Playing with Pain

[celtic tig]

Anyone have any tips or recommendations.

I'm getting arthritis/carpal tunnel in my hands (not just from bass playing) , some of the joints are inflamed, particularly the one at the base of the little finger on my right hand. It's painful to play but I don't want to stop, I have a gig in 10 days.

I always play wearing a wrist support and use an anti-inflammatory cream. But I wondered does anyone else have the same problem.

Are there hand positions which are less stressful on the fingers? I've tried using a plec, I can do it ok, but much prefer finger style.

I lengthened the strap so my right hand isn't in a stressed position, although this puts extra strain on the left shoulder.

What about alternative remedies, any suggestions?

Stopping playing is NOT AN OPTION. After the gig I'm beginning rehearsals for another band.

Help!

[Raiven]

Shorter scale bass?

Maybe go and talk to a doctor or someone who specialises in this to get physical therapy rather then drugs. Things like yoga/pilates/alexander technique may help as well.

[lomo]

Pain is not good and will likely worsen if changes are not made. Warm up slowly and stretch, use ice after a gig or parctice and see a dr. if it's severe. Playing through pain of muscular or tendinous origin is a recipe for worsening and eventually having no choice but to stop. If pick playing doesn't hurt-do that for now until you can sort things out.

[John Wentzien]

Pain is just a by-product of aging..
I've been playing for over 30 years..
Obligatory list of pains--
Broken left wrist ..(both bones)
Multiple broken fingers
titanium plate and 8 screws in my ankle..
Broken sternum(20+pieces)and all ribs broken also..
old -as-the hills...

The only time I feel no pain is when I'm playing..

[celtic tig]

Got a daughter who is a trainee physio, and a doctor appt. on Monday. We'll see how it goes.

I know Alexander Technique could help but don't know anyone nearby who does it.

[Tampabass]

I'm experiencing some serious left-hand issues, and I'm seeing an orthopedic doctor. I posted a question about this on the double bass forum.

Based on my short experience with this issue, and on the info I'm gathering from talking to other bassists, I definitely wouldn't ignore it, as it could get worse, much worse. And, from what I'm hearing, surgery ought to be a last resort.

So seeing a doc, as you're doing, is probably the best direction to go, for now.

[Fergie Fulton]

Originally Posted by celtic tig

Anyone have any tips or recommendations.

I'm getting arthritis/carpal tunnel in my hands (not just from bass playing) , some of the joints are inflamed, particularly the one at the base of the little finger on my right hand. It's painful to play but I don't want to stop, I have a gig in 10 days.

I always play wearing a wrist support and use an anti-inflammatory cream. But I wondered does anyone else have the same problem.

Are there hand positions which are less stressful on the fingers? I've tried using a plec, I can do it ok, but much prefer finger style.

I lengthened the strap so my right hand isn't in a stressed position, although this puts extra strain on the left shoulder.

What about alternative remedies, any suggestions?

Stopping playing is NOT AN OPTION. After the gig I'm beginning rehearsals for another band.

Help!

Unless you see a doctor to confirm these symptoms you don't know what options you have. Also why is stopping not an option?

[JimmyM]

You need to see a repetitive movement or sports injury orthopedist and figure out the problem with what's giving you CTS before you do anything. Then you need to see a teacher who can give you strategies to deal with what you're going through, preferably one with an academic background. This is something you just can't diagnose over the net. You need medical advice by someone who can see you move.