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Looper's Delight
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Michael Tuminello <m1cha3l@earthlink.net> inquired: > I have been occasionally having some numbness on the back of my left hand... I was misdiagnosed briefly with Carpal Tunnel Whatsis until it was found that I'd actually hurt my back slightly in the past, but had developed quite the muscular compensation for it, ultimately gaining a tense base of the neck, including the bundle of nerves branching off to the extremities. Symptoms were at times painful and sometimes frightening (not being able to squeeze closed a pair of springed pliers!); and before finding out about the back problem and its complications, was being ordered by doctors to wear wrist braces at all times. Phooey. I found a lot of damage was being done while I slept, in that I'd crook my wrists in, holding my arms to my chest, and alternately stressing the muscles at the tops of my hands and wrists, and cutting off the circulation to my hands. A superior chiropractor taught me how to sleep with my arms out from my body, thus relieving the pressure, and the hand stress. Since then I've not had too much trouble at all, thank God, since every thing I do practically is through my hands, including drawing and illustration. Imagine the relief when the problem went away, only occasionally returning briefly when I sleep the wrong way. > 2. buying a wacom tablet (I use one at home, and never had a problem before) Wonderful idea no matter what. As a person who draws I find the pen-tablet a superior interface (I'd prefer one that combines touch-screen with pen-tablet) to the mouse, no matter how many buttons or wheels it's got on it. Above all, try to do some relaxation exercises of some kind before bed. Physical stretching beforehand. Look into Yoga. Many folks who in the past suffered in this manner - some in their 80s - find a good amount of relief this way too. At least that's what Dr. Whiplash told me to say... :) [wink] Stephen Goodman * It's the free Loop Of The Week! EarthLight Productions * http://www.earthlight.net/Studios.html * (Hear the NEW "Star Spangled Banner" here!)