Cubital tunnel syndrome R elbow....can't play:(

[Doxy]

I've been diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome from compression of the ulnar nerve in my elbow when it is bent. Have any of you out there experienced this? I've had an EMG which shows the nerve is being compressed and after only 5 minutes playing my ring and pinky fingers on my right hand are numb. I can't hold the phone for very long or even type on my phone or tablet with my elbow bent. I work in a rehab hospital so I decided to try rehab before surgery but the orthopedic surgeon wasn't too optimistic. this is very depressing. I haven't been able to play very much lately and I'm not supposed to play at all right now. I've had problems with tennis elbow in the other elbow (but physical therapy fixed that) and pain in my right shoulder for awhile (one reason I prefer smaller guitars) that the physical therapist said may be arthritic. I'm so sad . Any thoughts or stories to share?

[escardel]

Oh no I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope things get better for you.

[LSemmens]

FRUSTRATING! I feel for you, no, I've not had that problem, but did suffer similar after a severe MV accident in 2001. I could not lift my right arm much above my waist. Playing guitar was painful in my shoulder. At the time the doctors were telling me that surgery might alleviate the problem but that I may never move my arm properly again. Apparently the 7th & 11th cortical nerves were damaged. The 11th operates the trapesius but, owing to damage, would take years to grow back, effectively leaving my right arm useless. I had a miracle and prior to my last appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon. My arm "came good". All I can offer is my hopes and prayers that your problem is resolved.

[TheJackal]

What I had was not exactly the same issue but similar symptoms. I had carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. Had surgery on both and I could not be more pleased with the results. Pre- and post-surgery was like having a switch that instantly turned off the symptoms. On my left hand, despite having a small cast, I could play again without the tingling and "going to sleep" issues. I recommend finding a reputable orthopedic surgeon to examine your elbow and give you options. There are some out there who actually view surgery as a solution of last resort. If things go there, know that this is an area where things are actually fixed and can be better than new.

Hope you find resolution.

[Borderdon]

Nothing really to share, except best wishes.
Years back, I suffered from "tennis elbow", which responded wonderfully to acupuncture.
Hope you're able to resolve your condition.
don

[ManyMartinMan]

Wouldn't there be a surgery, similar to Carpal-Tunnel Syndrome surgery that would eliminate the problem? If not..........maybe try switching your playing from left/right (what you are now) to the other hand. That would put the offending arm straight (chording) instead of bent.

[pops]

Many years ago I had what was diagnosed as tennis elbow. I suffered for ten months as it was in both elbows. I did not have the fingers falling asleep, but pain in the elbow. I went to a different chiropractor due to a time restraint and he immediately said "oh you have a rib out". Popped the rib that was out in my back and the pain was instantly gone and has not returned for ten years now.

[Kerbie]

I am so sorry to hear that. Like MartinMan, I also thought about possibly changing hands. Would lap steel work... many with slightly straighter arms than usual?

I don't know what the answer is, but I hope you don't give up until you find it. Good luck... and let us know.

[Von Beerhofen]

Once I realised this tingly feeling wasn't really an oncoming heart attack but related to my guitar practise I slowed down for a while. It's been over 40 years ago now and I can't fully remember how I dealt with it.
I think I stopped playing for two or three weeks and then slowly picked up the pace again, I didn't change anything else relating to my dayly behaviour but I recall I did try to avoid anything which would result in that numbness and tingling feeling.

For instance travelling by train to work I noticed that it was less problematic sitting on that side where my left arm could relax more and wasn't forced into the small area near a window. I'd stand if necessary.

I'm still playing today and it never returned, I mean I just wouldn't allow it to return and take a small relaxation break with any indication of injury.
I hope things work out for you too.

Ludwig

[lowrider]

Have you tried acupuncture? I know it sounds weird but it can really help with these kind of things. I had tendonitus so bad it would wake me up and acupuncture relieved it in a couple of visits. I got rear ended in my truck in October, saw a physical therapist for a month, didn't do much good, chiropractor helped some, AC got it almost back to normal in one visit. I've seen her now five times and the neck is feeling fine. Not quite normal but fine. Doctor ordered an mri of my back, holy crap I have five herniated disks. Not much trouble from the back but I guess it's in my future.

[HNS]

Physiotherapy helped me a lot.

I have shoulder problems, trigger finger on my fretting hand and tennis elbow.. on my left arm.

I posted this on the UMGF. You 'll get passed it .. it just takes time

http://theunofficialmartinguitarforu...uitar-Breaking

[roylor4]

Doxy, sorry to hear of your problem. I am a therapist that specializes in pain relief.

There are many places that compression and nerve impingement can happen and cause these symptoms. quite often, they are cause by fascia and other soft tissue. IME, many doctors have little knowledge in this realm and seeking help from "specialists" is equally problematic, as they tend to look for answers within ONLY their realm of expertise - which may or may not be related.

The two most common compression sites are at the neck and under pec minor. The Brachial Plexus travels through and under these sites and tightness in either or both areas can cause compression on every nerve within the arm.

Extensive chest and neck stretches may be helpful, but I urge you to find a LMBT that specializes in myofascial work or that is certified in medical massage and has experience with these types of conditions.

I have several clients that have undergone a variety of surgeries for nerve impingement/compression and more of them have been unsuccessful than not.

I would seek out any and all alternatives before surgery.

If I can be of any help, feel free to PM me.

[dhalbert]

I have cubital tunnel syndrome in my left elbow, self-diagnosed at first. At first it was tingly and numb all the time. I bought a soft elbow brace which kept my arm from bending too much when I was sleeping and used it for a couple of months. I also took a couple of weeks off from the guitar. The constant tingling went away, but there was still considerable numbness. I saw an orthopedic surgeon after that. He gave me a PT prescription and said surgery didn't seem indicated yet. If I started dropping things that would indicate muscle weakness and suggest surgery.

The PT helped somewhat. I did wrist strengthening and similar exercises and the PT also did nerve massage. I stopped after several months because it was not really improving. I still have slight numbness but no tingling. It does not get worse when I play. I will live with the numbness.

If you don't have an elbow brace for sleeping definitely get one. Try to keep your elbow off chair and car armrests. If you have arms on your office chair take them off or get another chair.

[dcmey]

I have it in my right arm, but it's manageable. I went from playing a lot of fingerstyle to mainly strumming. B vitamins help it, Omega 3 helps it, also naproxen or aleve will help it. My doctor had suggested that if it got bad about burning the nerve endings, but that would be something that would need to be repeated every 6 months.

[Doxy]

Thank you so much for all the stories, support and suggestions This is a lot of helpful information!