The Chetboard

Has anyone ever experience their hand or hands going completely numb when playing. I've been experiencing this lately mainly on my left hand. My middle,ring and pinky go completely numb when I start playing. It's so bad I can't even hardly feel the strings. I have to take a break and shake my hand vigorously until I can get some feeling back.

Hi Phil. Numbness comes from two sources, neurological and circulatory.... as my doctor told me when I had the same problem. My problem is circulatory since I have peripheral artery disease which was related to a heart attack I had in 2000. It is virtually impossible to diagnose the problem yourself, so I would suggest that you see your doctor. In the meanwhile....try altering the position in which you hold your arm. This will necessitate repositioning the guitar, of course. Better that than to stop playing!! Please do NOT ignore the issue!!!!

Phil,

About a 99% probability you've developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a very common condition which affects many persons who do what is called "repetitive motion" things such as musical instrument playing. There are specialists in this area of medicine who can fully evaluate that condition, as well as offering treatment and/or correction of the problem.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-cond ... n-20030332

Good luck,
David

First thing that comes to mind is Ulnar Nerve.Hits the ring and pinky.
When it hits me, I ice it. then stick my elbow under hot water.Feeling starts coming back.
Then I play too much again and have to repeat process! LOL!
Mark