In the past couple of weeks, I’ve acquired this weird tingly sensation in my hands – like they fall asleep – when I have my arms bent. On top of that, the joints in my fingers hurt. It’s uncomfortable and a little scary; and worst of all, it won’t go away. So I’ve made an appointment to go see a doctor. Heart and pulmonary disease runs in my family, so I’m probably a prime candidate for hardened arteries and heart problems. But this condition has made me start thinking: What would it mean to not be able to play guitar?
Understand that the guitar has been pretty much the center of my life since I was a kid. Playing guitar is my escape from the stresses of the world, and pains of relationships. It is my outlet to release the creative energy bottled up inside of me.
I live to play guitar and play guitar live. To not be able to play, well, that would be the worst tragedy of my life, second only to the loss of a member of my family. I frankly don’t know how I’d be able to cope with life without guitar. Is it unhealthy to have such a dependence on it? I don’t know. But it has always been a calming presence in my life – my own personal therapy. If it’s gone, I suppose I could find something else, but 30 years of playing every day is kind of a hard act to follow.
Before I see the doctor, I’ve already resolved to make some major changes in my life. First, I’m no longer eating red meat. I love it, but my steady diet of pork and beef over the years and not enough fruit and vegetables has probably caught up to me. I can eat fish a couple of times a week, and chicken, maybe once every couple of weeks.
I’m also going to start exercising regularly. Before I started really working on my album, I was walking at least a couple of miles a day, and trying to do something active. But when I hit the studio last year, I did nothing. Now I’m paying for it.
I’m not asking for sympathy. I got myself into this mess, and I’m resolved to get out of it. Wish me luck!
Guitar Gear 
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
Thanks so much for the support, John! It means a lot to me.
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!
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
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.
jp
Thanks, guys!
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.
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.
[…] 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 […]
Hey, I just went to the doctor this week and she said It was carpel tunnel. She gave me a splint to wear at night. I have also thought how scary It would be If I couldn’t play guitar anymore. I have been playing for 33 years and the DOC. says carpal tunnel is probably the main problem. I will also try stretching my fingers before I play to see how that works too. Good Luck ! BENDARI