Sorry to make so many threads, but I'm really concerned about this.
I've been playing bass for about 2 years now and recently I've started getting a pain in my fretting hand.
What could it be and should I go to the doctor? I've heard of tendonitis and stuff from poor technique but I've always strived for good fretting hand position.
Also, I know how to type and could that be a factor aswell?
Another thing to consider! I've been playing bass ALL NIGHT LONG! Over 8 hours and could I just be feeling pain from developing muscles?
Thanks for any help because I'm really afraid of this.
Pain can be caused by a variety of things. Your technique may need adjustment (they way you are holding the bass, the angle of your wrist, etc), or you may be squeezing the neck way too tight, or you may have an actual physical problem that is causing the pain (in which event you'll need to see a physician).
Or, as stated ^^^^, stop playing for 8 hours straight ... Take a break every hour or so until your chops/technique improve ......
i panicked for exams last semester and practiced for probably more than 8 hours in one day. now i have to be careful about warming up before playing anything difficult for my fretting hand. typing can also aggrevate it. i don't have tendonitis, but i have to baby my left arm now.
moral of the story - practice for shorter periods of time, more often.
that reminds me - time to get more advil
edit: although on the plus side, i seem to be playing much better these days
Also, what kind of bass? Some basses are headstock-heavy. If you put the bass on your shoulders, does the headstock start falling towards the ground?
If so, this could cause a lot of strain on your hand because you're main muscles are working on holding the bass at a comfortable position rather than actually playing.
It can never be a bad idea to see a doctor. He could tell you if it is something you should worry about.
One of the things that could play a role is the angle of your wrist when playing. It is better for your wrist if it is straight with the arm instead of a 90 degrees angle.
What is the bass you are playing?
If you continue lpaying with a painfull wrist it could get worse (or even chronic )
It could also be that you are getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Typists get that too. The eight hour session(s) could definitely aggravate the CTS. See a doctor and if he thinks you might have it, there are tests that can be done to verify if you do. If it does turn out you do, then ask your doctor about taking 500mg of vitamin B6 each day. If he says okay then try it for a few months. About 10% of the people with CTS do get much better when taking B6. I have CTS and I happened to be in the 10% so I know what I am talking about from experience. Hope you find out what is causing the pain. Walfy
Take a break every hour or so until your chops/technique improve ...... 
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