Where’s The Tunnel & What’s In There?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow channel which runs down the forearm, through the wrist to the hand, on the palm side. The passageway is made of tendons, ligaments, and bones. The median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel, providing feeling in the index finger, middle finger, and thumb, as well as the thumb side of the ring finger.  Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed in the area between the wrist and the hand. Pressure on the median nerve is often caused by swelling due to repetitive wrist movements.

Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery Munster Indiana What Do Guitarists, Pianists, and Hairstylists All Have in Common

Strumming the pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem for both acoustic and electric guitar players. This is mainly because of the repetitive wrist and finger movements when strumming or shaping chords. The best way for guitarists to avoid carpal tunnel is to perfect their technique and minimize tension and unnecessary muscle use in their wrists and hands.

Scoring the pain

Many pianists experience carpal tunnel syndrome because of the hand and wrist movement while performing, particularly when stretching to play octaves. To avoid this condition, pianists should avoid dropping the wrist while playing. Regular hand and finger flexing can also help.

Snipping the pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a hairdressers’ nightmare and is caused by the repetitive movement of cutting hair. Hairdressers can avoid carpal tunnel issues by keeping their wrists straight, keeping their elbows down and avoiding finger tension while cutting hair. Using a swivel chair can also help.

Calming the carpal tunnel

If carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed early enough, a non-surgical treatment should be enough to ease symptoms. Non-surgical treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or wrist-splints. Sometimes corticosteroids may help alleviate symptoms.

If the condition is severe, surgery may be necessary. The two main surgical options are endoscopic surgery and open surgery. Both methods involve cutting the ligament in the wrist to free the median nerve. After surgery, the ligament’s tissues will heal, leaving more room in the carpal tunnel or the median nerve.

Keeping carpal tunnel syndrome at bay

It is possible to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome even for hairstylists and those who enjoy playing the guitar or piano. Wearing wrist braces when possible, will help support the wrist and ease the pressure. It’s also important to take regular breaks from whichever activity requires repetitive wrist movement. Try to keep wrists straight and if they begin to swell, use an ice pack.  Although carpal tunnel syndrome is usually easy to treat, it can cause a lot of inconvenience for people who frequently perform activities using the wrists. The best way to keep carpal tunnel syndrome at bay is to be proactive about it.

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“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

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“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
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“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

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