When I became a chiropractor in Glendale, I realized that my technical skills were quite advanced as the result of my having been playing the guitar for more than fifteen years. It probably goes without saying that my hand coordination was well-developed! In addition, I discovered among my musicial friends carpal tunnel, the hand condition that many musicians experience. In fact, I was not only known as a Glendale Chiropractor, but I became known as “the music doctor” by many musicians who’d heard from other musicians that the chiropractic care I offered could “fix” their hand problems. So many painful and ineffectual carpal tunnel surgeries were avoided through chiropractic treatment that during the holiday season, I not only got numerous “fruit baskets” from my happy patients, but plenty of “fruitcakes” from super-satisfied insurance companies who were compelled to spend far less each year insurance coverage for chiropractic treatment than they did for carpal tunnel surgeries!
Obviously, when assisting patients with pain relief, joint mobility, and general health and wellness, the chiropractic approach, though much about the spine, isn’t all about the spine. Repetitive motions make all joints of the body susceptible to impaired function and range of motion limitations. Musicians are like many other professionals whose work demands repetitive action. And, many professionals, as well as musicians have found chiropractic care to be an effective, natural, non-surgical approach to treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Why do so many musicians, especially guitarists and pianists, experience carpal tunnel challenges in particular? 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 on its way to affect and animate the hands and fingers. Nerve entrapment is often the result of the types of repetitive movements performed by many musicians. Not surprisingly, this time of nerve entrapment disorder is quite common. 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 responsible. Misalignment of the carpal bones frequently results. Far too many musicians feel 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 make hands feel awkward or weak, and fatigue quickly 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 has discovered the benefits of chiropractic care would not allow this to happen, untreated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can become the complete disability of the hand.
In addition to musicians, anyone else who is suffering from repetitive stress pain should see a chiropractor who understands the symptoms and the solution, like your chiropractor in Glendale. He can tell you more about safe and natural chiropractic care. Find out what it can do for you, by calling a chiropractor today!