Double Bass Wrist pain

[Sdtrf]

Hey guys, recently my wrist started to hurt and i went to see a doctor and she said i had either stretched a ligament in my wrist or had torn it from repetitive movements. She said it was probably from playing my bass combined with writing/drawing. So now i cant play bass, guitar, or write/draw. Anyone else have similar problems? Anyone have advice to keep it from happening again?
Thanks,
Makayla

 

[David Potts]

Good news is you have seen a doctor.

We need more info-

Which hand
Usually sitting or standing to play if LH
Which bow if RH

A lot of wrist problems can be due to alignment, especially pronation.
DP

 

[deltafunk]

Stretch your wrists before and after you play. Maybe adjust how you hold the instrument so it's a bit more comfortable if possible. Sometimes leaning the neck up towards my head helps a bit. If you're just practicing, and it starts to hurt, stop, or take a break.

 

[deltafunk]

wow, double bass forum...didn't even realize, my apologies. forget everything i said about re positioning the bass obviously.

 

[powerbass]

Typical treatment is to brace the wrist which can be helpful for severe cases, prolonged bracing can create more problems. Cortisone injections are usually not effective for ligament injuries. Alignment is very important as is muscle strengthening to maintain joint control - reviewing wrist alignment with your bass teacher is imperative - you may need to review your drawing hand position as well. Self massage called cross fiber friction applied to the injured ligaments can be helpful for both pain and increasing blood flow. You might want to research PRP and prolotherapy injections, these are administered for ligament injuries.

 

[AClark]

My worst nightmare! I had tendinitis not to long ago. The only way to get rid of it is to take a break! Also, I'd dip your arms in freezing water for as long as you can-- that should help

 

[404usernamenotfound]

Just a note- when you recover, make absolutely sure to stretch thoroughly before playing for a long time. I do that- I peg it as the only reason I don't share the tendinitis and wrist pain 3 other guys in my section have a lot

 

[Sdtrf]

Good news is you have seen a doctor.

We need more info-

Which hand
Usually sitting or standing to play if LH
Which bow if RH

A lot of wrist problems can be due to alignment, especially pronation.
DP

I use my left hand to finger the notes and stand while i play. I hurt my left hand.
Thanks,
Makayla

 

[Sdtrf]

Thanks for all the great replies everyone! I was surprised when it happened, i figured it would happen sometime but i've been playing for less than a year. Thanks again for all the advice,
Makayla

 

[mattburgbass]

I suffered from tendonitis not to long ago from what my doctor told me was "overuse". I had the pain in my right wrist (german bow). My teacher told me that in result of overplaying and not taking frequent breaks when I practice caused my tendonitis. I took a week off from practicing to recover from the injury. So some advice in result of personal experience, if your wrist starts to feel sore when you're playing, just take a break. Whether it be a day or a month, make sure you feel entirely "healed" before playing again. Just my 2 cents.

 

[jaff]

This probably once again emphasizes the need for a teacher at regular intervals.
Have you consulted yours?

 

[lowfreq33]

If it's your left wrist, from my limited DB experience you need to get your shoulder a little more behind the neck. If it's your right wrist you need to lengthen your endpin.

 

[bass_study]

My bass tutor have the same problem. And he has found the best thing work for him is Chinese Accupunture.

But I guess there is no way to recover til to normal in long run.....

 

[Curley Shadow]

YOu are talking about electric bass/ Either way electric or upright, strive to keep your wrist straght in a line from your shoulder and back, bending the wrist at the finger board pretty muc will eventually cause you problems.