wrist pain
jz: About 4 years ago, I was 22 at the time, I started experiencing pain in my right wrist and forearm. Once the pain became unbearable, I started using the mouse with my left hand. Almost immediately I experienced pain in my left wrist and forearm. Initially I thought it was Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I went to physical therapy 3 times a week for about 6 months with little or no benefit. I started reading books on RSI, trigger points, and myofascial pain. I was afraid that I would need to switch careers (I'm a programmer). My attitude towards work changed drastically and my want to use a computer outside of work became nil. I started cutting out of work early and going to more meetings. I did anything that would keep me away from the computer. Driving became painful. I had to quit lifting weights and playing sports since they worsened the pain. I then saw a surgeon who (you guessed it) said I needed surgery on my forearms. I left his office confused and psychologically broken. I decided surgery would be my last resort and I would try any noninvasive approach. I enrolled in physical therapy (different therapist) for another 3 months and stopped going. This round of therapy was actually making the pain and numbness worse. I tried wrist braces which also made the pain worse. My wife found a myofasical treatment center in Chicago (http://www.myopain.com/). After my 1 hour visit, the intensity of the pain decreased. I left armed with the knowledge to treat my pain. That was almost 2 years ago and I have been virtually pain free. I had a week where the pain started coming back about 6 months ago. I went back in for another hour appointment and she diagnosed my problem again. So to sum things up:* I started experiencing pain in my wrists and forearms about 4 years ago* After 6 months, the pain became so intense I started working less and avoided my computer as much as possible* Went to physical therapy where they misdiagnosed my problem* Stopped physical therapy after 6 months or so* Was recommended to a surgeon who (big surprise) wanted to do surgery.* Tried a different physical therapist* Tried wrist braces* Went to the myo pain center in Chicago http://www.myopain.com/* I was able to treat myself after a 1 hour visit at the myopain center
* Went from being able to work on a computer unbearably 35 hours a week to 70+ virtually pain free (when I worked for a YC startup)* I now work from home and have made some ergonomic changes that have also helped: The top of my monitor is at eye level. I use a trackball and the Microsoft 4000 ergonomic keyboard. I got an overstuffed thick pillow which helped support my neck when sleeping on my side. I use this book to find and treat the trigger points: http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Tr...