Left hand pain

[JeffS]

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas, and is ready for the new year.

I have a question for the group. I have been playing guitar for about 40 years, and I've been having problems with pain in my left hand when playing (gradually getting worse for the past 15 years). I was off last week and played more than I normally do, and by the end of the week I had to stop playing due to pain/numbness in my left hand. I've noticed key of C really agravates the condition - I can't play all the way through Chet's arrangement of Arkansas Traveler. The standard 1st position c-chord and the bar chords in the c-minor section cause the large muscle at the base of my thumb to cramp, and my index finger starts to get numb. The joint at the base of my thumb (not the knuckle but the joint behind the large muscle) also gets extremely sore. The only cure I have found is to stop playing for several days or weeks to let my hand recuperate. I know the symptoms sound like carpal tunnel, and nerve conduction studies have shown that I have mild carpal tunnel syndrome; I prefer not to have surgery for fear of damage to the nerve during the surgery.

I stopped playing acoustic guitar several years ago, because the higher string tension on the acoustic guitar seemed to be worse on my hand than the electric guitar. Now I'm having problems when playing electric guitar as well.

I am interested to know if anyone has experienced similar conditions and what you have done to help the problem.

[Mike Nye]

So, What's your doctor seem to think is causing it ? ? ?

[Randy Finney]

I am big believer that posture is the cause of many ailments and, therefore, also the cure.

I have had elbow, shoulder, and wrist pains at various times over the years, but not in any recent years since I discovered the power of being aware posture.

Sounds a little crazy that posture can cause thumb pain but, I bet you can prove to yourself that it does (hopefully, did).

Unfortunately, I cannot give you specific "instructions" on posture as I just do it via trial and observation - kind of an Inner Game approach. Just keep trying different posture while you play. You may have try something for several days to see the result. Furthermore, some of your posture experiments may feel odd at first but, you may find that these are the solution and will soon not feel so odd.

Here is some advice that Tommy gave to a workshop attendee in Toronto one year who ask him pretty much the same question you are asking, "If it hurts when you play then you are not doing it right". (Tommy was born with an Inner Game mind.)

Another piece of advice I heard Laurence Juber give in a similar situation was to not make just your fingers do all of the work. Your shoulder and the other muscles in your arms actually play a large role in supporting and positioning your fingers.

At any rate, I am just trying to suggest that there is a pretty good chance that where the pain is is not where the problem is so, experiment. Sit different, consciously use muscles you haven't normally thought of as being involved, and re-adjust slightly for different passages (watch both Tommy and Chet videos for great examples of this.)

Hope this helps a bit.

Randy

[Terry Tolley]

I had hand surgery on my right hand due to a "trigger-finger" syndrome. I had cortisone shots prior to that, but the relief from pain and finger-locking and the pain was only temporary.

Carpal tunnel is different. I remember some co-workers who had that problem with similar symptoms and the surgery relieved all of that. If it is any consolation, Paul Yandell said he experienced carpal tunnel and the surgery was "no big deal" for him. The surgical techniques are much improved these days wherein the surgery can be done arthoscopically, that is WITHOUT having to make a large incision, which causes some down-time. I believe the procedure was developed by the Brown Clinic here in Arizona and I know two friends who had the procedure done on at least one hand with a down-time of only a few days, as compared to more than 3 weeks with the older conventional methods that used to be done. Bottom line, if you must have surgery to correct the problems, then the risk and prognoses are not so dismal as they once were.

This is NOT to say that the surgery has no risk - that would be foolish - but the techniques are so much better. When I had my procedure done, I pestered the orthopedic doctor with many questions which he patiently answered for me. It made me feel much better about getting the surgery. My age is the only factor I deal with now. My hands are a bit stiff in the mornings - especially if it is cold, but I am good when I warm them for a while.

[JeffS]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the information. It is encouraging to know that several of you, including Paul, had the surgery successfully. My doctor hasn't mentioned this yet, but I guess it could become an option. I live in Birmingham, so Nashville is not very far to drive. I've wondered if there are surgeons in Nashville that might be more famailiar with musicians' concerns when dealing with their hands, fingers, etc.??? I would certainly consider using Paul's doctor since his surgery was so successful.

I think posture could definitely be an issue. One thing that is consistent with the 15 or so years that I've experienced the onset of these problems, is decrease in my physical condition. Gaining weight has repositioned my guitar (in the seated or standing position) farther forward causing me to have to reach out farther to the neck of the guitar. My shoulder also bothers me at times which I think is due to this. One thing for sure, losing weight and improving my physical condition won't hurt. I've decided to address this this year - a New Year's Resolution I guess.

Thanks,
Jeff

[smokymtguitar09]

I had a similar problem and it was diagnosed by a doctor as tendonitis. I wore a wrist-hand brace for awhile which really did not help when playing. I was playing and practicing quite a bit at that time.

I tried several measures before finding a solution. First, I tried easing off the pressure when making chords, and secondly I switched from resting my guitar on my right leg to the left in the classical player position that naturally straightened my left wrist. In addition, over a period of time, I've mostly switched to wider neck, 12 fret, shorter scale guitars, which also helped me.

I also stay aware of pain when learning new songs and chords. If it begins to hurt....then I try to find a better, easier way to play the song. I think this should not be overlooked....make playing easier not harder. It will be less painful and more fun!

You might find a specialist near by or online who also plays guitar who might have some first-hand advice. Ask around or surf the internet.

Aspercreme and Tylenol help ease the discomfort.

Good luck!

[RonBloor]

I think the physical condition thing is a must... Perhaps the condition with your right hand is a wake-up call and you should pay attention to it. I have a simple walking machine... NO power... Just my own drives it. I like to get on it and watch a video or two while doing a very modest amount of exercise every day. This, in itself, many not solve your problem, but you will sure feel better!!! Oh.. and eat lots of fruits and green veggies... LOL...