What is the difference between Elton John and a computer operator? Quit? Well, all pianists are much less likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). If we type, scan prices, or sew the way pianists tickle ivories, wrists straight, hands and fingers almost level with the keyboard, this debilitating wrist injury could often be prevented. The carpal tunnel is a passageway that runs through the wrist. Nine tendons plus the median curve that feed motor and sensory impulses to the thumb, index finger, third finger, and half of the ring finger run through this tunnel of bone and ligament. If you have CTS, the tissues in this tunnel swell and compress the median nerve.
This pressure means that the median nerve can’t translate electrical impulses from the brain as well as it should. Think of the median nerve like a radio or television wire. If it stops sending a clear signal, you get static. Faulty signals from a compressed median nerve can cause tingling, numbness, and pain in the fingers, wrist, and even forearm. Many people think that CTS is an occupational hazard caused by spending too much time in front of the computer. But any repetitive stress on the wrist, such as embroidery, constant driving, and even golf, can trigger carpal tunnel syndrome. And continuous wrist sprains are not the only culprit. The so-called passive form of CTS is caused by health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, arthritis, and even pregnancy.
CTS may sound scary to some people. However, here are some ways to find relief.
Put the pain on ice. Fill a plastic bag with ice, wrap it in a thin towel, and rub it vigorously over the top of your wrist. Ice helps reduce fluid retention around the ligament that covers the carpal tunnel, reducing pressure on the median nerve.
Keep your wrist in neutral. Wear a wrist splint. You will find wrist splints at any pharmacy. Make sure the splint you buy keeps your wrist absolutely straight. When you rest your splinted hand, palm up, on a table, it should lie flat with your wrist in line with your forearm. Also wear the splint at night. Many people with CTS flex their wrists when they sleep, which irritates the median nerves.
Test B6. Take 50 milligrams of vitamin B6 twice a day. People with carpal tunnel syndrome tend to be deficient in this vitamin, which is associated with poor nerve function. Some people with CTS can get dramatic relief from B6. The nerves seem to respond to this specific vitamin, although we don’t know why. Remember to consult your doctor before taking too much vitamin B6. High doses of the vitamin can cause numbness in the feet and lack of coordination when walking.
Reach the sky. Keep your hands above the level of your heart as often as you can. Accumulated fluid in the hands can increase pressure on the median nerve. When you sit on your couch, for example, rest your elbows and hands on the back instead of keeping your hands in your lap. Also raise your hands two to three times a day for a few minutes to help prevent numbness and tingling.
