CTS

[all_black_and_white]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I have recently developed CTS in my right and left wrists, and would really like to hear from others that have had/do have it.  First, is it typical to have pain all the way up in the shoulder/neck?  The dr. I went to seemed to think it was pretty abnormal for carpel tunnel, and thinks maybe it could be something else.    It has been about 6 weeks for me, and the pain seems to come and go - I've been very careful to stop different activities when I start feeling uncomfortable, but I'm wondering if maybe that's not good enough.  I'm wearing splints at night, taking vit. B-6, E, C, and drugging up on Advil - maybe I just need to give it more time?  Also, how long did you have to stay off the piano?  And how did you survive? ;-)  The itching sensation I get when I pass my piano is teaching me to keep far away from it when I'm not giving lessons.  Just too tempting!

Anyway, I'd love to hear from any of you, and I appreciate any suggestions.

Sarah

[vivace]

It sounds like your main problem starts up in your neck/shoulder region. I have heard that symptoms of cts in conjuction with neck/shoulders issues are usually diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome. In cts, you are compressing a nerve somewhere around the wrist area, and in tos, you are compressing a nerve in the brachial plexus area (upper shoulder/chest/neck region).

Also it seems strange that you were told to have cts in both wrists--could you describe exactly where your pain is, and what it is?

Examine how what you do with your shoulders while you play--are they tight or hunched up or forward? Do you tend to hold your breath a lot, or breath shallowly? Do you tense your neck muscles--think about the front as well as the back of your neck. In fact, examine these things throughout the day, and not just while you play piano; many times these habits become "daily life" habits.

I have recently been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome on my right side. I went through a few different type of doctors to get this figured out.  I have neck pain (results in headaches), shoulder pain, tingling in my upper arm, and weakness in my fingers; the original reason I saw a doctor was for the finger weakness. I am in physical therapy and am given neck stretches and posture-related training. In addition, I am also taking Alexander Technique lessons which I am thus far finding very helpful.

I advise you to see another doctor--a specialist such as an orthopedic dr. would be best. In the meantime, B vitamins do wonders for nerve irritation, so keep that up. As for Advil--the problem with taking anti-inflammatories is that it can mask over your symptoms, making it very difficult to mark your progression and to see exactly what activities are bad--does that make sense? Just be aware of that.

Let me know if you have any more questions--this is a beast I have battling for quite some time now and am just beginning to overcome it! 

[all_black_and_white]

vivace,

  Thanks for responding.   The dr. I went to suggested CTS as an initial diagnosis, but thought it could easily be something else - her next plan was a nerve test to find out were the nerves are being pinched, for sure.  CTS was her first guess because of the first symptoms I was having - all in the hand/wrist/fore-arm area.  Now, however, the pain seems to be more like you suggested - shoulder/neck pain, and headaches (maybe THAT'S why I've been having those...).  The pain can be pretty intense in the neck area, but I still have some pain/numbness all the way down my arm, and in my fingers. 

  I think I tend to be pretty tense when playing the piano in general, so I'm sure that is part of the problem - especially when working on more intense pieces.  Recently I'd been working a lot on Chopin's Romance Op. 5, as well as doing a lot of intense typing (keeping up with college grades ).  I do tend to tense up in my shoulders a lot when I play, I think. Thank you for the insightful suggestions!  I really think you could be right on this one.  I think I'll try to go in for the nerve test, and see what my options are after that.  I hope things get better for you, and you can get back to playing more.

Sarah