Numb right (plucking) index finger

SnappyFerret · #1 12-18-2009, 08:28 PM

The past couple of weeks I have been getting numbness in my right index finger (I play right handed). I normally finger pick using my index finger a little more than the middle finger. I am noticing numbness after about 15 minutes. Do any of you have this problem or have any ideas about what to do to prevent it? I have been taking ibuprofen for my left hand already (tendonitis), so that's not really an option for the numb right index finger. Thanks.

EagleMoon · #2 12-18-2009, 08:42 PM

Sounds like it could be a nerve problem. You might want to have it checked out. Are you keeping your wrist pretty straight? If not, you might be pinching something.

SnappyFerret · #3 12-18-2009, 09:14 PM

Yes, I keep my wrist straight since I have carpal tunnel problems (from typing/keyboarding), and I don't want to make that worse. The numbness is just in the finger that does more of the work finger picking. I am trying to alternate fingers more consistently, even when playing one note per measure, to give my index finger a little rest. I don't know why this should flare up now, though.

EagleMoon · #4 12-18-2009, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnappyFerret

Yes, I keep my wrist straight since I have carpal tunnel problems (from typing/keyboarding), and I don't want to make that worse. The numbness is just in the finger that does more of the work finger picking. I am trying to alternate fingers more consistently, even when playing one note per measure, to give my index finger a little rest. I don't know why this should flare up now, though.

I have tendinitis in both wrists that tends to flare up now and then. I get some numbness with it. But it's mainly in my little and ring finger. Does your finger get cold as well?

SnappyFerret · #5 12-19-2009, 01:43 PM

I haven't noticed it being cold, but I've been more focused on the numb sensation. Let me go and play for a while, and I will let you know what happens.

Dark Horse · #6 12-19-2009, 01:50 PM

Doctor.

Get it checked.

Kirk Bryant · #7 12-19-2009, 01:54 PM

You are probably cutting off the circulation to your fingers as you rest your wrist against the body. Simply changing the height of the bass can solve this problem. Generally I would say lengthen the strap a couple of inches and try it out for awhile.
I always use straps that have 2-4 different length holes cut in so when I feel this coming on I just change the height of the bass either a notch or two up or down and it nearly always cures the problem. With multiple hole adjustments I can and DO change on the fly even in the middle of a song. !!Going longer also straightens out the wrist as well.

hope this helps.

peace Capt Kirk

Fergie Fulton · #8 12-20-2009, 02:52 AM

Hi, you are at an age where these things tend to show, so you need conformation on what is the problem, not what might be the problem, so proper decisions can be made.
See a doctor or two for a proper diagnosis, lay off playing and reduce the amount of hand action you use. If you live in a hot climate keep the hands and elbows cool. ( problems in the ulnar nerve at that point can give sensations in the little and ring finger, nothing to to with CTS) On the subject of the elbows try not to lean on them you would be amazed at the problems this can cause, and good luck.

SnappyFerret · #9 12-20-2009, 10:44 AM

Well, two years ago I was diagnosed with tendonitis in my hands and carpal tunnel in my wrists. I take a B complex vitamins daily, ibuprofen before I play, and I wear splints on my wrists when I sleep and when I drive. I've stopped playing barre chords on the guitar and play bass almost exclusively now. This may be what brought on the problem, though: I had recently shortened the strap on the electric bass and have been playing the upright bass (pizzicato) a little more. Sounds like I need to go back to the longer strap on the electric bass and maybe use a wrist splint on my plucking hand (right) when playing. I'll maybe play the bass with a pick at least for a while, too. I'll try to lay off the upright bass for a while too and see what happens. If the numbness returns while playing I guess I'll need to take a break and see the neurologist again. Thank you all for your interest and suggestions.

Fergie Fulton · #10 12-20-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnappyFerret

Well, two years ago I was diagnosed with tendonitis in my hands and carpal tunnel in my wrists. I take a B complex vitamins daily, ibuprofen before I play, and I wear splints on my wrists when I sleep and when I drive. I've stopped playing barre chords on the guitar and play bass almost exclusively now. This may be what brought on the problem, though: I had recently shortened the strap on the electric bass and have been playing the upright bass (pizzicato) a little more. Sounds like I need to go back to the longer strap on the electric bass and maybe use a wrist splint on my plucking hand (right) when playing. I'll maybe play the bass with a pick at least for a while, too. I'll try to lay off the upright bass for a while too and see what happens. If the numbness returns while playing I guess I'll need to take a break and see the neurologist again. Thank you all for your interest and suggestions.

I used ibuprofen cream/gel on my elbows to allieveate a numbness problem i had in my little and ring finger with 100% clear up of the problem.
Rather than take the ibuprofen oraley try it in a cream/gel form it will do you digestion better in the long run, and the act of rubbing it in can be used as a massage for warming up before playing. Follow the link for hand massage routines

http://healing.about.com/od/reflexol...eflexsteps.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtHIrKGrxeM