Thumb numbness.

Zarathustrah · #1 04-29-2009, 10:47 PM

I've got a recital coming up and been putting in alot of hours.

My thumb suddenly went numb and my arm is following suit.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Is this a sign of carpal tunnel?

dmusic148 · #2 04-29-2009, 10:49 PM

Not carpal tunnel. Maybe a spinal issue, better see the doc.

Zarathustrah · #3 04-29-2009, 10:52 PM

Planning on it.

I'm hoping that it'll be gone in the morning.

dmusic148 · #4 04-29-2009, 11:02 PM

I hope so too, good luck.

Jake deVilliers · #5 04-30-2009, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zarathustrah

I've got a recital coming up and been putting in alot of hours.

My thumb suddenly went numb and my arm is following suit.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Is this a sign of carpal tunnel?

Check the places on your arm where brachioradialis inserts - just below the elbow on the top as your arm rests in your lap and an inch and a half above the elbow kind of on the outside flat part.

Drive your thumb in there and see if it really hurts. If it does, keep up the pressure until you get the feeling back. I use a small adjustable clamp - if your arms are regular size you can use Vise-Grip clamps.

Leeners · #6 05-01-2009, 03:33 PM

Numbness in your thumb and then progressing to your arm are worrisome symptoms. It may be due to nerve compression at the level of your cervical spine (neck) or anywhere along the path of your nerves as they exit your neck and then down your arm. Is your hand/arm weak? You should definitely see your doctor.

fingers · #7 05-01-2009, 03:39 PM

Look. There are all kinds of reasons, some benign and some pretty sinister, that can cause this. An internet forum is about the lamest place to figure this out. Get thee to a doctor ASAP.

llatikcuf · #8 05-01-2009, 03:50 PM

I had pain down my arm and tingling in my hands as a result of a shoulder impingement (i.e. bursitis) - I too was worried about being able to play. The physical therapy and minding my posture (head back and shoulders back!) have helped me and surgery isn't needed - hopefuly you'll get a simple solution like I did.

meta · #9 05-01-2009, 03:56 PM

go to a yoga class and stretch out

Don Higdon · #10 05-02-2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingers

Look. There are all kinds of reasons, some benign and some pretty sinister, that can cause this. An internet forum is about the lamest place to figure this out. Get thee to a doctor ASAP.

+1
One more time:
An internet forum is about the lamest place to figure this out.