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Double Bass Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

T

terrymack

Oct 24, 2010
6
0
#1
Any upright bass players continuing to play when diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome? My left fingers went numb a week ago and I have an appointment with a specialist tomorrow. I can still feel the strings so I don't want to give up playing. I am wearing a brace and I might change to some easier strings. This really sucks. Any advice or success stories out there?

Thanks,

terrymack
 
#2
Rest it and Advil. I had what amounted to tennis elbow - a sharp pain on the top of my forearm muscle. Saw a few different doctors but nothing seemed to make much difference except not playing for about 6 weeks. I then eased back into it and had the action on my basses lowered. I'm over 40 so it takes longer to heal then for 20 year olds, so adjust for your age. I think the quickest way to get it heal is to immobilize the arm for a month or so, but that would be awfully inconvenient - driving, showering, food prep, etc. The good news is, with time, it will probably get better. If you can figure out how you injured it, make adjustments to try to avoid doing it again. In my case, I was playing above the octave way too much. It's not a problem any longer though.
 
#3
I get it in both hands it is worst during the night I wake up and 3 fingers are often numb. I just massage them and they come good . I get it practicing more than playing for some reason . so as I feel it come on I just shake may hand towards the floor and it goes in about 15 seconds , it needs to be corrected surgicaly but I dont have health insurance and the waiting list is 2 years in the public system, you will have to rest it for about 1 month after being fixed if you google Carpel Tunnel syndrome you can see the treatment . I have been putting up with it for 2 yaers now it tends to come and go . if you have been doing manual work that you dont normally do it will flare up . so take it easy when that happens
 
#5
I feel your pain. Literally.

Was diagnosed with CTS about 7 years ago.

Still playing, but had to consult with an instructor who specializes in teaching bassists with physical issues. He got me doing things much different than I had been doing (technique-wise). It was expensive, but worth it.

Changed to low-tension ultra-light Corellis, Changed the bridge action considerably.

The drawback is, as i only play pizz (Dont let me anywhere near a bow!), my tone has suffered as I cant really dig in like i used to, otherwise i get alot of string buzz in the fingerboard with the low action.

But hey, at least I can still play the thing.

Keep your chin up! Hopefully, you can adapt your technique so you wont have to throw in the towel with playing UB.
 
#6
I've had the carpel tunnel relief operation on both hands. I spent about a year trying every other possible medical treatment, taking time out, changing action, set up, technique etc... It was the most stressful thing I've ever dealt with. As a professional player it was made even more complicated. I also play bass guitar and toyed with the idea of giving one up, but it happened on both instruments.

In the end I had both hands done at once and it was a great success. All the other treatments just gave short relief, but the operation was amazing. I was VERY concerned about an operation on my hands, but I wish I had done it on day one and avoided 10 months of stress. I've also met several other musicians who have had the operation & got great results.
Any operation involves risk, but a lot of the general public have this done so it's a fairly routine procedure.

Of course its also worth seeing a teacher and playing to other bassists to see if you are doing anything unusual that could be causing it. It's all about straight wrists.
Perhaps try other instruments. I have a bass guitar playing friend who only gets it on one bass guitar. New bass, problem solved.

I would suggest seeing more than one doctor and be sure it's carpel tunnel, not a nerve problem etc...
Of course I would recommend trying other treatments first, but if you need the operation don't be unduly concerned (like I was).
Good luck with your recovery.
Geoff
 
#7
I just had CT surgury on my left hand and they also moved my Alder Nerve in my left arm for the 2nd time,had this done on oct 21st,my ring finger and little finger are still numb,the doc says it will take about 3-4 months before I see a differance but know my body I think Iam not going to get feeling back....Had my C4 thru C7 fused and plated a year and a half ago....

My left hand is not locking up as bad as it used too.......I ony use my middle and pointer finger now on my left hand when I play being my two othe fingers are numb with no real strength...
 
#8
Thanks for all the feedback!

Saw the surgeon today. He prescribed Naproxen (anti-inflammitory) and Prednisone (steroid). I also need to wear a wrist brace especially at night. I need to totally rest my wrist (no playing) for at least two weeks to see if there is improvement. The doc doesn't want me playing until after two weeks of normal feeling in my fingers.

My own research found there are many stretching exercises (check YouTube) for Carpal Tunnel. It might be a good idea if UB players did these stretches (therapy) daily to prevent injury. I read many testimonials from people who avoided surgery with exercises. Also learned that nerves heal at the rate of one inch per month - explains why it takes months for some of these injuries to "heal".

Although playing UB was a contributing factor, I slept "wrong" on my wrist (bent forward) and woke up with a totally numb hand. The feeling eventually came back except for three fingers. This is why you need to sleep with a wrist support to keep your wrist straight. My hand and wrist was slightly inflamed from three straight nights gigging and the pressure on the nerve that night was too much. Live and learn. I hope this turns out to be a "wake up call" and I can continue playing armed with new knowledge of how to take care of my wrists. I also hope the knowledge of my experience will now benefit others.

Best regards,

terrymack
 
#9
My numb right hand fingers were cured with physical therapy and special exercises that had to be applied with the rigor that I used to apply to practicing my instrument. It has not recurred (and I spend lots of hours playing). Surgery should be the last option.
 
#10
Tendonitis here. I rested it- actually had wrist in an immobilisor/splint thing for a cuppla months. Good news is- for me at least- After the initial pain went away, I got a good physio & also saw a personal trainer & exercise -weights etc - has strengthened it to where it's as good as new.
Hopefully there's hope for all bassists who get this.
 

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