Wrist getting very sore.

[CrashMiller]

Recently I have been practicing bass quite a bit, about an hour and a half to two hours a day, plus I often pit stress on it at work.

I'm just wondering if its normal to get a sore wrist from practicing a lot, or if maybe its something a little more serious. I've played for 6 years on and off and haven ran into this before.

[Staccato]

When you grab, pull, or yank things at work, you may be pushing it too much. Use two hands, or anything else "smart" to keep your wrists in shape, but not overused all-the-time. Pickup fewer parts, less weight, or let your legs work in conjunction with your arms. Remember, if you're working in a different company in 15 years, and need surgury for Carpal T., your present employer won't know, or care-when that happens!

Practice good movements that won't KILL your wrists & fingers.

[fearceol]

As well as the good advice given above by Staccato, you could try out some Yoga stretches/exercises for the wrist (see link below). Also, during your practice session, take a couple of five minute breaks. All the better if you include some stretches during these breaks. Another thing, make sure that both wrists are as straight as possible when you play.



yoga wrist stretch - YouTube

[swspiers]

Really good advice so far.

I myself have been struggling with fairly severe problems since 1997. The stretching/yoga/ take a break advice has really helped, and I'm back to gigging.

Another thing worth looking at is the set-up on the bass, and the string tension along with good technique. I just moved to a much easier, lighter tension string that is making a pretty big difference.

[badstonebass]

I had problems for about a year with wrist and tennis elbow. I did 2 things that finally fixed it.

Got lower guage strings. Went from 105's to 100's.

I turned up my amp so my attack was altered and lighter.

[CrashMiller]

Thanks for the advice all, I've been taking it easy on my wrist, and stretching a few times a day, and the soreness has reduced dramatically.

In hindsight, I think it was practicing 5 string bass chords that made my wrist so sore. Maybe I'll wait for my fretless 4 to work on bass chords.

[miltslackford]

Originally Posted by CrashMiller

Recently I have been practicing bass quite a bit, about an hour and a half to two hours a day, plus I often pit stress on it at work.

I'm just wondering if its normal to get a sore wrist from practicing a lot, or if maybe its something a little more serious. I've played for 6 years on and off and haven ran into this before.

Hi

Is it the left wrist or right wrist?

If it's the left wrist, I wrote an article about good left hand technique. It's here

Left Hand Technique | Guitar Lessons Bristol | The Bristol School of Electric Music

I figured this out myself and since then I haven't had any issues with left hand, and I can play all day. Right shoulder is still a problem! But left wrist is ok..!

Hope it helps

[Art Araya]

check your strap height. the "cool" looking low hanging bass is murder on your left hand. the "jazzy" looking bass up around your chest is tough on the right hand. which wrist is bothering you more?

also check your technique - make sure you don't have an extreme bend in either wrist while you are playing.

take pauses during your practice time and shake out your hands, wrists, arms.

[swspiers]

And yeah- 5 string bass chords will do it. I'm doing the same thing on my 6, and I am going s l o w

[EvilJekyll]

I've been try to do the straight wrist technique but am having trouble keeping the thumb from pressing too hard against the neck. Any suggestions?

[Schpector]

I recommend using a wrist band on your right hand and keeping it firm enough to help straighten your wrist. Remember to let your fingers do the majority of the work.

Also, excessive masturbation might be an issue - I would recommend refraining from chokin' the ol' chicken for a few days.

[CrashMiller]

Update: Turns out I do indeed have Carpal Tunnel, though the nurse believes it was likely my use of power tools that caused it, as I was pressing my palm hard on my drill to get screws out for about 6 hours straight.

I'm currently waiting to have a doctor look at it. It sucks, because I haven't been able to play bass for about 4 days now.

[CrashMiller]

Originally Posted by Schpector

also excessive masturbation might be an issue - I would recommend refraining from chokin' the ol' chicken for a few days.

Or just go for "The stranger" for a few days

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by CrashMiller

Update: Turns out I do indeed have Carpal Tunnel, though the nurse believes it was likely my use of power tools that caused it, as I was pressing my palm hard on my drill to get screws out for about 6 hours straight.

I'm currently waiting to have a doctor look at it. It sucks, because I haven't been able to play bass for about 4 days now.

Sorry to hear that. Sometimes people assume that their CT is caused just by bass playing, without realising that lots of other things can contribute also.

Hopefully it wont be too long before you are playing again.

[Fergie Fulton]

Originally Posted by CrashMiller

Update: Turns out I do indeed have Carpal Tunnel, though the nurse believes it was likely my use of power tools that caused it, as I was pressing my palm hard on my drill to get screws out for about 6 hours straight.

I'm currently waiting to have a doctor look at it. It sucks, because I haven't been able to play bass for about 4 days now.

Can i enquire how this diagnosis was came by and what was involved to confirm it?

[CrashMiller]

Originally Posted by Fergie Fulton

Can i enquire how this diagnosis was came by and what was involved to confirm it?

The nurse did the test where you tap the median nerve, and my hand went numb for a split second. How she figures its more work related, I do not know. Doctor wasnt too terribly concerned, just prescribed me a brace and some anti-inflammatorys, and wrote me a note for a week off work.

Well, hope i'm back playing soon.

[Fergie Fulton]

Originally Posted by CrashMiller

The nurse did the test where you tap the median nerve, and my hand went numb for a split second. How she figures its more work related, I do not know. Doctor wasnt too terribly concerned, just prescribed me a brace and some anti-inflammatorys, and wrote me a note for a week off work.

Well, hope i'm back playing soon.

Well she does not know... it is a guess.
Your doctor may not be concerned because it is not his problem to live with.
Rest is the main thing and of course stop the over use with the practice.
Vibration will irritate it, but the pressure and angle you have your wrists will be a factor as well, so a good pair of trusted anti-vibration gloves are an investment in your health.

[dainescot]

It's strange that you've never experienced wrist pain before now. Check out your medical supplies store for an arthritic brace. It may not help long-term but you'll definitely notice the difference when you are playing.