.  The "tunnel" is created by the configuration of the
carpal bones (the wrist bones).  The median nerve, as well as the tendons pass
through this "tunnel".  Compression of the nerve creates tingling, numbness,
and pain which can be severe.  The management of this problem is multifacted. 

           1 - the syndrome, as it relates to pianists, is a result of overuse
of the flexors.                  
                Strenthening the extensors, as well as stretching of the
flexors, often  
                 helps to balance out the muscles of the hands and forearms.  
           

            2 - the configuration of the carpal bones forms the area similar
to a tunnel.  
                 Misalignment of the carpal bones causes a narrowing of the
tunnel thus 
                 placing pressure on the nerve.  Adjusting the bones by a
competent 
                 chiropractor can restore the tunnel to the proper size.

            3 - the person needs to wear a splint(s) on the affected hand(s)
at night,
                 every night, to help maintain the proper configuration of the
carpal bones, 
                 thus preserving the tunnel.

            4 - reduce salt intake as swelling will again reduce the size of
the tunnel.

            5 - if none of the above works there is always surgery, however
returning to 
                 the same activity that caused the problem in the first place
will very likely                       
                 cause a reoccurrence, at which point the person will be back
to step one.

            6 - as a side note:  if this occurs in the novice piano player it
may be due to
                 poor technique - a good instructor can help the student learn
to play with     
                 out locking the wrist up (a common problem in the adult
beginner)