Temporary loss of left hand function?

JUSTINKP · #1 06-17-2011, 11:17 AM

Ok, this sounds weird, and I really have no idea where to put this on here.

Was playing a gig a few weeks back. In the 3rd set, my left hand (fret hand) wouldn't open. What I mean is it felt locked shut, and I had a heck of a time changes strings and notes on the fretboard for a few minutes. Anyone ever have this happen to them? I was gripping the fretboard hard and really rocking out the whole show, so I'm wondering if I locked up my wrist or what by doing this.

I looked at symptoms of carpal tunnel but I'm not sure if this matches it. It was just the weirdest thing in the world, and only happened that one time. Just wondered if anyone had any input?

Art Araya · #2 06-17-2011, 11:26 AM

My first thought was carpal tunnel... If not, it could something neurological? I'm not a doctor so I'm just making some educated guesses here. I'd have it checked out if it happens again.

N.F.A. · #3 06-17-2011, 11:31 AM

It's probably quite simple. Nerves innervate muscles. You have a nerve that is being constricted right now. Have someone do some massage on you, starting at the shoulder and working down to the hand. That should relieve your problem. You could do much of it yourself.

Jim11895 · #4 06-17-2011, 11:33 AM

Maybe it was just a cramp? I played a gig last summer in 90 degree heat with 90% humidity. Midway through the last set, my left hand cramped closed and I literally had to pry open the fingers on my left hand with my right hand. It was really weird.

cybersnyder · #5 06-17-2011, 01:23 PM

I've heard it called "trigger finger" and I've had it happen a few times. Basically a muscle cramp. If it happens frequently get it checked out.

wideload · #6 06-17-2011, 01:31 PM

Welcome to my life. In my case, it stems from a broken neck 4 years ago, and shows up if I play more than 2 hours. Left hand just shuts down. Since there's nerve damage from the accident, my first thought, of course, is that's what's bugging you. Make sure to take breaks without your bass on, stretch, and try to remember when it happens that simple root patterns will get you through the next few songs till things get back to normal!

Spino · #7 06-17-2011, 01:45 PM

I 've had this as well .In my case I was when I was trying to integrate my third finger ,it thought it came from tension in my hand and a lack of unused muscle .I did go at it a bit hard tho anyway I eased up a bit and it happened less frequently and over a month or so went away .That 3 finger is sometimes still a bit pesky tho .Doc is always a good idea tho .G'luck

mambo4 · #8 06-17-2011, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JUSTINKP

I was gripping the fretboard hard and really rocking out the whole show, so I'm wondering if I locked up my wrist or what by doing this.

Yes, you did -sounds like it anyhow.
Gripping too hard is very bad for your left hand and arm.
try this exercise

JUSTINKP · #9 06-17-2011, 08:00 PM

Thanks for all the responses guys. I'm really hoping it's not anything major. Jim 11895, sounds like the exact thing happened to us both. I freaked out cause I couldnt open my left hand and like you said, had to pry my fingers off the strings. I'm gonna try the exercises and maybe get my arms massaged just in case. This hasn't happened in practice sessions up to an hour at a time, but the real test will be the next gig I play more than 2 sets at which will be in a month.

Thanks so much guys. I appreciate the help.

Rockmusician · #10 06-17-2011, 08:07 PM

It's most likely due to dehydration. If the muscles are not getting enough water, they will cramp up. Somtimes, the cramps will be minor but other times, the cramps can actually make your hand look deformed and you will not be able to open it. The best way to avoid it is to drink plenty of water and limit the consumption of alcohol.

JimmyM · #11 06-18-2011, 12:44 AM

Death grip. Not good. Learn more ergonomic techniques. Thumb behind the neck, fingers curved, no odd angles in your wrist. And especially no death grips!

Munjibunga · #12 06-18-2011, 12:46 AM

If I don't stay hydrated at gigs, I'll cramp up in the fourth set. Drink lots of liquids, preferably with electrolytes.

Russell L · #13 06-18-2011, 10:13 AM

All good advice here, but see your doctor.

I agree that it sounds like a cramp. Stay hydrated, but low potassium can also contribute to it.

b_ryceeeee · #14 06-19-2011, 02:13 AM

happened to me once, craziest thing iv'e ever experienced. it was kind of like only my pointer finger could move though. Pretty sure it was the dehydration. Because it never happened again. That was about 2 years ago

bigtexashonk · #15 06-19-2011, 07:59 AM

Used to have this too. All the advice here is dead on. Hydrate (not alcohol!), lighter fretting hand technique, proper height/angle on the strap, finger/forearm stretches and ibuprofen before you start. Try to concentrate on relaxing. It always helps me to watch a live ZZ Top vid. Those guys are so loose on stage!

Thatguy59 · #16 06-19-2011, 08:04 AM

I've had this (although I wasn't playing at the time) after drinking a lot of alchohol, so it sounds like the dehydration problem could be spot on, and I'd echo the statements at looking at your technique.

JustDavid · #17 06-19-2011, 08:24 AM

I've had similar. Left index finger refusing to respond. No cramping or pain, just . . . think 'move finger' & finger stays put. Weird, & a bit scary.

My 'fix', like many above, was to keep well-hydrated, ensure technique was good, turn up & play softer (I tend to needlessly hammer-down when I dig in), & learn some anti-carpal massages.

Also helpful was to work harder on the guitarist with an amp beside me & very poor level/tone control.

Mesa · #18 06-19-2011, 05:03 PM

This also happens to me from time to time. It usually seems related to hydration, though I don't drink alcohol during a show and try to drink a pint of water a set. Also, I suspect that putting too much downward pressure on my bass with my right forearm may have played a part, but I've since corrected that.

JUSTINKP · #19 06-22-2011, 03:43 PM

The hydration solution seems to make a lot of sense. I was working hard all day moving our PA system from my guitarists house to the bar we were playing at, setting up, etc. All I drank was Pepsi in the afternoon and then I have a couple of beers while playing. Makes perfect sense that I'd be dehydrated. Also probably didn't help that I hadn't eaten a decent meal that day either. When I get nervous like before gigs, I have a hard time eating.

I'll make sure I drink a lot of water starting today, and keep it up as I have a gig Friday. In fact Friday I'll drink Gatorade all day.

Thanks to everyone once again.

miltslackford · #20 06-22-2011, 05:14 PM

Try and keep your left hand wrist as straight as possible - and bend at the fingers. Use arm strength where you can to assist keeping the strings down.

That's my 2 cents of advice!