Newsgroups: sci.med.occupational
Subject: Playing drums and paraesthesia of n. ulnaris
Date: 26 Apr 1997 14:57:24 GMT

Is it possible to develop a paraesthesia of n.ulnaris because of playing
drums?

Hans-Peter Kirsch
Dentist and drummer.

Newsgroups: sci.med.occupational
Subject: Re: Playing drums and paraesthesia of n. ulnaris
Date: 30 Apr 1997 20:31:59 GMT

Sure it is. But it may also be from being a dentist. I have played drums
for the greater majority of life and have seen/participated in some scarry
posturing. If the symptom is true paresthesia (pins and needles) than the
problem is most likely in the n. trunk at the level of the scalenes. This
is commonly called thoracic outlet syndrome. I can see this easily being a
problem for a drummer or a dentist because of the forward flexed posture of
the upper trunk and neck that is often necessary. It is difficult to say
that what you have is in fact thoracic outlet syndrom without a full
orthopedic physical assessment. If the problem continues you should find
yourself a good Pysiatrist and a Certified Hand Therapist (either
occupational or physical) that specializes in cumulative trauma injuries. 

What I can tell you is that regardless of the location of the injury,
posture and stretching will most likely be the key to getting rid of it.  
1. Bring your drums in close to you. I see lots of people with drums
orbiting pluto. Try to stratle the snair tight so that the other drums are
close.
2. Keep the drums and especially the brass as low as possible. Try to keep
your elboes extended to 90 degrees. If they come up (flexed more than 90
degrees) you are putting a lot of stress on on the ulnar n. in the elboe,
especially with the general muscle tension required to play drums. More
elboe extension will be required, of course, to reach the rest of the kit
which is ok.
3. Adjust the tilt of the toms so that when you strike each drum the top of
your wrists are flat (0 degrees). This will put the toms nearly flat, with
just a slight tilt (Stewart Copland style). This is also good because it
allows for rim shots with little effort. 
4. Stretch, Stretch, Stretch!!! Especially neck lateral flexion (ear to
shoulder) and pec stretch (stand facing a corner with each hand on a wall,
at shoulder level, and lean into corner); wrists, fingers, and forarms
(palms up/down). Do all stretching slow; no bouncing.
5. Maintain good posture (nice, stong, straight trunk with chin slightly
tucked).
6. Aerobic exercise. Don't take this as an ad on. It is crucial, and it
works. Running, swimming, cycling etc.
7. Trunk strenthening (abs and back). It is very important to have a strong
foundation.

Good luck to you.