hand pain

[Peter Gemus]

I've recently been getting pain in my left hand. I know this is probably because I've been squeezing the neck too much but should I take some advil and keep playing or should I take a few days off and let the pain leave on its own?

[TimoMetzemakers]

Hi!

I think you should first take some days off. After that, you should take some lessons with somebody who will show you how to play without injuring yourself.

This is important: get a teacher! When it hurts, it means that you're doing something really wrong.

Timo

[accutone]

I agree with Timo. Take it from someone who KNOWS (me!) You can hurt yourself badly and it will sneak up on you.
Rob B

[TheSuzie]

be careful - i am typing one handed right now...

[accutone]

Originally Posted by TheSuzie

be careful - i am typing one handed right now...

Yeah, isn't that fun. There is a nice little book with stretching exercises called Conquering Carpal Tunnel that you might want to look at. Not a panacea but simple and I have found, helpful.

[Peter Gemus]

thanks for the help

[koricancowboy]

Originally Posted by TimoMetzemakers

Hi!

I think you should first take some days off. After that, you should take some lessons with somebody who will show you how to play without injuring yourself.

This is important: get a teacher! When it hurts, it means that you're doing something really wrong.

Timo

+1

It's also important to stretch before and after you play/practice. Stretch your whole body as pain can come directly from where it is felt but more often than not is a result of body systems working inefficiently. For example carpal tunnel syndrome although felt in the hand stems from the neck. Drink plenty of water too.

Also getting involved in a body awareness practice such as Tai Chi, Feldenkrais, Yoga, Pilates, Alexander Technique, etc., will help you to more efficiently use your body. A massage once a month ain't gonna hurt nothing neither.

Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Then you can play till your 105.

[midgica]

definitely take a break. be safe.

i've had problems with carpal tunnels before and i highly recommend RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for any injury. for hand pain specifically, i recommend icing your hand just until it goes numb, then letting it warm back up to room temperature, then applying a heat pack. rinse, lather, repeat. you'll be glad you did.

[simandlhandle]

Like a lot of people who have been playing a while,and post here, I have had my share of hand pain problems. The reason we are still playing is because we sorted out those problems with the help of someone else. It is hard to see what you are doing wrong by yourself, otherwise you wouldn't do it. A teacher who is informed on technique, can see what you are doing, and remedy it.
The conscensus of opinion is to get a teacher, but there is a reason for "get a teacher".

[Eric Hochberg]

Get your bass to a good luthier and see if it can be set up to play easier for you. Maybe the strings are too high tension or the height too high, the nut cut too high, the spacing too wide for your hands. Maybe the bass is too big for you. These factors can all contribute to problems causing pain. By all means, rest and don't play through the pain. You don't want permanent injuries! +1 on stretching, ice and warming up before playing hard. Check out "Playing (less) Hurt" by Janet Horvath, good info there.

Originally Posted by midgica

i recommend icing your hand just until it goes numb

This is a great way to get arthritis early in life. You have to take into account that the body is about 70% water. By icing your hand until it's numb you're running the risk of destroying your cells. Over icing is a common concern among athletes and is the cause of many people getting arthritis problems early in their careers.