Comments on: What would it mean to not be able to play guitar?

By: Yipee! I can still play!!! « Guitar Gear

Yipee! I can still play!!! « Guitar Gear — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:29:07 +0000

[...] 30, 2008 by goofydawg After a minor scare last week with my heart and circulation and worrying about how long I’ll be able to play guitar, I went to the doctor and was relieved to find out that I didn’t have a heart attack - just a [...]

By: Tweed Demon

Tweed Demon — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:01:31 +0000

I had the same thing for years and years, then I read an article by major player in GP (name slips my mind- maybe it was Malmsteen or someone like that)….But, that article emphasized proper stretching and warm ups before playing or practicing. The main emphasis to avoid carpel tunnel was to stetch the fingers back from the hand and hold for several seconds to a minute. This is the only thing that works for me - and it works well. I now find myself stretching on my fingers on the steering wheel on my commute to and from work, and any other chance I get. Try it - I can only say it worked for me and I know everyone’s a little different, but, it took care of my problem.

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:40:44 +0000

I have gone to a chiropractor on and off for the past few years. It definitely does help. I suffer from a lot of back pain and occasional numbness in my hands. Oftentimes, going to the chiropractor will help.

Good for you for resolving to live a healthier lifestyle. Maybe it’s time I make some changes, as well.

By: goofydawg

goofydawg — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:35:05 +0000

Thanks, guys!

By: Stratoblogster

Stratoblogster — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:05:53 +0000

You might try a chiropractor. We guitar players can get out of alignment, which can create all sorts of weird sensations.

Getting out for long walks can also help to “reset” things.

Try not to expect the worst. If you’re due for a physical checkup, then it’s good to get one. Just don’t stress yourself out.

By: TieDyedDevil

TieDyedDevil — Wed, 21 May 2008 07:05:50 +0000

Hi,

My thoughts are with you, hoping everything works out for the best.

Despite your family medical history, I wouldn’t be surprised if your symptoms are related to nerves. (Carpal tunnel or something similar.) Unless you’ve been ignoring warning twinges for a long time, chances are that a bit of rest (and pacing yourself in the future) will resolve the problem in a month or three (which is nothing when you consider the alternative…)

You’re doing the right thing consulting your physician.

Best wishes,
David

By: Isaac Priestley

Isaac Priestley — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:35:19 +0000

I had the same exact thing happen to me. My fretting hand felt like it would go numb anytime I relaxed it.

It happened to me after a few weeks of obsessively practicing a specific part, very repetitively, but just generally playing a LOT and not taking many breaks.

What I did was to start taking fish oil extract pills for my joint health, and I restrung my guitar with lower-gauge strings, switching from 12s to 11s. Eating healthier is also an excellent idea.

Fortunately, that seems to have done the trick for me–that was in December and I haven’t had a similar experience since.

When it happened to me, I was worried as hell because my band was just getting off the ground and, like you, I couldn’t imagine not being able to play. Sounds like you’re on the right track toward being in better shape physically. Take care of yourself and I’m sure the situation will improve!

By: goofydawg

goofydawg — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:14:35 +0000

Thanks so much for the support, John! It means a lot to me.

By: Pribek

Pribek — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:43:19 +0000

Goofydawg, My thoughts are with you.
I went through a situation, after 30 years of playing, where it looked as if I would play no more.
I know that making that appointment and seeing that doctor are exactly what you need to be doing.
Please feel free to email me as a comrade in arms.
Best to you,
Jack Pribek