Suddenly numb feel in wrist

[Jkk17]

So I have been getting a lot of sudden numb feeling in my wrist. I wonder if it has anything to do with a bad technique. I usually play sat down and sometimes I land my arm on the bass, but it's not all the time. Should I go to a doctor? I usually warm-up my wrist and stuff to avoid it but it continues even when playing simple and slow stuff. I'll post a picture with the exact location. Thanks

 

[Lobster11]

So I have been getting a lot of sudden numb feeling in my wrist. I wonder if it has anything to do with a bad technique. I usually play sat down and sometimes I land my arm on the bass, but it's not all the time. Should I go to a doctor? I usually warm-up my wrist and stuff to avoid it but it continues even when playing simple and slow stuff. I'll post a picture with the exact location. Thanks

That spot is probably exactly where your wrist lays on top of the bass body, and if so you're probably pinching a nerve. So, stop doing that! Moreover, plucking with a severely bent wrist is a sure-fire recipe for long-term injury, so you want to get it off the bass and straighten it out anyway.

Technique-wise, it sounds like you need to lower the body of the bass relative to your body. When standing, either angle the neck upwards (thereby lowering the body downwards) or lengthen your strap a bit. For sitting, try using a tall stool, or anything that will allow the bass body to hang lower so you can straighten out your plucking wrist and keep your forearm from resting on top.

 

[Jkk17]

That spot is probably exactly where your wrist lays on top of the bass body, and if so you're probably pinching a nerve. So, stop doing that! Moreover, plucking with a severely bent wrist is a sure-fire recipe for long-term injury, so you want to get it off the bass and straighten it out anyway.

Technique-wise, it sounds like you need to lower the body of the bass relative to your body. When standing, either angle the neck upwards (thereby lowering the body downwards) or lengthen your strap a bit. For sitting, try using a tall stool, or anything that will allow the bass body to hang lower so you can straighten out your plucking wrist and keep your forearm from resting on top.

Thanks for the help. Yes, I will definitely play with the straight wrist and try to avoid any type of injury

 

[Malcolm35]

.....Moreover, plucking with a severely bent wrist is a sure-fire recipe for long-term injury, so you want to get it off the bass and straighten it out anyway.

There is no pain in bass. If you have pain something is being done that causes that pain. Like Lobster said; …"cut it out"

Talk to your Doctor. It may save you the operation.

 

[Yonni]

In the short term maybe wear a sweat band like Steve Harris does. Not just while you are playing but all the time. It should increase circulation around the area to help heal it (see: RICE for injuries). It may also spread the pressure across the area to prevent one spot always getting sore. But most importantly, if it doesn’t go away in a few days, go to a doctor.

 

[fearceol]

All good advice given so far. Just bear in mind that there is a slim possibility that this problem may not be bass related, but playing the bass aggravates it further. Adjust your technique as suggested, and if the problem persists consult a doctor or physiotherapist.