Finger Numbness

[Hutton]

I have developed a kind of numbness at the tip of the middle finger of my right hand. It's not really numb but it just feels a bit strange, numbness is the best way to describe it. I just wondered if any other players have experienced this and, if you have, have you any advice? Many thanks.

[chris_b]

Sounds like you have circulation problems. Do you smoke? I'd ask a doctor.

[Bilbo]

I get this sometimes. You are pressing too hard. You don't need to press strings as hard as you think you do to get them to do their thing. Its a nervous affectation aggravated by loud drummers and guitarists; you feel that in order to be heard you have to play harder (r/h) so, logically, you tend to grip the strings/neck harder with your left hand. Try fretting a string and then lossening your grip on it and see how much tension you can release before the note is choked. I bet it is more than you thought? Then transfer that knowledge into your normal playing technique and the numbness will reduce/disappear.

[Floyd Pepper]

Do you play with your fretting hand at a right angle or with the inside of your wrist resting on the body of your bass?
If so, you could be putting too much pressure on the 'median nerve' which is commonly known as 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome' . A known symptom of this is a tingling, numbing sensation in the middle finger.
FP

Edited August 3, 2010 by Floyd Pepper

[fatback]

[quote name='Floyd Pepper' post='913623' date='Aug 3 2010, 10:44 AM']Do you play with your fretting hand at a right angle or with the inside of your wrist resting on the body of your bass?
If so, you could be putting too much pressure on the 'median nerve' which is commonly known as 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome' . A known symptom of this is a tingling, numbing sensation in the middle finger.
FP[/quote]

+1 and whatever you do, DO NOT ignore this. If it's anything to do with nerves and you ignore it, it could stop you playing for a very long time.

Hopefully, it's as Bilbo said, just a pressure thing, but if it's the beginnings of carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to sort out your technique straight away. Above all, the wrist should never be bent. You might have to change strap length on the bass to help you get it right.

[Bilbo]

Straight wrists are a must - take it from one who knows. I played upright incorrectly for a realatively short period and messed my wrist/arm up a lot for a long time. One lesson from Jakesbass and I was back on course. Deal with it now.

[Hutton]

Many, many thanks chaps. I'll certainly take to heart your excellent advice.

[essexbasscat]

Ah, there are other causes of numbness in areas of the hand, from the fingertips to everywhere else, which no-one has mentioned here.

If the problem persists after following the advice on here, I would recommend you seek some advice from a GP or healthcare professional

T

[Big_Stu]

[quote name='essexbasscat' post='914080' date='Aug 3 2010, 05:38 PM']Ah, there are other causes of numbness in areas of the hand, from the fingertips to everywhere else, which no-one has mentioned here.

If the problem persists after following the advice on here, I would recommend you seek some advice from a GP or healthcare professional

T[/quote]

+1

The tips of my left little & ring finger went numb last year. It was caused by a trapped nerve at the back of my neck!!! Drs were talking about spinal ops & assorted crap like that. A good sports physio told me what it really was & popped it back into place in one move.

[2pods]

Go to a doctor. Don't leave it.
It could be anything from cramp, to nerve endings.
Mine is Fibromyalgia now, but I'm pretty sure I put up with it for a few years thinking it was something or nothing, making it worse.

I'm sure it will be nothing like that, but it won't hurt to check , eh ?

[Hutton]

The advice on here has been excellent. I have actually been to my GP with this problem and was treated with indifference and told that it would probably pass. As I wasn't happy with this response I started this topic and, true to form, my fellow BC'ers have responded with care and knowledge. Armed with this knowledge I'm going to get an appointment with another GP and try and get things sorted out. What a forum!