JayinLA Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I was considering posting this in the 'Getting Old' thread, but I wanted to get some direct feedback from players to see how common this problem is. Basically every now and then I get this numbness and lack of muscle coordination from my inner forearm down through my fingers on my fretting hand. It is completely dibilitating to my playing. I get so frustrated when it happens and sometimes wont go away for weeks. Never had this problem when I was younger, but now I get it if I play/practice more than 3 hours a day for a few consecutive days. I am concerned about it getting worse. Hoping anyone out there knows what's going on and what to do. Thank you in advance for any advice given. Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I guess my advice would be that you'll need to go to a neurologist and they will run some tests. the neurologist will determine the cause and severity once they run a series of (very weird but not painful) tests on you. Do you also notice that you wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning with a numb hand? If you do anything like chopping ice, (maybe not where you live :) ) or using a hammer, does it aggravate it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capmaster Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Fortunately I just had it once in my life up to now, circa four weeks ago for several days only. For unknown reasons my left elbow was aching badly one morning, and same time ring finger and little finger of my left hand lacked timing. Moving them and building up force either were delayed, by a small fraction of a second only but enough to foul up precise fretting. I tried to command my fingers early to compensate the delay, but the results were mediocre. I was glad when it went away some days later, and I hope it won't occur again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buliwyf Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Sorry to hear about your carpel tunnel it can be miserable i hear.I don't have that but what i have is called Dupuytrens syndrome or celtic hand.It's where a few of my fingers start to bend inwards because a tendon in my hand shrinks.So far its only on my strumming hand (Right) and my ring finger so it dosent affect my playing much.It does hurt every now and then and i guess I should be happy it hasnt gotten worse or spread to my fretting hand and fingers.Hope if clears up with some visits to a doctor and with some physical therapy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merciful-evans Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I'm no medical type, nor have I experienced this, but I do know that there is a large nerve plexus beneath the muscle on the shoulder. Its that muscle behind the clavicle. If this is abused in anyway it could well cause the sort of symptoms you describe. Do you regularly carry anything on this shoulder? A heavy bag or similar maybe? (a Les Paul?) Or do you do weight train? I know this from my karate training years. A short sharp jab on this muscle will cause a slow mild tingling that will travel down the arm, eventually ending with 'pins & needles' in your fingers. Its takes a few seconds. Cubital Tunnel can have a variety of causes (I think). If it doesnt abate, you should get it diagnosed. Hopefully something simple such as physiotherapy can sort it out. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tman Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Lifting amps and other heavy equipment can aggravate it, especially if medial epicondylitis develops which can irritate the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel. A lot of flight attendants and pilots develop it lifting luggage. When you say "inner forearm" do mean the pinky side or the thumb side when your palm is facing up? Getting help lifting equipment will aid the overall situation. Read roadies! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hall Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Try soaking your arm in epsom salts daily for a several days straight in the event it's inflammation and not nerve based. The magnesium won't hurt you and it's a cheap first step. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmokeyGhost Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Yes, having medical issues such as this can really suck, mainly because, apart from the inconvenience and pain, it removes some enjoyment from your life. While not the same, last Winter here in Canberra was totally miserable and caused my finger joints no end of trouble to the extent it was difficult to play. The only saving grace was it didn't effect my fretting hand but it was still yuck. All the best with having a good outcome for your issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayinLA Posted February 9, 2016 Author Share Posted February 9, 2016 Lifting amps and other heavy equipment can aggravate it, especially if medial epicondylitis develops which can irritate the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel. A lot of flight attendants and pilots develop it lifting luggage. When you say "inner forearm" do mean the pinky side or the thumb side when your palm is facing up? Getting help lifting equipment will aid the overall situation. Read roadies! Mostly pinky side. But it almost feels like that part is due to the larger fingers having larger muscles in them that can sort of compensate but I feel an numb tingling like my hand is asleep and complete lack of coordination the the hand when it's up playing the guitar. I also almost always practice standing, and do play primarily LP's. I just got off the phone with an accupucturist who was recommended to me by a friend of mine who plays cello in the symphony. He has it too. It has caused him to miss performces. That is my main concern. I don't want to book a bunch of out of town gigs and have this start up. I wouldn't know what to do. So far, no one in my band knows about this, and I am hesitant to bring it up, but man, this is the 3rd episode in 3 years. I have been practicing constantly, on Friday we're playing "Money For Nothing" for the first time live, and the riff is tough and basically continues through the entire song. Its taken several hours of practice to be able to play it and sing the leads. Now I can't even barr a chord. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevDavidLee Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I've had both carpal tunnel & cubital tunnel surgeries (right arm) & had torn rotary cuff repair surgeries on both shoulders. Very glad I had the repairs done (hated it at the time though) It solved my problems so far anyway - and the good news is - as long as they can keep rebuilding us it's all good. Definitely see your doctor, get a referral to discuss the needed tests, and if needed - the surgeries. Quality of life and doing the things you love is worth it. Good luck! My gal took photos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capmaster Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 ... My gal took photos ... Would have preferred my then-wife taking photos, too, but instead she wittingly ruptured the suture two days after the carpal tunnel surgery on my right wrist. I had refused vacuum cleaning the dwell. It's worse than ever before, not at the wrist but in the rest of my hand. Perhaps you remember - I posted about that in the past. I'm glad everything worked fine for you, and your girl is a nicer one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayinLA Posted February 9, 2016 Author Share Posted February 9, 2016 I've had both carpal tunnel & cubital tunnel surgeries (right arm) & had torn rotary cuff repair surgeries on both shoulders. Very glad I had the repairs done (hated it at the time though) It solved my problems so far anyway - and the good news is - as long as they can keep rebuilding us it's all good. Definitely see your doctor, get a referral to discuss the needed tests, and if needed - the surgeries. Quality of life and doing the things you love is worth it. Good luck! My gal took photos Damn Man. Looks like a science project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tman Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Mostly pinky side. But it almost feels like that part is due to the larger fingers having larger muscles in them that can sort of compensate but I feel an numb tingling like my hand is asleep and complete lack of coordination the the hand when it's up playing the guitar. I also almost always practice standing, and do play primarily LP's. I just got off the phone with an accupucturist who was recommended to me by a friend of mine who plays cello in the symphony. He has it too. It has caused him to miss performces. That is my main concern. I don't want to book a bunch of out of town gigs and have this start up. I wouldn't know what to do. So far, no one in my band knows about this, and I am hesitant to bring it up, but man, this is the 3rd episode in 3 years. I have been practicing constantly, on Friday we're playing "Money For Nothing" for the first time live, and the riff is tough and basically continues through the entire song. Its taken several hours of practice to be able to play it and sing the leads. Now I can't even barr a chord. Definitely ulnar nerve then. Oddly enough, the nerve is motor to a number of muscles in the hand even away from the little finger. You ought to see a hand and wrist orthopedist (if you're in LA I can PM you a recommendation). Otherwise don't lift amps and consider an anti-inflammatory like aleve. Works wonders. The most spasm inducing song we play is Message in a Bottle. Knock em dead on Friday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the dog Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I've had both carpal tunnel & cubital tunnel surgeries (right arm) & had torn rotary cuff repair surgeries on both shoulders. Very glad I had the repairs done (hated it at the time though) It solved my problems so far anyway - and the good news is - as long as they can keep rebuilding us it's all good. Definitely see your doctor, get a referral to discuss the needed tests, and if needed - the surgeries. Quality of life and doing the things you love is worth it. Good luck! My gal took photos I have never seen anything like that before....what did you do to cause injury if you don't mind me asking? I got a chill up my spine at those photos... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capmaster Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 ... The most spasm inducing song we play is Message in a Bottle. ... This song is horror (not only) for guitarists. Lots of Andy Summers' work calls for high endurance to avoid cramps. (Then there is Stewart Copeland on drums...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tman Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I've had both carpal tunnel & cubital tunnel surgeries (right arm) & had torn rotary cuff repair surgeries on both shoulders. Very glad I had the repairs done (hated it at the time though) It solved my problems so far anyway - and the good news is - as long as they can keep rebuilding us it's all good. Definitely see your doctor, get a referral to discuss the needed tests, and if needed - the surgeries. Quality of life and doing the things you love is worth it. Good luck! My gal took photos Damn Rev! You got filleted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayinLA Posted February 9, 2016 Author Share Posted February 9, 2016 Definitely ulnar nerve then. Oddly enough, the nerve is motor to a number of muscles in the hand even away from the little finger. You ought to see a hand and wrist orthopedist (if you're in LA I can PM you a recommendation). Otherwise don't lift amps and consider an anti-inflammatory like aleve. Works wonders. The most spasm inducing song we play is Message in a Bottle. Knock em dead on Friday! Thanks man. I do have a ortho doc, but not for hands only. The crappy thing is, I live downtown at 6th and Spring. The Venue is 1.5 blocks from my apartment. Too close to drive, to far to carry, so as far as the amps and gear...well hell...I have a cart I've used in the past. That's what I was planning on. Plus this place is shady as hell. I stick around after Sound Check because the riffraff that comes into that place will make my stuff grow legs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tman Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Thanks man. I do have a ortho doc, but not for hands only. The crappy thing is, I live downtown at 6th and Spring. The Venue is 1.5 blocks from my apartment. Too close to drive, to far to carry, so as far as the amps and gear...well hell...I have a cart I've used in the past. That's what I was planning on. Plus this place is shady as hell. I stick around after Sound Check because the riffraff that comes into that place will make my stuff grow legs. One of the places I work is 6th and Virgil right at the border of Koreatown near Wilshire. Best of luck at the gig man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayinLA Posted February 10, 2016 Author Share Posted February 10, 2016 One of the places I work is 6th and Virgil right at the border of Koreatown near Wilshire. Best of luck at the gig man! Down in the Dirty we would call you a West-Sider...LOL. The people here are so pretentious. We will be at DNO (Down and Out). We go on first, which is fine with me, 'cause I shouldn't be very drunk by that time, and I can relax the rest of the night and mingle. To play a 50 minute set for us still requires a few covers. So we are doing "Money For Nothing" and Pressure Drop by The Clash. We don't have any merch yet, and nothing recorded on any pro audio. Soon as we do, I will post something. Thanks again. $10 cover I think...but they always have PBR for $2.50... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 Basically every now and then I get this numbness and lack of muscle coordination from my inner forearm down through my fingers on my fretting hand. Jeez, the extent that you play and practice, one could imagine repetitive motion injury. Of course, seeing a specialist is the best advice. My fretting hand problem is different from yours. It's like my thumb has been sprained - for the past year. I guess I was also getting some occasional nerve flares, but those seem to have stopped since I've been wearing a night splint - keeps the wrist in a neutral position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tman Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 Down in the Dirty we would call you a West-Sider...LOL. Thanks again. $10 cover I think...but they always have PBR for $2.50... I'm worse....a northwestsider. Love to see you guys, especially for cheap PBR and a 10 cover. Work till 6 Friday then 1.5 hours minimum....LA Traffic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevDavidLee Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 I have never seen anything like that before....what did you do to cause injury if you don't mind me asking? I got a chill up my spine at those photos... These kinds of injuries are from repetitive motion over time more than from one specific incident. I was shocked when I saw how much the surgeon had opened up my arm though. I knew basically what my palm would look like but when I saw all those staples & the length of the incision on my elbow area I almost puked. In retrospect however I am glad I got it fixed. :unsure: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayinLA Posted February 10, 2016 Author Share Posted February 10, 2016 I'm worse....a northwestsider. Love to see you guys, especially for cheap PBR and a 10 cover. Work till 6 Friday then 1.5 hours minimum....LA Traffic. I do believe we are doing something in Sherman Oaks on the 27th Playing with a unique band that does Rock with Eastern Eropean Gypsie style kind of stuff. I'll post the venue info when it's official. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 I wish all the best for everyone here with their aches and pains, I know I've got mine. Here's the musicians syndrome that scares me most, as I know two world renowned musicians that are severely affected by it in their right hands, and have seen the affects and progression over the years: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focal_dystonia Both still tour the world, but one had to completely change "technique", and the other is just a stubborn old fart (just turned 90) who's still having too much fun to let a few curled up right hand fingers stop him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevDavidLee Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 I wish all the best for everyone here with their aches and pains, I know I've got mine. Here's the musicians syndrome that scares me most, as I know two world renowned musicians that are severely affected by it in their right hands, and have seen the affects and progression over the years: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focal_dystonia Both still tour the world, but one had to completely change "technique", and the other is just a stubborn old fart (just turned 90) who's still having too much fun to let a few curled up right hand fingers stop him. JESUS! I wished I hadn't looked at that. Thanks Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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