Is it Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Electric Shock...

[m0ranwad]

Can't believe the timing. I'm prepping to audition for a band that is already in motion, and I think I've developed CTS.

Has anyone experienced this symptom?

When gripping, out of nowhere there is a sharp nerve pain that I can only describe as electric shock in my forearm. It feels EXACTLY like non-severe electrocution. It has only happened twice, but it was incredibly painful.


I do not have health insurance, so I'm super excited about this

[Fergie Fulton]

No, CTS is in the hands, in particular, the wrist, palm,the thumb, fore and middle finger area. It is a reduced motion/power, as well as a tingling similar to pins and needles.
CTS symptoms would sort of be present all the time in some form, not really come and go as a shooting pain.
A pain in the forearm going towards the elbow can be many things, but without the sensations I mentioned it is not CTS as such.

If your routine has changed, more practice, then It may be as a result of this.
Try warming up and warming down before and after playing, introduce some stretches, and monitor your use.

It is common place to have a neuropathy (a nerve in-flame for any number of reasons) and see it go away on its own.
For musicians because the focus is the hands, we tend to relate this to our own hand use, and believe it is because of what we do, that maybe it is to blame.

Use the ice, and some anti-inflammatory tablets for a few days, give it a rest if you can, introduce some stretches and warm ups and see how it holds up.
If the symptoms become consistant you really do need to see a doctor....insurance or not.
Here is a link to some stretches, and you will find good CTS info in the stickies at the top of the Techniques Page as well as in the Health related sticky

Hand Stretches and Exercises for warm ups/downs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_FZichHw1w&sns=em

[Marley's Ghost]

See if there is a local chiropractic school or physical therapy school where you can get treatment from a student for free. It could be referred pain from your shoulder or spine. I would eliminate that before looking into more serious causes. Also make sure your playing position is optimal.

[m0ranwad]

Started using your warm-up stretches the day after I first had this happen. Thanks for the video.

[Deechan]

+1 on stretching. Instrumental practice is like sports, you have to warm up and give your body time to heal after a lot of practice.

[Ric5]

Originally Posted by m0ranwad

Can't believe the timing. I'm prepping to audition for a band that is already in motion, and I think I've developed CTS.

Has anyone experienced this symptom?

When gripping, out of nowhere there is a sharp nerve pain that I can only describe as electric shock in my forearm. It feels EXACTLY like non-severe electrocution. It has only happened twice, but it was incredibly painful.


I do not have health insurance, so I'm super excited about this

I get some pain in my left hand/wrist. I thought it was CTS or Arthritis ... I was wrong. It was tendonitis. It turns out I have a bad habit of leaning hard on my left arm when I sit in a chair in front of a computer. I did it to myself. Bummer.

A cheap natural remedy that might help ... go to a health food store and get some arnica gel or creme and rub it on your forearm.

[MrLenny1]

Ice it. Do slow warm ups and limit your playing time with rest in between.

[Tupac]

No health insurance you say?

[BobaFret]

I get this once in a while and have for quite a few years. The electrocution feeling sounds the same as what I experience. I've got a whole series of stretches that help, but every now and then it just happens.

I quit playing for a few years but decided I'd rather make music in some pain as it's less painful than giving up music entirely.

I hope your battle goes well.

[m0ranwad]

Originally Posted by Tupac

No health insurance you say?

Is this an Obama joke?