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I don’t know if this will help anyone, but I recently saw a hand/wrists specialist for an ongoing nerve issue in my hand and elbow and was given some good advice. This is specifically for compressed nerve issues, such as carpal or cubital tunnel and things like golfers elbow:
I know not everyone has access to such specific specialists so I thought I would pass it on, as these are common issues for artists. I’ve been seeing a physical therapist for awhile and focusing on strength in wrist and arm, as well as stretching and tissue massage with little
or mild improvement. The specialist was pretty confident that while I was dealing with a nerve issue, I should be also targeting higher up, into the shoulder/pectoral area, as these nerves are long and connect up higher than we thing. He also told me it is common for afab people
in particular to have postural issues that cause pinched nerves that manifest symptoms or exasperate comorbid conditions in the elbow wrist. Bad posture standing and “Shrimping” while drawing can compress those nerves in the shoulder. A reason it manifests a lot in afab people
is a known tends to not exercise or strength train postural muscles like the pectorals and the back muscles (which pull you shoulders back and into a less hunched position when they are strong). Obviously this is all generalization, everyone is a bit different. I have definitely
noticed that since the pandemic, I have not been able to go to the gym, and lost a lost of muscle, and also been drawing with bad posture a lot more. About 6 months of that and I started getting my first issues with my arm, which I’ve been dealing with for about 5 months now.
I just the two weeks since my physical therapist started incorporating postural and back muscle strengthening exercises, I’ve already FINALLY started seeing improvement. I still do the hand and wrist stuff because it’s multifaceted, but the improvement is finally happening.
This is all pretty anecdotal, and if possible, talking to a dedicated specialist should be your first line. But just knowing that factoid was good because I know that even protectively, I should make sure to keep good posture, not just pay attention to my wrist position.
And the thing that gets ignored a lot into circles is that good posture is only half “how you sit” and a lot of it is muscle strength. Posterior (backside of the body muscles being kept strong literally pull you shoulders back and your skeleton into alignment (and visa versa).
This is a truth about a lot of body pains not caused by injury or illness....weak muscles on one side pull in one direction, strengthening muscles on the other side pulls them back into a more neutral position. It’s pretty complicated, but valuable. The main take away though is
for “good” posture (meaning neutral and comfortable to workin safely) forcing yourself to sit up, or propping yourself with pillows isn’t enough. Keep the muscles that align your spine strong so they do the work without you trying so hard. It doesn’t have to be much even.
But first, talk to a doctor! I’m not trying to make any statements for anyone or negate that some people have conditions that might make certain things impossible. Just wanted to share a tidbit that has been helping me for people who think it might apply to them! 
Draw safe!
Draw safe!
Also, for at home care, knowledge, and prevention, I recently picked up Draw Stronger by @Kriota and if you can afford it, I really think every artist should have a copy at home!
