Pain in back of hand

djero44 · #1 11-15-2010, 10:18 AM

I love playing the bass, especially the fretless; it is my favorite instrument. But over the past couple of years I have had a very frustrating time dealing with issues in my hands, particularly my fretting hand. Generally I have been able to moderate my playing and have worked through most of it, but I have been dealing with one aggravating situation for about six months that will not seem to fully heal.

The major symptom is a focused pain, right between my hand bones, about a third of the way between my wrist and knuckles. It is very similar to minor injuries (or what I consider injuries) that i've inflamed with over playing or overly aggressive playing. In fact if I play moderately (or for short periods of time) I do not experience any pain at all. In the past similar sensations would usually heal up with rest and then I just need to be careful and not hurt it again. This time, however, even cutting my playing time by 75% and taking extended breaks from the instrument have not fully helped.

I am not pushing myself through this, I am taking a very defensive approach so I do not exacerbate my situation, but I am getting very frustrated with not being able to play and express myself on my favorite instrument. Not to mention music is my life and I get a bit crazy when there is not enough of it. Thankfully I can still play drums and sing, and playing the guitar is ok (especially electric) for the most part; it is the big stretches on the bass (especially doublestops on my fretless) that tend to make this situation inflamed.

One good part of dealing with hand limitations had made me re-evaluate my playing style and learn a lot more economy of motion and to play more relaxed for extended durations. But I really like digging into my instrument and I am really limited in this. It is helping me practice the 'less is more' axiom a lot, but I can't stand not being able to do what I like.

Ok, sorry to ramble but I know some of you sympathize with my plight. I have seen a few therapists and I am pursuing some other avenues, and if it comes to it I will also try an allopathic approach, although I am a strong supporter in alternative practices and want to explore my other options thoroughly (unless of course a therapist recommends that action).

So long story short, is anyone else familiar with this type of strain/injury? Thanks for listening.

Pillgrimm13 · #2 11-15-2010, 10:41 AM

i had a similar pain in the back of my hand a couple of years ago. the only way i could discribe the pain was kind of like how brain freeze feels but in the middle of the back if my hand. after a month or2 after i found out i was type 2 diabetic and cut sugar out and the pain went away. in my case i think it might have been neropathy but i can sympathize with you. the only thing that helped my before that was putting my hand under hot tap water for a few minutes when it hurt to much to play. it didnt stop the pain but it helped alot.

djero44 · #3 11-15-2010, 10:06 PM

That's very interesting. I've shared these issues with my acupuncturist, he has been stressing the nutritional angle with me, saying it will help all the problems in my hands. It has been more focused around proteins than sugars, but I should pay attention and see if there is any noticeable correlation.

I'm seeing a therapist in the morning who has a lot of experience in sports injuries and anatomy. I'm curious what her take is with it. I'm going to be proactive and really try to take care of this.

I do realize I may not be able to achieve the fluidity and dexterity of my younger years, though I loathe to admit it and feel quite young at 34, but I do know there are changes in the body over time and I don't want to push myself to injury; I just want to make music. It sure affects my approach a lot. I'm hoping for a positive outcome. I'm playing tonight a bit and feeling limited in capacity, but keeping it low stress. At least I can focusing on singing and drumming....

SelenaBassGirl · #4 11-16-2010, 04:29 PM

I get that way on my fretting had too sometimes, esp if the song calls for a lot of using my index and pinky fingers simultaneously. I do have a touch of arthritis in the wrist tho.

tangentmusic · #5 11-16-2010, 04:39 PM

Djero44: I noticed you're from Paonia. I lived just over the hill from you in Crested Butte for most of the '80's. Anyway, have you tried any rubbing compounds such as Tiger Balm on the back of your wrist? Or any type of natural "heating" ointment? Along with the acupuncture, this may help.
Have you also tried a wrist band/ bandage for support?

baileyboy · #6 11-16-2010, 04:40 PM

Trigger point therapy.

djero44 · #7 11-17-2010, 12:45 PM

I'm a big fan of Tiger's Balm. Interestingly enough the keyboard player in one of my bands just told me a story of when he and some friends tried to become the first US importers of it, but were stalled with some difficulties. Too bad he didn't follow through with it!

This woman I met with yesterday in Santa Fe, Kiki Jadus, is amazing and really helped me realize that it is more likely the problem is stemming from my neck/shoulders and down into my hand after working with me. I'm doing a lot of evaluating still of playing position and looking into my strap situation as well. I have only been playing the fretless for a couple of years and can see how standing there having my heavy Warwick hanging on my shoulders and staring way too much at the fretboard could lead to some long term patterns that could be very binding.

I'm feeling positive about the situation now, and after reading the senior citizens post on this board (now closed, unfortunately), I am re-evaluating my feelings that I wont be able to do with my hands what I want to as I age.

It's worth all the work.

djero44 · #8 11-17-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SelenaBassGirl

I get that way on my fretting had too sometimes, esp if the song calls for a lot of using my index and pinky fingers simultaneously. I do have a touch of arthritis in the wrist tho.

Yeah, that is totally what triggers it for me too, as well as wide sustained stretches. I'm a lot less prone to the sensation if I use my pinky for octave doublestops, but don't usually play that way. Perhaps I should do it more. I'm hoping it's not arthritis and going to try to keep my hands healthy.