First let me start off by saying that these are my ideas, not facts. I am sharing my opinions on the subject of ulnar nerve neuropathies in hopes that it will shed light on to your own unique ulnar problems. Please note that my theories do not correlate to trauma induced neuropathies.

Here is my background, Im a 29 year old male, third year osteopathic medical student doing my core medical rotations in Michigan. I have done much research on CuTS since I have been struggling with it for almost two years. I have read several books on the subject, studied many of the up to date journals, and have implemented my osteopathic and anatomy training into my theories.

The most common theories I have read here to why people think they have CuTS is due to overuse of the elbow or lifting (excluding trauma). I do not agree with this completely. I believe that CuTS occurs when we put our body in a position that causes stain (stretch) to our brachial plexus that crosses through the anterior and middle Scalene muscles. When we cause this strain on the plexus and add repetitive movements, ie. at the elbow or the wrist, we cause severe friction to the nerves in those areas. We can do repetitive movements all we want and we will not have any problems EVER, as long as the nerves are NOT under strain.

So what postures put the brachial plexus in a tight position? Easy, anterior chest carry. What position are we in when we are on the computer, with our arms are up and extended while we are typing? Anterior chest carry. For those who like to lift weights, do you tend to do the excises that causes your body to have more of an anterior chest carry like bench press, curls and triceps without not putting much emphasis on the antagonizing muscles like the back?

I believe the key to fighting CuTS has to do with not putting the plexus in stain. I have read about several people on this forum that have stopped working out because they think lifting is causing it. I believe that is the wrong thing to do. The most important thing you can do is keep working out, but work out the right muscles. If you love bench, curls and triceps, keep doing them, but do less. Focus more on back muscles to fight that anterior chest carry. Focus on lifts that gives you better posture. Remember a spine that looks like a giant C curve and not a giant S curve will cause the nerves C-5 to T-1 that make up the brachial plexus to pull tighter.

So do I recommend minimal use of you elbow? Only if you are putting strain to your plexus. Most of us have noticed that the symptoms occur when sitting and not standing. I can use my elbows all day while standing with no problems. I sit down, then I have to be careful. When we are standing, it is easier to keep the S curve to the spine rather than sitting.

Anyway, I think many people here on these forums tend to stop any type of movements to the elbow when they get CuTS. I believe it is a time to be more involved, not less. Find new sports hobbies like volleyball, basketball, etc. Sports strengthens the muscles we never use while sitting on our butts. I would not however recommend biking, since that tends to be a sitting position and an anterior chest carry!

Anyway, that is the basis of what I think is going on. I have been doing this and have had great results. Let me know what you think.



Jace

i was just diagnosed with cuts i was lifting before but barely felt any pain working out.been lifting for since high school and through college till now. just some pain in the wrist. neurologist said lifting would cause more nerve damage. ive been cutting the weight in half with a lot of my excercise to tone up instead of strength training like in the past. im thinkin of taking up swimming and used to play hockey as a goalie and soccer you think that would be okay exercise take up with cuts.

I haven't tried swimming yet, but I have thought about it before. Its a great work out because it uses a lot of back muscles and it puts your body in more of an extension position and not flexion. Flexion can lead to bad posture and strain on the plexus. Make sure you are drinking a lot of water too. If you weigh around 150-160 lbs, I recommend 80 oz h20 a day, not taking into account extra water for working out.

sounds great i used to weigh around that range but lost some cause of lyme disease. already drink 2 liter of water a day just try to gain 13-16 lbs and eat about 3000 or so calories keep following a good excercise plan previously with lifting, running and calisthenics. do workouts that would affect the joints less and stuff. i agree with your assessment to work out more is better for you.

I have no neck problems per an MRI. When I sit with a C shaped spine, my elbows and hands hurt more. When I lie down but prop up my head and neck with pillows to read or watch TV, my elbows and hands hurt more. I think you're on to something about the stretching of the Brachial Plexus.

I have no neck problems per an MRI. When I sit with a C shaped spine, my elbows and hands hurt more. When I lie down but prop up my head and neck with pillows to read or watch TV, my elbows and hands hurt more. I think you're on to something about the stretching of the Brachial Plexus.