 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2003-08-04 06:59
Anyone know anything about cubital tunnel syndrome (yes, cubital, not carpal) and how it affects the playing of the clarinet?
So many instruments to play........so little time to play them!
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-08-04 12:00
Hi Cindy,
Looks like it may be time to switch to bass clarinet or alto sax so that your elbow has less of a bend in it. Have you seen a physician and has that individual prescribed any anti-inflamatory medications?
I can imagine that playing clarinet does put pressure on that spot in your elbow.
Interesting. Maybe a couple of the MDs on the BB will chime in.
HRL
Post Edited (2003-08-04 12:01)
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-08-04 23:03
Yes, I do know anything about it. Had it, didn't like it. Had the surgery, still have some symptoms a year later. The Orthopædic surgeon who "did" mine said if symptoms are present for a long time before surgery, the longer it may take for symptoms to subside. This guy also teaches at USC medical school, so he may know what he's saying. Prior to carving on the elbow, proper positioning of it during sleep may help relieve symptoms.
I still have numbness in R3 (right side only) and R4, but practically no muscle control problem. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome may have motor nerve implications, so that it's difficult to move those two (especially R4), but I gather that is not as common as the numb feelings.
I am not a physician, although I have played a physician on the radio. I have also played a piano on the radio.
Perhaps the absence of a right "funnybone" has adversely affected my sense of humor?
Regards,
John
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Author: Brianj
Date: 2003-08-07 10:15
I had it too. I got rid of the problem by going to the gym and doing tricep curls on a weight machine using low weight and doing three sets of 20 repetitions. I'm not a doctor so I don't know if this works for everyone, but I was told this strengthens the muscles around the elbow joint and it sure did for me. I went from not being able to hold my horn to practicing a couple of hours a day in about two weeks...hope this helps.
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Author: supernova_khr
Date: 2003-08-07 14:32
I've got it, along with carpal tunnel syndrome. I've had carpal tunnel release in one hand (an am going through the rehab period now.) There is surgical correction possible for cubital tunnel problems too (and it's a bit more extensive than the carpal tunnel release.) Both CTSs can produce pain, numbness and weakness in the affected hand. Both can also result in muscle wasting in the affected hand and permanent nerve damage.
There are a variety of treatments possible, depending on the severity and the underlying cause. For instance, in some people, thyroid problems result in edema which caused the sheath around the nerve bundle to swell, thereby causing the symptoms. In other cases, repetitive motion is believed to be the reason for the symptoms, or specific trauma may be the culprit.
If you're showing symptoms, a visit to a doctor is lin order. They may send you to a neurologist for diagnostic tests, and then on to an orthopaedic specialist. They may prescribe and anti-inflamatory medication (vioxx was the last one they gave me) or send you to physical therapy. Where I live, there is a hand clinic associated with the local hospital that does wonders for symptoms.
With cubital tunnel symptoms, when the elbow is bent, the symptoms tend to be worse. Changing position regularly is important. I could see holding the clarinet in the same position for a long time could aggrevate symptoms. Wiggling, and periodically extending your arm will help relieve pain and numbness. (By the way, if it's cubital tunnel syndrome, the fingers that go numb or feel pain are the pinky and ring fingers...if other fingers are affected, it may be the carpal tunnel is affected also.)
Good luck!
Kay
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Author: supernova_khr
Date: 2003-08-07 16:49
Here's a PS from my last posting. Info on ulnar nerve entrapment=cubital tunnel syndrome can be found at
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=143&topcategory=Arm
Here are some conservative (none-operative) measures you can take if you have this problem:
Keep the elbow as straight as possible. A straight elbow puts less pressure on the ulnar nerve.
Avoid crossing your arms across your chest.
If you frequently use the telephone, consider using a headset or cradle attachment, so you dont have to hold the telephone to your ear with a bent elbow.
Adjust your workspace (or your playing position) so that you don't have to bend your elbow more than 30 degrees and you can keep your wrist in a neutral position.
Consider wearing a splint at night. Something as simple as a towel wrapped around the elbow can help keep it straight.
Use elbow protectors if you play sports to avoid bumping the elbow.
If muscle atrophy and numbness continues, corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling and pressure.
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