carpel tunnel?

[Lady_Chaos]

my mom thinks I have carpel tunnel. Whenever I pick up heavy objects (or sometimes just even like coke cans) I get this sharp pain in my left wrist. I also get this feeling when I'm playing the guitar. and sometimes it just randomly starts hurting. my mom is making me wear a brace, does anyone know anything else that might help?

[MoveAlong]

:serenade: Is the wrist that hurts on the same side as the one you use to finger on a guitar? Do you bend your wrist when you fret on guitar? Do you practice or play your guitar for long periods of time?

If that's the case, you might have irritated your median nerve (in your wrist) by doing those things. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by repeated pressing on this median nerve. I read online that wearing your guitar too low and/or not having your wrist straight while playing could cause carpal tunnel.

Here's a few tests you can do that could point to whether or not you have carpal tunnel (from about.com):
A few simple tests can help diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Place your hands together backside to backside with both hands flexed 90 degrees downward. Severe or sharp pain in this position is one sign.

Tap the inside of your wrist. Pain and an electrical shock sensation is another sign.

If you're mom is right, she's doing the right thing by putting it on a brace. That way, you won't bend your wrist, so your median nerve won't be irritated!

Mayoclinic.com has a few tips that could help remedy carpal tunnel syndrome:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/DS00326/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/DS00326/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/DS00326/DSECTION=alternative-medicine

Keep in mind that we can't diagnose you. If you want to be sure about what this is and how to make it feel better, ask your family doctor.
Hope your wrist feels better! :)

[Lady_Chaos]

I have rather small hands so some of the chords are hard for me to play (like in Jimi Hendrix "Little Wing") so I have to place my wrist at odd angles, otherwise the chords don't sound right. I also play the piano, and my typing is never in the correct up position. I think I've brought this upon myself... and the pain isn't there all the time, but its becoming more frequent...

thanks=)