Question
Dear Dr. Park,

I am a pianist, working as a accompanist at a music college. I don't know if
you are familiar withe specifics of a accompanist job. Basically it is much
playing, much sight-reading, which often results in muscle tension in your
upper back as you can't relax without knowing the piece you play.

Since a couple of years I have been fighting with a problem: from time to time
my hand (always only the right one) gets very tense, I start experiencing
weakness in the forearm and strange sensations (mixture of numbness,
tingling and weak pain along the whole right arm).
This time I have also pain in my right shoulder under the shoulder blade.

What would your intuition say? What can be the possible cause of my
problems?

Thank you very much in advance for your answer.

Best regards,
Tomasz

Answer
Any time you experience numbness, tingling or weakness in the upper extremity, you have to rule out a possible nerve problem. Some of the most common causes for your symptoms include a pinched nerve in your neck (from a possible disc bulge) or a a peripheral nerve entrapment (like cubital tunnel and carpal tunnel syndrome). Since you are also sitting for a long period of time and doing repetitive movements, you may have muscle imbalances commonly referred to as an upper crossed syndrome. If you address these issues, there is a good likelihood that it may resolve some of your symptoms.

I would suggest you see a qualified chiropractor or a physician who specializes in treating musculoskeletal disorders to take a look at you. I can almost guarantee that he or she will probably find that you have overly tight muscles in one area and weak muscles elsewhere (upper crossed syndrome) so be sure to ask what exercises and stretches will serve you best. Good luck!