bass playing ability issue *PLEASE READ*

I'm older, I had some temp issues that scared me but passed. My pinky was locking up " trigger finger" but it left?

 

Asking medical advice on a bass forum will not get you the answer you need. Talk to your doctor.

When I think "appendages suddenly becoming useless", I think strokes. Me telling you "you might have had a stroke" is borderline dangerous. I'm not a doctor. I don't know you, your age, your medical history, your lifestyle, anything. Talk to your doctor.

In case I haven't made it clear... Talk to your doctor!

 

Unless your fretting technique is really horrible, you shouldn't have hurt it by practising.
You could have pinched nerve in neck, or similar. Get a doc or chiro to check it.

 

A chiropracter IS NOT A DOCTOR!

Chiropractice is on par with witchcraft and crystal power as far as diagnosis and treatment of disease goes. I would advise against it. Talk to a DOCTOR!

 

Dude, chill out. You have no idea what you are talking about.
Chiropractors and physiotherapists (at least those I know) are educated medical workers that cooperate with doctors.

 

This could be caused by the way you are holding the bass, holding your arm/hand, caused by poor set up, poor technique, high action, gripping the strings too hard, an old injury, overuse, a developing health problem, or you could be imagining some or all of this, any number of causes. I'd start with a visit to the doctor and he can advise a visit to any other health providers, Physio, Chiro etc if appropriate. If you get a clean bill of health find a good player and get some lessons. He can assess everything about your playing style and hopefully you'll come out the other end a healthier and better player.

 

You know the founding father of Chiropractors was taught the system by a dead doctor who visited him in a dream.

No joke I'm afraid.

 

Cool, I believe you. I've got no investment here, I'm no holistic-hipy-alternative-medicine-anty-vacination-afficionado. I go to doctor when I have medical problem.
But, if OP mentioned no other sympthoms (you don't have any, right?), respectable chiro (like mine) will know right away is this job for him, or should OP get a check with doctor.
Sure, the OP can play it safe and go visit a doctor first.
My colegue had exact same sympthom recently, she has bad neck posture and she pinched a nerve. Typicaly, theres numbing or tingling in the top of the index finger. Chiro treats this very effectively.
But, you are probably right, better safe than sorry, doc first.

 

This +101

 

No crazier than the daily news these days.

 

I’m confused. Are you suggesting he see a doctor? Just come out and say it.

 

If the op is literally accurate, he never takes a day off, he could have caused a stress injury that will take months layoff to heal, also with proper nutrition, like vit. C, green leafy vegs and yogurt for calcium. Yes he should go see a good doctor.

In the U.S. you won't see a chiropractor in a hospital, at least not in any professional capacity. Physical therapists here have at least a Masters degree and usually a PhD and are certified by the state. Some chiropractors know about things like posture and mechanics and nutrition, but their main theory that disease is caused by "occlusions" in the spine is nonsense. Chiropractors also keep you coming back again and again like a secure payday which in itself is suspicious.

 

Could be a muscle cramp. Try eating bananas for a few days and see if it goes away. What is your age?

 

Nurses are also educated medical workers who cooperate with doctors, but I wouldn't expect them to know precisely whats going on with a wonky finger.

So, in case no one has mentioned it before: Talk to your doctor!

 

I suspect a technique issue, so along with a doctor, I'd suggest taking a few lessons with a teacher versed in good ergonomic technique. Playing bass (or any instrument) should never be painful at any time.

 

Chiropractic care is an alternative treatment with no proven efficacy beyond limited benefits to lower back pain.

If a person finds it useful and chooses to use it that's their choice but your first visit should be a doctor and likely then a physical therapist.

 

^This.

First, get any potential or developing medical issues addressed. Talk to your regular doctor who may refer you to a specialist just in case.

Next, take some lessons.

Do both, and if the problem is fixable, it’ll get fixed. If not you’ll learn effective ways to work around it. Either way you’re good to go.

Medical check + lessons = win

 

I'm not a doctor but sometimes I play one on commercials. MY diagnosix is that your bass playing days are over and you need to donate your gear to someone who cannot afford one but is interested in learning to play. And to recover your dexterity you should take up knitting.

 

I agree 100%! A good friend is a highly respected sports therapist who's background is as a chiropractor. He was the team doctor for the Clippers and was Kobe's therapist at one time. Believe it, his ain't no witchcraft.