Left hand takes nap

Cygnus-X1 · 09-28-2010, 12:37 PM

So I'm playing with the worship band, and my fretting hand starts falling asleep...the 'ol tingly sensation, then fingers go kinda numb...this happens after about 20 minutes of playing, but only sometimes...anyone else?

**tenwatt** · 09-28-2010, 12:42 PM

No, but half of my RIGHT hand (from between my middle and ring finger to my pinky) always feels like that due to an accident I had where I shattered my fourth and fifth metacarpals.

Your problem makes sense though. I'm sure all the blood is draining out of your hand.

Cygnus-X1 · 09-28-2010, 12:50 PM

Makes sence, since I can shake my hand vigorously and its back to normal...maybe I need to lower my guitar so my left hand is a little lower than my heart, I dunno...or maybe I should just stop eating cheeseburgers.

**thesteve** · 09-28-2010, 12:52 PM

This might be a wrist angle issue.

**redbaron** · 09-28-2010, 03:40 PM

ergonomics are the most likely cause, though do you have actual heart trouble?

definitely something to take seriously (sitting here without my counterpart at work since he's out on a medical leave due to a massive heart attack).

Bushman · 09-28-2010, 03:54 PM

My previous bassist had this problem alot. He used to hang his hand down and kind of slap his leg in between songs. He always attributed it to mild carpel tunnel syndrome.

.... that or too many mushrooms. (jk)

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 09-28-2010, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cygnus-X1

So I'm playing with the worship band, and my fretting hand starts falling asleep...the 'ol tingly sensation, then fingers go kinda numb...this happens after about 20 minutes of playing, but only sometimes...anyone else?

Im just going to say this, as far as health is concerned, don't risk it. I would seek some form of proffessional advice on this one from a doctor. As a guitarist, this is serious, and doesn't seem to be a one time deal.

I would talk to a doctor and evaluate the ergonomics of your playing.

roscoestring · 09-28-2010, 07:55 PM

I had this same problem although it happened with both arms. It also happened when sitting at a computer keyboard, driving a car, or sitting at a table with my hands resting on the table. My doctor said the problem was with my backbone. He suggested that I see a chiropractor. He also suggested that I change the way I sleep at night. A smaller pillow has greatly reduced the numbness attacks. I sometimes can hang my head forward in a certain position when the numbness occurs and stop it. Before that I would hang my hands and dangle them to relieve it. I originally thought it was a blood circulation problem. Now I know my problem is with my spine. I say go see a doc too.

Cygnus-X1 · 09-29-2010, 02:36 PM

No ticker trouble...but like the above, I now recall that I don't have to be playing for it to happen...I could be driving, or just holding onto something for an extended period of time and the left hand goes all tingly. Since I've got a huge weight problem, I figured its related to that...backbone? carpel? ...hmmm...I'll let my doctor know...anyone else with this prob?

gtrdave · 09-29-2010, 03:36 PM

The nerves for your hands and arms are located in the neck region of your spine; C4, C5, C6, etc...
It's possible that it could be a posture issue, where the nerves are being impacted by a herniated disc, but you'd need to see a specialist and get an MRI to be sure.
Take it from me, it is something that you do not want to mess around with, nor is it something that you want to do nothing about as this type of condition can affect your entire life.