As bob conner was saying - there are alternatives to the western medicine approaches that are completely effective in curing, or at least allaying these afflictions that are becoming more common in North America {and other spoiled and bloated cultures}.
You often hear of how there is little to no incidences of certain disease, in a certain culture, country, or geographical area, meanwhile it will be rampant in others.
Now obviously these particular afflictions are tending to run down cultural lines, and can be traced in many instances to dietary habits, and imbalances caused by nutritional deficiencies or other factors{sometimes environmental}.
I have been wanting to practice luthiery for ages, but its not been my only interest these last couple decades. I have studied alternative medicine, {spagyric and herbal medicine in particular} as much as possible.
There has been alot of suggestion that the nutritional deficiency of B vitamine complex
{specifically 6 and 12 but subjects have known to benefit from the entire B group} as leading contributors to carpal tunnel and related syndromes.
It has been proven that B complex vitamines help maintain elasticity in sinews/tendons.
I myself have had severe numbness and tingling in my hands during guitar playing, and have had the symptoms subside with a double daily dose of B complex {good quality} and vitamine C{ester type}.
I have traced a B vitamine deficiency in myself to copious coffee and cigarette consumption.
Alot of people dismiss vitamine {nutritional subsidy therapy} because of the usage of poor quality vitamines - which are poorly assimilated by the body or hardly at all absorbed.
I myself have had very good results -
Although after correcting deficiencies w/vitamines> it is a good idea to correct dietary habits, to continue nourishing these imbalances with food sources rich in the paricular vitamines needed.
And as bob conner has stated there are other non-western therapies that are extremely beneficial as well, in short I think that when there is little help, or no other recourse in western medicine except surgery, its time to look at non western or alternative therapies.
They are quite often the ticket! Im not dismissing Western medicine which had more than a few virtues - no doubt. I just think it has missed the boat in many ways by dismissing many ancient and culturally specific remedies, with predjudice, and is only now catching up in these areas.
Good luck with your problem.
Cheers
Charliewood