Tech Time. And by tech I mean Doctor.
Hope it's nothing serious, but always good to start ruling out bad stuff sooner than later.
Hope it's nothing serious, but always good to start ruling out bad stuff sooner than later.
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finger spasm mid-set fret hand
- Thread starter patrickj
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Check out Scott Devine on YouTube. Search "why I wear the gloves". You may have a similar condition/situation
I agree, hit up a doc for sure.
But also, keep in mind (not just you in particular, but all of us bass players) that we need to take good care of our bodies. Somehow, that's so easy to overlook.
Yes, you'll live longer, yes your quality of life will be better - that's a given. But think about how we make music... WE USE OUR BODIES! Our ears, our arms, our hands, our fingers, shoulders, backs and necks; these things are all connected to the same core (you) and if we don't listen to them and take care of them, the ability to effectively utilize them will deteriorate faster (and stop, ultimately).
If you want to make music for as long as possible you need to watch what you eat, be mindful of how much time you spend sitting down, your posture, drink enough fluids, stretch, take a multivitamin, exercise, get enough rest... It's all important.
I'm no athlete, but my health is VERY important to me because I want to play my bass for as long as I can.
I remember this happened to me a few years back and it's scary at first. It was Green Onions and prolonged fretting between 1st and 4th frets. In the end I believe it was just cramp in my forearm muscles. Extra endurance exercises seemed to do the trick and it hasn't happened again
This has happened to me twice in about the last five years, most recently at a gig just a month ago. Hydration is the key--and that means starting to drink a lot of water 8 - 10 hours before the gig and keep it up during the gig. You will pee a lot, but that beats the alternative.
I just played an outdoor gig last week when it was hot an muggy, but had been drinking water all day and got through the gig with no problem.
Some folks swear by Gatorade, but water does the trick for me. If it keeps happening to you even with proper hydration, then I'd talk to a physician.
Other long term solution: learn to use a pick.
I just played an outdoor gig last week when it was hot an muggy, but had been drinking water all day and got through the gig with no problem.
Some folks swear by Gatorade, but water does the trick for me. If it keeps happening to you even with proper hydration, then I'd talk to a physician.
Other long term solution: learn to use a pick.
True. But it happened during a gig. You need electrolytes. Too much water causes you to pee them out.
A nurse told me once at a gig when I cramped for a quick remedy> Bananas
I've had this happen a number of times. Went to the doctor and he said it was carpal tunnel syndrome. I wear a brace while sleeping and playing now which helps a lot but he told me the only real cure is to have surgery. I'll use the braces for now. Get yourself checked to be sure it's nothing serious.
This is gonna sound stupid, but if it is cramps, the fastest cure is dill pickle juice. Don't knock it til you have tried it. I have had the muscle between my thumb and first finger cramp, and the relief is near immediate.
Mike
Mike
please see a doctor because there are many things that could cause this. could be dehydration, lack of calcium, nerve issues, carpal tunnel, squeezing the neck too hard, tendon issues. for that matter, this happened to me once after i carried my heavy amp up a flight of stairs by the handle - my hand was just overworked, and it cramped and stopped functioning for a few minutes. but it could be a neurological issue, too, so please see a doctor.
have you ever read a gatorade label? as far as electrolytes, it's mostly salt (which most of us use too much of) with less potassium than you get in two ounces of milk and no calcium
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have you ever read a gatorade label? as far as electrolytes, it's mostly salt (which most of us use too much of) with less potassium than you get in two ounces of milk and no calcium
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Not to mention waaaay too much sugar. When my boys played serious soccer they drank water or Gatorade cut 50/50 with water. Lots of cyclists do this too.
The OP should hydrate, but if it happens again, definitely see the Doc.
Water avocado and enough sodium. Or Not too much sodium, if you're like most of us.
If it's too little sodium one of those giant pickles will fix you up QUICK
Also you should be doing light stretches before every warm up before every time you play - if no one that went to college for physical therapy has showed you what to do, go pay and hear it once
You can eat a banana instead, if you're a masochist
If it's too little sodium one of those giant pickles will fix you up QUICK
Also you should be doing light stretches before every warm up before every time you play - if no one that went to college for physical therapy has showed you what to do, go pay and hear it once
You can eat a banana instead, if you're a masochist
All the above and exesive caffeine. Caffeine is a natural diuretic. Avoid energy drinks and big cups of coffe.
Funny thing is I know triathletes that drink flat soda during a race. The caffeine and fructose give you more energy when you need it... Like during a race.
