Left arm nerve pinch...what's up?

[BassBaron]

Once in a while, usually near the end of a gig or long rehersal, I get this weird pinch in my left forearm that feels like someone is pluking my tendons like cheap banjo. Happens most often when I'm playing a streched out pattern across 4+ frets near the nut. My bass is positioned with the neck plate right at my belt buckle and up at a ~20deg angle. I've made a conscious effort to not dig in so much and try to use a light touch, but around hour 3, this nerve thing rears its ugly head. It never seems to happen with my old bass (Ric 4001), always with the MTD Kingston 5. The two basses are worlds apart in terms of string spacing and ergonomics...who would have thought that square edged Ric would be more comfortable in the long run?? Sometimes it helps if I move what I'm playing up the neck, so I suspect my strap position...more angle perhaps? Anyone experience symptoms like this before?

[RicPlaya]

I get that too, like if I drew a straight line from my thumb down my forearm I can almost feel that tendon that gets aggrivated. I found to stretch before I play and not to dig in as much. I also take glucosmine that is good for joints and hopefully helps that. If mine gets worse I will see a doctor.

[LarryO]

I think I can answer your question but how often do you play? do you use proper hand positioning technique? and what do you do for a living???

[BassBaron]

LarryO, I guess that's part of my question: am I using proper hand position? I keep my thumb in the middle of the neck almost all the time, which helps speed, but leads to a more bent wrist. My wrist is actually bent nearly as far as it will go when playing near the nut. That can't be go, but how can it be avoided without a major style change? I'm a mechanical engineer BTW, but don't really sit at the computer all day, if I can avoid it. Rehersal is tomorrow, I think I'll try stretching, taking off my watch, and serious conscious effort to lighten my touch.

[The Golden Boy]

Try a wider strap, at least wider in the area where the strap contacts your shoulder. You did mention it didn't happen with your other bass, either weight or distribution of the weight on your shoulder could be causing the problems.

[LarryO]

If you have good medical insurance go see a Dr. If not, send me a private message.

[Viper]

that happens to me when playing like octaves or the equivelent of a power chord, it's like the middle of the underside of my forearm it gets all stingish and stuff... prolly cause the darned jazz bass weighs plenty on my shoulder and messes stuff up