Scleroderma
What disease does Brian Setzer have?
Brian Setzer, the famed guitarist of The Stray Cats has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that affects the hands. Although the condition has not been made public, based on his description it is most likely “Scleroderma”
The name scleroderma comes from two words. Sclerosis and Dermis. Sclerosis is thickening or hardening (atherosclerosis) and dermis is related to skin (epidermis). Scleroderma most often affects the tension in the skin of the hands through thickening and tightening, leading to a feeling of having gloves on the hands, reduced mobility and loss of tactile precision. Scleroderma also affects the organs of the body and the network of blood vessels. It’s serious.
While it can be managed through medications, these medications have side effects, but the side effects for a brilliant guitarist like Brian Setzer, these side effects are probably less destructive than not being able to play guitar.
What disease does Brian Setzer have?
There are no solutions to this problem if indeed it is Scleroderma. No definitive diagnosis has been made public, but this one could be it, and if it is, Brian Setzer may be in for a bit of a haul.
As a doctor who specializes in the health and injury recovery in musicians, and as a fan of Brian Setzer, I sincerely wish him all the best in his treatment for this unfortunate autoimmune disease diagnosis.
The body wants to be healthy. The body is a great self healing, self regulating machine that sometimes needs a bit of help. It is reasonable to he optimistic that Brian Setzer will get the help he needs and will recover enough to return to playing and performing live.
Below you will find the announcement from Brian:
Hi everybody,
I just wanted to check in with you all. Towards the end of the last Stray Cats tour I noticed that my hands were cramping up. I’ve since discovered that I have an auto-immune disease. I cannot play guitar.
There is no pain, but it feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play. I have seen some progress in that I can hold a pen and tie my shoes. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I was at a point where I couldn’t even do that. Luckily, I have the best hospital in the world down the block from me. It’s called the Mayo Clinic. I know I will beat this, it will just take some time.
I love you all,
Brian
Dr. Lou Jacobs is a Portland, Maine chiropractor and acupuncturist who has worked with musicians for over 23 years. While he has never worked with Brian Setzer, and does not know Brian Setzer, the announcement of this autoimmune disease does bring into question whether or not it is a scleroderma diagnosis. This diagnosis is pure speculation, but considered a possibility given his statement. This diagnosis for a guitarist is unfortunate, but not necessarily the end of playing. Dr. Lou studies the morbidity and mortality of musicians of all levels in an effort to better help those he works with. Dr. Lou offers consulting/coaching for musicians all over the world. For information on consulting or coaching you may email DrJ@drloujacobs.com