Klarinet Archive - Posting 000349.txt from 1996/08

From: "Frank S. David" <fsd2@-----.EDU>
Subj: carpal tunnel
Date: Mon, 12 Aug 1996 09:52:33 -0400

As a medical student and the husband of a medicine intern, I'd like to
make a few small comments on the carpal tunnel issue:

1. "Carpal tunnel syndrome" is not the only explanation for tingling in
the lower arms. Since the nerves which supply these regions come from the
neck and travel in a bundle which can be easily compressed by the shoulder
and chest muscles, another possible cause is thoracic outlet syndrome.
One of the main docs who specializes in diagnosing and treating this and
other ailments of computer programmers and musicians is Dr. Emil
Pascarelli in NYC. His analysis is quite extensive, beginning with making
a videotape of your posture during playing, typing or whatever, and then
analyzing it, and continuing on to radiological studies and anything else
that's warranted.

2. Please, please, PLEASE if you have these tingling symptoms, see a
doctor -- and (with apologies to any ortho surgeons on the list or their
friends) NOT an orthopedic surgeon. See a physiatrist (rehab medicine
doctor) or some other doc who is well informed about rehab and physical
therapy and can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct rehab
regimen. There's great PT available for carpal tunnel and thoracic outlet
syndromes which obviate the need for surgery.

3. The ice packs, etc. may help some of the symptoms, but a good therapy
regimen could cure the actual problem.

Frank David