Troubling signs that I'm possibly developing carpal tunnel.

JukeBoxHero · #1 06-12-2009, 05:51 PM

For the past two weeks, every time I pick up my bass, I get some weird pain in my wrist or fingers that happens almost instantly sometimes. I believe this might a sign of carpal tunnel and that I need to fix my technique in able to counter it. The problem is I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'll post pictures of me playing tomorrow, but I honestly can't figure out what I'm doing to cause this pain.

Edit:
Alright I finally got those pictures, I had someone take these why I played with certain techniques or at different positions on the neck to get you guys clear examples of how my playing usually goes.

Picking

Slap/pop technique in action/Slap

Slap/pop technique in action/Pop

Normal picking technique

Fretting

1-5 fret area

7-10 fret area

11 and beyond fret area

JimmyM · #2 06-12-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JukeBoxHero

For the past two weeks, every time I pick up my bass, I get some weird pain in my wrist or fingers that happens almost instantly sometimes. I believe this might a sign of carpal tunnel and that I need to fix my technique in able to counter it. The problem is I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'll post pictures of me playing tomorrow, but I honestly can't figure out what I'm doing to cause this pain.

By all means post pics, or video if you have it. Till then, go to Youtube and watch guys with great technique like Victor Wooten, Dave LaRue, Marcus Miller, Jeff Berlin, etc. But the best solution is to get a teacher who knows good technique as taught by reputable schools all over the world.

fearceol · #3 06-13-2009, 05:45 AM

+1 to JimmyM's advice. I'd advise you to also see a doctor or physiotherapist. You may need to stop playing for a short while to allow your wrists to recover a little.

This is a great technique IMO that should be a big help to you.

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

Turock · #4 06-13-2009, 06:22 AM

I've had carpal tunnel to the point that I had to have surgery. Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and bird fingers are the common symptoms.

SpawnofHastur · #5 06-13-2009, 06:28 AM

First thing we really need to know is whether it's in the picking hand or the fretting hand.

Because then we can better know how to change your technique for less pain and such.

JukeBoxHero · #6 06-13-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpawnofHastur

First thing we really need to know is whether it's in the picking hand or the fretting hand.

Because then we can better know how to change your technique for less pain and such.

It's primarily in the the fretting hand, but the right hand has also gotten some pain, not a whole lot, primarily with my left hand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

+1 to JimmyM's advice. I'd advise you to also see a doctor or physiotherapist. You may need to stop playing for a short while to allow your wrists to recover a little.

This is a great technique IMO that should be a big help to you.

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

That what I'm planning on doing besides when I take some pictures of me playing. Great video by the way, it makes sense why my picking technique is mediocre in terms of muting(it's also explains why I might be feeling some symptoms of carpal tunnel there).

TOOL460002 · #7 06-13-2009, 11:41 AM

maybe this is a dumb question, but have you ever had carpal tunnel before? i have only had it flair up 2-4 times because of too much computer use (yes, i was a starcraft nerd back in the day). if you have had it, you will know the feeling. if you have it, stop. stop now. the only way to heal is not to use it for a few days.

without seeing your technique, think of your body like a machine (which it really is). you want your nerves to be stretched as little as possible. if your nerves are inflamed, then using them will cause more friction with the surrounding tissue. in short, this means that you want to bend your wrists only as needed, or not at all.

i dont know if that was helpful, but DO NOT COMPROMISE YOUR HEALTH. there are some things you cant undo. be safe. good luck. and see a doctor if it isnt better in a week.

fearceol · #8 06-13-2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JukeBoxHero

It's primarily in the the fretting hand,

In which case this should be of some help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeRoQuXlj9w

KarateKid25 · #9 06-14-2009, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JukeBoxHero

For the past two weeks, every time I pick up my bass, I get some weird pain in my wrist or fingers that happens almost instantly sometimes. I believe this might a sign of carpal tunnel and that I need to fix my technique in able to counter it. The problem is I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'll post pictures of me playing tomorrow, but I honestly can't figure out what I'm doing to cause this pain.

Are you new to playing bass or has this just flared up after years of playing? If your a beginner, it could just be related to the weird hand gymnastics that your now trying to perform, but if you have been playing for a while, then yeah, I would get that checked out.

Either way, have a little break. Continuing to play with pain won't do you any favours.

darincm · #10 06-14-2009, 06:57 AM

start stretching & taking care of your hands now. my carpal tunnel creeped up on me so slowly that when it got bad, it was to late. my left hand is borked & i'm likely having the surgery next year

JukeBoxHero · #11 06-14-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarateKid25

Are you new to playing bass or has this just flared up after years of playing? If your a beginner, it could just be related to the weird hand gymnastics that your now trying to perform, but if you have been playing for a while, then yeah, I would get that checked out.

Either way, have a little break. Continuing to play with pain won't do you any favours.

In true honesty, I've been playing at least an hour for almost a year now. I'm taking that break now, I'll upload pictures of my playing later on tonight.(Although I can definitely see what I'm doing wrong, weird finger stretches I didn't even see myself doing until those pictures).

buddyro57 · #12 06-14-2009, 11:19 AM

My problems flared up without much warning; numbness in the tip of the RH middle finger, and general loss of strength. I was greatly helped by some simple exerecises that a physical therapist gave me. I am not out of the woods, but I have been able to avoid the surgery for the last few years. You might be able to avoid surgery if you start to attack the problem now. All the other posts are correct though, you do have to give it a rest and stop aggravating it for a spell.
Good luch with it- see if your doctor will refer you to a physical therapist.

Rudreax · #13 06-14-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

In which case this should be of some help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeRoQuXlj9w

Out of boredom I read the comments under the video...

JukeBoxHero · #14 06-14-2009, 03:56 PM

Unfortunately I won't be able to post those pictures quite yet, need to wait for my sister to take her camera back once she feels better. Got one question concerning playing the following.

Root,Fifth,Octave combination, would I buy bar those with my pinky or use my ring and pinky to get the fifth and octave? I'm asking because I like to put a lot those into my improvising and and my own songs/improvising.

JukeBoxHero · #15 06-18-2009, 09:46 PM

Alright I finally got those pictures, I had someone take these why I played with certain techniques or at different positions on the neck to get you guys clear examples of how my playing usually goes.

Picking

Slap/pop technique in action/Slap

Slap/pop technique in action/Pop

Normal picking technique

Fretting

1-5 fret area

7-10 fret area

11 and beyond fret area

elBandito · #16 06-18-2009, 09:58 PM

I doubt you developped CTS from playing an hour a day. Maybe you spend too much time on the PC or video game.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JukeBoxHero

In true honesty, I've been playing at least an hour for almost a year now.

JukeBoxHero · #17 06-18-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elBandito

I doubt you developped CTS from playing an hour a day. Maybe you spend too much time on the PC or video game.

Perhaps on my computer, but I don't think so. That's only an guessed average of how long I play each day, I can recall playing for over four hours a couple times.

bassrique · #18 06-19-2009, 01:26 AM

In addition to the good advice given, watch out for diet, as you are what you eat. Call me crazy, but I try to tackle CP from a variety of angles, or holistically. Also, beware of intense physical training, as you may get symptoms similar to bass guitar CP that stem from the PT and not the music practice. This may muddy the waters.

Matt'72 · #19 06-19-2009, 03:06 AM

As stated, the best thing right now is to rest your hands. However, you should start a routine of stretches as soon as the pain subsides, and be aware of how much pressure you are using. Early on, many players apply an excessive amount of force. Spend some time learning how little pressure it takes to fret a note.

JukeBoxHero · #20 06-19-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassrique

In addition to the good advice given, watch out for diet, as you are what you eat. Call me crazy, but I try to tackle CP from a variety of angles, or holistically. Also, beware of intense physical training, as you may get symptoms similar to bass guitar CP that stem from the PT and not the music practice. This may muddy the waters.

I'll try to do that well.

Matt '72: Yeah I've been look at the video Dman has for stretches and I'm probably use some stretches he has in that video.