Ulnar Nerve Damage

[nickrs540]

I've never had your specific problem, but I have had my fingers, hand, and arm go numb on my fretting hand.

I was playing a big symphony concert at the big symphony venue here in San Diego on DB. Before the show I realized my tux was missing so I had to borrow one from my school. The tux ended up being way to tight and it cut off the circulation to my let arm. Half way through the set I couldn't feel the strings anymore, So for about 20 minutes worth of music I had to stare at my left hand to make sure they were even on the strings haha.

I know my story doesn't really help. I just wanted to share. Good luck with getting better, It seems like these guys before me know alot more then I do. So I think you'll be able to find some useful info.

 

[Epidrake]

Working on my computer all day and being a photographer and a bass player were killing my arm and shoulder and hand. I saw a neurologist and it was all due to my neck. Raising my computer monitor to eye level, standing up straighter and those chin tucks that Mikalourus described have been incredibly helpful. Good luck.

 

[lowendfriend]

Doc, it hurts when I do that.....Don't do that!

Work on avoiding the pressures you say you are putting on your arm (computer use, , gym, sleeping, etc.) or you will not solve your problem!

Nerve injuries can take a long time to reverse. If you can avoid what caused your problem in the first place, be patient and allow a month or so to judge whether you aren't making progress. You notice that your problem crept up slowly, so will the healing.

 

[Marginal Tom]

I've had the same problem, and finally gave up and had the surgery. While the surgery was less than 100% successful, I can now play as much as I like with no pain or swelling. Before the surgery, I could only play an hour or two at a time.

 

[Stillarockin1]

Bloody Hell, I just thought is was a part of ageing disgracefully.
Ive had this type of problem with my Right elbow for quite some time now. just a sickly uncomfortable feeling that is there constantly. Had a funny feeling that playing guitar may have contributed but not sleeping incorrectly. Better get it sorted before it gets worse.

 

[Nowhereman]

The past week or two I've been experiencing a numbness in my left hand - specifically my pinky and ring fingers and outside palm have gone almost completely numb. It started with a nasty pain in my outside elbow I noticed while working out my arms in the gym the morning after sleeping on my arm all night.

I've work in front of a computer all day for the last 5 years, and I sleep on my arms frequently. I guess these are all factors attributing to my condition.

I've been to my doctor and I'm scheduled to see an orthopedic specialist next week. Im in a serious band, and I have a show tomorrow night (last one for a while though). I'm just going to stick it out and play. There isn't much pain while I'm playing, but not being able to feel my outside fingers on my fretting hand is a pretty weird sensation while rehearsing...hopefully it won't throw me off too much...

Anyone ever had this? I've read it might even have to come down to surgery if therapy doesn't work, which could put me out of playing bass for quite a while.

pretty bummed...

If its the ulnar nerve acting up, the real solution to it is surgery.
My son pitched for many years and was very good, throwing in the high 80s.
One day he told me that he was tired of the pain.
I didn't know he had pain throwing.
The doctor that did Joe Montannas back did the ulnar surgery
on my sons elbow.
He said it is very common for atheletes to have this issue.
What they do is move the nerve around the other side of the elbow and its fixed.
After 6 weeks of rest, he threw again and his first pitches were in the low 90s.
He said he couldnt remember throwing that hard without the numbness and pain.
You can rest it if you want but, it will return once it starts.