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Here's to Your Health:  carpal tunnel  |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
 Posted - May 26 2005 : 11:52:29 AM
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Well, I just came home from the doctor with 2 stylish (not) splints..one on each wrist ...I knew it was bad but he was horrified at how bad my grip and all was and how much pain I had been in and that I waited so long. Jeesh! I knew he would make me stop knitting for awhile. He asked me to not knit for 2 weeks and to wear the splints all the time and take Ibuprofen. I told him I must milk the goats...no one else here can do it. He said to train steve to milk at least once a day then and said he still didn;t like the idea. I love my husband but he is going to really complain about the milking. If this helps in 2 weeks time I can just do the same thing when it flares up, if no help he wants to talk surgery...and I don't.
This has been an ongoing thing with me...since I started waitressing and carrying trays (my left wrist is worse than the right side) but I have just got by. Since starting to milk two goats this year (one of them a really hard one to milk) and helping with two of my friends' milking when they have gone out of town also it has been bad. I havn't been able to sleep at night..hurts too much. Does anyone of you gals have experience with this. I have tried heat and cold and that used to help. When I milk I milk with two hands, then rest one and then the other..so I have learned how to work around it..same with knitting..just rest a minute every couple rows.
I am so bummed to put my knitting aside for two whole weeks! I wonder if I could knit with these stupid things on???
I felt sorry for myself when I left the doctor so I went and bought myself some good chocolate and a book (The shop on Blossom street)
It is hard to type too...slow going!! Any advice???
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2005 : 12:00:39 PM
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Jenny, I have not experienced this trouble myself, but I am extremely conscious of the erogomics of my desk, which is where I do most of my repetitive wrist work. My brother, who operates heavy equipment, was experiencing this pain alot. He finally went ahead and had the surgery and it seemed to help him alot. Other than preventative measures, I'm not sure if there are any "alternative treatments" out there. Anyone else know?
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2005 : 12:27:04 PM
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Jenny, I got severe carpal tunnel when I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter. My Dr. put my wrist in a splint and advised me to lessen my intack of sodium because excess fluids caused the swelling that caused the syndrome. Not sure this would apply to you because you are not pregnant. He also said to be conscious of how I used that wrist in everday activities like getting out of the chair, bathtub, ect. He said to make a fist and keep my wrists stright and use the strength of my upper arms to raise myselfm not the wrist itself. Does it feel like they are "asleep" and tingling all the time? Repetative tasks are a killer...I worked part time baking cookies, scooping dough that really got my wrists hurting. Computer work can aggrivate too...When on the computer use one of those gel wrist supports and keep your elbow and wrists level to your waist. Have you ever explored accupunture? Perhaps this is an alternative you might look into. So sorry you have this problem. It can be a pain in the waz when a person is so active!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2005 : 5:09:39 PM
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Jenny - I am so sorry to hear you are in pain. I have a close friend who went ahead with the surgery (she was a sculptor) and it helped her tremendously. She is pain free now. I hope your splints help you, as I know how hard it is to stop doing the things you love.
I am thinking of you, and hope you find the right cure so you can knit and milk and type! Especially type to us!
jpbluesky
Heaven gives its glimpses only to those
Not in position to look too close.
from "A Passing Glimpse" by Robert Frost |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2005 : 6:28:05 PM
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Jenny I am so sorry to hear you are experiencing carpal tunnel in both wrists.My doctor always says that when you are experiencing that kind of pain , it is nature's way of telling us to stop, slow down and rethink how we are doing something.A good friend of ours and my sister in law both suffered for quite a long time and then resorted to the surgery when they were unable to get relief. Both of them now wonder why they put it off so long because they are symptom free and back to doing everything they did before. I know it's hard to ask for help, but you must take care of yourself. You are way too busy, you must have hands and wrists that are there to do all the wonderful things you do. My sister in law says Wal Mart sells a topical spray called Stops Pain that helped her a bit. It had menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint oils w/ glucosamine sulfate. Might be worth a try to get some relief until you can decide about the next step. You're in my prayers, it's no fun to be in pain.
with a happy heart |
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shepherdess
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Robin
Eatonville
Washington
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2005 : 11:19:09 PM
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I was told 4 years ago That I needed an operation for Carpel Tunnel. I started taking a supplement called BROMOFLEX . You can get it at the health food store. It has helped me so much that I still haven't had the operation. You have to take it for about 3 weeks before you notice the differnce. I swear by it.
Robin In Western Washington
" From sheep to handspun " |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 05:19:39 AM
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Jenny - I hope you get your book today; it will allow you to do something that does not require using your fingers too much! Although they may begin to itch while you read about all the project ideas!
Thinking of you -
jpbluesky
Heaven gives its glimpses only to those
Not in position to look too close.
from "A Passing Glimpse" by Robert Frost |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 09:33:17 AM
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Jenny just had another thought...While you are resting those wrists how about enjoying some farmgirl created mail art? Just email your address to Connie on the Mail art topic and the art will start flowing to your doorstep! I'll be the first one to create a special piece just for you! And you don't have to reciprocate! You need to rest and take care of yourself! This will be like sending farmgirl care packages...Hey that's another idea! I am sending you along with the art healing thoughts and prayers!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 11:41:13 AM
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Thanks gals!!!
yep, does feel like tingling and going to sleep (my fingers) all the time and I am sure realizing how much I use my wrists for everything since I have to keep them straight with these things on. I first waitressed in High school and I am 46 so this has been coming on for a long time I guess.
One of my good friends here in town (My goat mentor) called yesterday and told me that she was coming over with her horse trailer to get my milk goats and take them to her place. She is going to milk them on her milking machine for me all week (she is going out of town next Friday) I went over last night to visit and be with the girls when they got milked over there for the first time and they did fine. She and I had a long talk about what I should do about the milking and I think I am going to have to sell one of the goats for sure and just milk one. It is a hard decision to make for sure. I just hate to give them up!
It is so hard to type with these things on..but I did sleep better last night so I know it must be helping a little.
The mail art is a great idea Jenny.
I will look for the Bromoflex and stopspain both...sure couldn't hurt!
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 12:13:42 PM
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Jenny, glad things are working out for you... I know we are all such "hands on" gals, that slowing down and taking care of ourselves is an eye-opener. Is there anyway you could get milking machines for your goats, or is that just not a cost-effective option?
This is a good teaching tool for your kids too.... let them pitch in to help with the chores more. I know that takes a toll on you supervision wise, but it will empower them to know they can help mom out alot.
I'll be thinking good healing thoughts for you. Take care.
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 7:43:32 PM
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Did check out the price of milking machines and talked to a friend about who she knows that sells them and all...$1,200 seems to be the cheapest way to get set up unless I could locate a used one..out of my budget for sure and seems like no one sells the used ones..or maybe they have buyers lined up waiting for them!!!
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 9:31:29 PM
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Jenny,
I just did a quick search at Ebay for "goat milking machines" and there were several items that came up... perhaps one of them will fit your needs? Even the most expensive is $575.00 on the "buy it now" basis rather than bidding... Perhaps something to consider? (Check out shipping costs though... those add up fast, as I've found out personally! )
P.S.(I don't want you to have to forfiet your goats!!!)
Here's the link:
http://search.ebay.com/goat-milking-machines_W0QQfkrZ1QQfromZR8e's
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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Erin Raincrow
True Blue Farmgirl
65 Posts
Julie Erin
New Mexico
65 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2005 : 5:15:22 PM
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I have carpel tunnel too and go through stages of my hands tingling and numb. I've also gone through periods when the numbness does not go away and my hands stay that way for weeks at a time and then one day it is gone. It seems to be worse at night when I'm sleeping because I sleep with my hands "weird" and when I'm stressed out.
There are several things that help me....one is I make an appointment with my Naturapath and he does Argon Treatments and then does Laser treatments on my neck, shoulders, forearms, wrists and hands.
Another is a rice/flaxseed pillow, besides the rice/flaxseed it has Chamomile, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lavender, Eucalyptus and Grapefruit Peel. Sometimes I use them hot and sometimes cold depending on what I'm feeling like.
These are easy to make too....if you want the recipe let me know I'll be happy to post it.
I've also found that meditation, deep breathing and dissembling the pain help too, particularly at bedtime.
Having this is such a total pain......
But once in while the odd thing happens,
Once in a while the dream comes true,
And the whole pattern of life is altered,
Once in a while the moon turns blue.
Auden |
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 6:05:55 PM
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I have gone through the carpal tunnel stages you all are talking about. I eventually got used to typing on the keyboard as I had to (work). I got a rollar ball mouse and I slept with my arms over pillows to keep them from getting numb a habit I still do to this day. Norm calls my pillow my "boyfriend"! lol!
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2005 : 11:15:17 PM
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It has really helped having a break from milking the goats (and knitting too...that was harder!) this past week. I am milking one goat this weekend. My friend who helped me out has gone out of town to a goat show. It didn't hurt as much as it was when I milked two of course. I ended up selling my least favorite of my two milkers and I think I will try to get by milking the one. I have been good about wearing those blasted splint things..doc made me promise to wear them all I can and be good until Thursday. (2 weeks) I guess I won't be milk goat sitting for anyone for awhile again either..which is too bad, I enjoy that! I am sure hoping that I can just go back to the splints when it flares up some, or sleep in them...I have a horrible habit of sleeping with my wrists all curled up and under my chest..and can't seem to break that habit..impossible to do with the splints on. Thanks so much for all your thoughts. I am checking out that inexpensive milking machine too...although..it would put some of my priority things down the list..so I don't know yet.
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2005 : 07:38:40 AM
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So glad to hear the flareup is easing somewhat, Jenny. Regarding the milking machine, sometimes it's just nice to know that there are options out there, even if we don't act on them right away. Peace of mind .....I've missed you. Hope you can type a bit more soon!
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2005 : 10:48:11 AM
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Jenny, sorry to hear of your problem with carpal tunnel. In 1986 I had surgery on my right wrist (I'm right-handed) for tenosynovitis (the tendon in the wrist near the thumb).
I previously tried shots, and splints which did not help. The problem was my job, so instead of correcting what was causing the problems, (including wrist supports, better chair, etc.) my employer said to go the workers comp route. I had the surgery and was off work for about 12 weeks, which included occupational therapy. In 1989 & had the surgery again to do another tendon, and repair scar tissue from the 1st surgery. I have 15% loss of use in my right hand, according to the drs. but I don't let it stop me from doing anything. I can only suggest you try everything before surgery, but that route eventually helped me.
Cecelia
ce's farm
"Curiosity is one of the forms of feminine bravery" Victor Hugo |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2005 : 6:11:14 PM
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I saw this in a catalog today, Aunt Jenny, and thought this would be easy to make. It's called a Comfort Cuff. It's a polyester velour cuff filled with lavender-infused flaxseed and it can be heated in a microwave or chilled in the freezer to provide just the comfort level needed. You might find some therapy relief from them.
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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JoyIowa
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Joy
273 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2005 : 7:59:15 PM
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Jenny,
Have you tried a chiropractor? I can't tell you how many of my quilting friends have gotton instant relief in about 5 minutes from a chiropractor. In fact we were at a quilting retreat and one person was really in pain. Another person in attendance recognized the symptoms as possibly carpol tunnel and called in for an appointment. The two came back about an hour later. I'm not sure what treatment they use, but my husband swears by it. He says you can immediately feel the tingling and numbness go away. Just a thought. We like to stay out of operations way if possible.
Joy
To live without farm life is merely existing, to live with farm life is living life to it very last experience. |
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PJJ
True Blue Farmgirl
95 Posts
Paula
Bristow
OK
USA
95 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2005 : 10:21:58 PM
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You may not realize carpal tunnel starts way up in your neck and works its way down to your wrists. I have had a lot of luck working with clients in their necks, down the shoulders and into the upper arms, around the elbow, then down into the forearm and wrist.
A chiropractor might be a good choice. Another thought is a naturopath who is well-versed in bodywork.
Take care!
Paula J.
Paula J., with Ty, Cara, Brody, Blue, and Fidget |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2005 : 10:35:37 PM
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I will have to make a comfort cuff..that sounds so nice!!
I am trying not to have surgery if possible...I am up to being able to milk one goat again and I knit about an hour a day . My left wrist is way worse that the right (all those years of waitressing) and so I get by. I have never been to a chiropractor..chicken I suppose.
I thought it was nerve damage in the wrist that caused carpal tunnel..interesting. I don't know of a naturopath around here (boonies) but I will sure be asking around. Thanks, all of you for your concern...I am trying hard not to have to have surgery if I can help it at all.
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things! |
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greyghost
True Blue Farmgirl
650 Posts
Lynn
Summerville
Georgia
USA
650 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 1:05:14 PM
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Hey Aunt Jenny, I completely understand where you are coming from.
With all the hard work in remodeling the house I keep aggravating my carpal tunnel, plus I hurt my right hand somehow earlier in the year - I was chipping off stucco and some of it took some pretty hard swings with a hammer and chisel to come off - too much impact for the hand to take for long I suppose. For a month after that I could not open my hand all the way nor make a fist, and the fingers were very swollen for a while. That was three months ago.
These days it's very frustrating to swing a hammer for an hour, and not be able to do it again until the next day, for an hour. I went two hours today, and between my wrist and my fingers I'm having trouble typing! I could help this house get redone for us so much faster if I could only swing the hammer for a day...
I do what I can. If that means I get to use the chopsaw (which is really kind of fun) and the sawzall more, well, I try to be a good sport about it. We'll get an air gun - then I can just shoot the nails in place! lol...
I'm 28 years old. I have this trouble now, where will I be in another 28 years? |
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JoyIowa
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Joy
273 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 4:01:02 PM
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Jenny,
Most chiropractors will sit down with you and very carefully explain what can and can't be done on a no-cost consultation basis. They will explain they do not "crack" bones, but rather help the body move back to its normal positions. Good ones (in my humble opinion) will give you exercises to help your body keep in place depending on the kind of movements you do. They really don't want to see you any more than you want to see them. Be upfront with them about your fears and or concerns. It won't hurt to go ask. And it could well keep you out of surgery. Whatever your decision, we're all cheering for you. That is not a fun health problem to have by anyone's definition.
Joy
To live without farm life is merely existing, to live with farm life is living life to it very last experience. |
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quiltedess
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
Nancy
Priest River
ID
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 1:56:24 PM
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My right wrist has started to hurt. The pain appeared to come on suddenly about a week or so ago as I was cutting back some blackberry vines with pruners. I'd never had a problem before this. I bought myself a couple of over-the-counter wrist support things, but while the pain hasn't gotten any worse, it certainly hasn't gotten any better. I'm annoyed because there is a lot of work to do around here and it is amazing how much a little wrist pain can get in the way.
Jenny, how are your wrists? Have they gotten any better? How have you dealt with them so far?
Nancy |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 2:39:20 PM
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they are soome better now...I am only milking once a day finally...at night and still sleep with the stupid brace things on.It does help but I am thinking that what will help the most is probably the break from milking I will get for a few months in the winter..which stinks..I love to milk! I have been trying to not knit for longer than an hour at a time, so I have been doing more sewing now..which is a good thing too! I don't have as much pain now, but my fingers still fall asleep and my wrists ache if I forget the braces even for one night. I am getting tempted to maybe get the surgery on one wrist and see how that goes and then maybe I will feel okay about the other one. I don't like limitations for sure!!
I sure hope yours feel better soon Nancy! It is just annoying isn't it!!???
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
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quiltedess
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
Nancy
Priest River
ID
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 4:40:59 PM
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Yes! Very annoying. Let me know if you ever do decide on surgery to see how it works. I haven't had numbness or tingling in my wrist or hands, just in my arms if I sleep too long on one side or the other. It is possible that it could be related to a problem in my neck too. I've always been tempted to go to a chiropractor, but never sure about how to get a "good" one. :-)
Nancy |
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Here's to Your Health: carpal tunnel |
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carpal tunnel
