[Jewelry making - Article 00317] - Re: [Orchid] Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

[Daniel R. Spirer]

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>         It's basically a repetitive stress syndrome, which overdevelops
>     flexor muscles and leaves extensor muscles flacid.  This causes
>     muscle imbalances to develop which are problematic and aid in
>     creating this condition. 

    While this is an accurate statement it must be noted that what is
    actually happening here is that because of this the blood flow to the
    muscles in your hands is being reduced.  If it is reduced enough then
    the muscle starts to atrophy.  Once that begins to happen you cannot
    get the muscle back to where it was no matter what you do.  I waited
    seven years before having my surgery, using a variety of methods to
    relieve the stress including changing the way I sat at my bench,
    icing, drugs, changing the way I held my tools, etc.  They all worked
    for a period of time but none of it fully resolved the problem over
    the long term.  I chose surgery when it reached the point that I was
    uncomfortable more than I was comfortable.  My surgeon went in
    through my wrist, leaving a half inch scar, and to this point I have
    had no problems.  I was back on my bench within three weeks of the
    operation (which incidentally took less than 15 minutes).  The
    traditional medical community has machines that can test whether or
    not you have carpal tunnel.  Rather than self diagnosing you should
    get yourself tested.  Then if you want to choose an alternative
    medicine or surgery you should do it. 

Daniel R. Spirer, GG
Spirer Somes Jewelers
1794 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140
617-491-6000
spirersomes AT earthlink.net
www.spirersomes.com


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