zzero
Joined: Jul 09, 2010
Posts: 1153
Lillian Alabama
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Posted on Feb 23 2015 03:54 PM
Any of ya'll have numbing hands problems?? My left (fretting) hand starts going numb after about 20 minutes of playing. The little finger starts first and the numbness moves to my ring finger, then middle finger and then my first finger. After about 30 minutes my fingers are all numb. Takes maybe a half hour or more to get the feeling back.
This problem started about 3 years ago. A fellow player suggested I change to a shorter scale guitar. 3 years ago I was playing Strats. Switched over to Jags now and the problem has resurfaced.
Anyone have any experience with this???? 
— Enjoying the surf,sun and sand!!
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Noel
Joined: Mar 15, 2011
Posts: 8528
Back in Piitsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I grew up.
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Posted on Feb 23 2015 04:18 PM
The people I know who've had this as serious as you describe have eventually had surgery to keep playing. Resting the hand and avoiding the associated pressure points, plus a wrist brace can alleviate symptoms, but probably not solve the problem in the long term.
Is there any pain associated with playing guitar?
If you don't play guitar for several days, does it take longer to reoccur?
All the best.
— This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got.
Last edited: Feb 23, 2015 16:19:31
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Tuck
Joined: Sep 02, 2006
Posts: 3166
Denver, CO
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Posted on Feb 23 2015 04:52 PM
If it's more or less constant and particular fingers/sides, it's probably foraminal stenosis (pinching due to wear/spurs at the side openings of the vertebrae). If it develops while using the fingers it's probably carpal tunnel syndrome (pinching in the wrists), as I think Noel is suggesting. I think the latter is more treatable. I'm sorry you're having the troubles.
Google "hand numbness."
Last edited: Feb 23, 2015 16:52:50
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zzero
Joined: Jul 09, 2010
Posts: 1153
Lillian Alabama
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Posted on Feb 23 2015 04:55 PM
Noel! No pain when playing, my hand just goes numb slowly. I just finished 20 minutes with my Fender Jag and no problem. Then I switched to my Squier Jag and in about 20 minutes the numbness started up again. My wife just pointed out that when I start with the squier I go numb. I can use the fender and no problem. It seems to start with the squier. The neck is beefier than the fender. I'd rather play the fender any way. Buckers on the squier and p-90's on the fender. Could I be hitting a pressure point? May be the squier, this kicked up not long after I got it. Strat necks drive me nuts but tele necks are fine.
JM necks I don't know about, I got rid of mine some time back.
Doesn't seem to change much if I don't play for a few days. But I never go more than 3 or 4 days without playing.
I hate doctors. Never any good news.
Thanks for your input Noel!! 
— Enjoying the surf,sun and sand!!
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eddiekatcher
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2778
Atlanta, GA
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Posted on Feb 23 2015 04:57 PM
I have a similar problem if I try to play guitar before about lunch time. Sounds weird, but I have no problems (other than being all thumbs) after lunch.
I've found that a really low string set up and regularly shaking down your hands helps a lot too.
I also have the same issue riding dirt bikes. This is the primary reason that I crashed so violently two years ago Thanksgiving. I got on the front brake too hard without realizing it and hit the clay at somewhere between 50 and 60 mph. Hardest get off I have EVER had and I've ridden dirt bikes for over 50 years. I gave up trying to ride enduros back in the 80's because after about 20 miles. I couldn't feel the bars or the control levers. This resulted in me smacking a lot of trees. Then I went to MX, and that helped because there were no trees (normally) and the motos for old guys like me were usually only five laps or so. (Of course I am a lousy moto cross rider as well)
Damn crappy weather........I wanna ride.
Best of Luck,
ed
— Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps?
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Ariel
Joined: Aug 29, 2009
Posts: 1556
Israel
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Posted on Feb 23 2015 05:00 PM
I have experienced numbness in hands after prolonged periods of motorcycle/bicycle riding. Not from guitar playing though...
Solutions were immediate and permanent, by either/or: Modifying body and hands' position, and changing the handle type/profile.
Something must be mechanically wrong with the way you're holding the guitar, find out what it is and change it.
There are no tricks, it's all about position.
Numbness like that is caused by either restricted blood-flow, which is compromised anyway if the hand is constantly above elbow level, or constantly at sharp angles. Repeated motion doesn't help either (if you play rhythm, switch to lead  ).
But, most likely and common, it's pressure on the Ulnar and Median nerves, at the base of your palm.
Ideas:
Maybe something makes you grip the neck too hard, or it presses unevenly across your palm.
Could be the specific profile (if you have a C, try a V), or angle towards the floor (as result of the length and body weight), also consider the forward/back tilt.
Make sure there are no pressure points along the nerves that lead from brain to fingers - especially around your neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist. That means check clothing, guitar strap position and width, jewellery etc. But especially, assume and get used to a natural, balanced, comfortable position.
Touch lightly, take breaks, and do these exercises as often as you can. (and if you're on stage, smile and make it part of the show  )
This guy has more specific advanced rehabilitation advice.
Another thing: think about the stresses that your body and hands go through the rest of your regular life - working, driving, sitting, typing... there can be a build up. Relieve it regularly, change your habits. Overall fitness and flexibility helps, our organs support each other.
Just, Don't keep on doing exactly what you're doing now, it will only get worse!
But recovery is easy in most situations, if you fix it soon enough.
Unless your doctor (which you should see, btw) orders you to, and even then IMHO, surgery can be avoided, if regular care and exercise are being done, AFTER solving the problematic mechanics.
Good health to you sir.
Last edited: Feb 23, 2015 17:30:42
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zzero
Joined: Jul 09, 2010
Posts: 1153
Lillian Alabama
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Posted on Feb 23 2015 05:39 PM
Interesting. I do tend to grip the guitars tight--I bend whole chords and grip hard when playing fast. Lots of pulls and double stops too. I don't use a tremolo bar either. I shake and bend chords for a faux tremolo effect.
I'll check my hand position too. It's pretty bent up when I play. Put on a strap and stand up when I play. Avoid the doctor for now. Surf violin?? Wondering. I did have problems when I did the 10 speed thing but that changed when I changed my grip on the bar.
Thanks guys!! Hoping the info helps!!
— Enjoying the surf,sun and sand!!
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D22
Joined: Apr 20, 2006
Posts: 2054
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Posted on Feb 23 2015 07:50 PM
Ulnar Nerve Floss
There are other exercises on the left.
Best wishes.
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Last edited: Feb 23, 2015 19:52:00
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
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Posted on Feb 23 2015 08:53 PM
zzero wrote:
I just finished 20 minutes with my Fender Jag (7.25" radius) and no problem. Then I switched to my Squier Jag (9.5" radius) and in about 20 minutes the numbness started up again. My wife just pointed out that when I start with the squier I go numb. I can use the fender and no problem. It seems to start with the squier.
I'm not gonna say by any means the above is the cause, because this is a serious issue you need to get looked at. But it might be something that exacerbates the condition. There are some very fine motor skills involved in what we do with our left hand and little things like this can make a difference.
I only say this because (different specific circumstances) I went through something similar recently and initially thought it was the neck profile but after trying out a boatload of guitars came to the realization that a simple change in radius made all the difference in the world. To the point that my AV65 Strat is beloved, and I'm now looking for a 7.25" radius neck to put on my VMJM (really liking the guitar otherwise). For my hands (larger than average/long fingers) there are only a few hours a day where they do my bidding anyway. About 40 minutes straight of the JM is all I can take but I can play that Strat for quite awhile. Even got to the point in the evening where my hand would freeze up during a Morse contact with a friend.
Again, not a cause, but could be a contributor, or a change could provide some release. Maybe lay completely off the Squier for awhile & see if it diminishes or there's no change.
Good luck & will be interested to see what you find out.
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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zzero
Joined: Jul 09, 2010
Posts: 1153
Lillian Alabama
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Posted on Feb 23 2015 10:22 PM
Badger! the squier can go in the garbage if it's the problem. My Fender Jag is a Modern Player model, made in China. I have no idea what the radius is on it. I only got the squier 'cuz of the price and the humbuckers on it. It's not my #1 by any means. My hands are small but thick with short fingers. Teles don't bother me but strats do. Gibson's don't bother me but they are out of a retired persons price range. Gretsch and PRS don't bother me either. My Dano's and Silvertone don't bother me but I don't play them much anymore. Working on it.
— Enjoying the surf,sun and sand!!
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
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Posted on Feb 24 2015 06:13 AM
OK Jeff, was just a thought; the Modern Player is probably a 9.5" radius. And if LP's & their ilk don't bother you then an uncomfortable radius probably isn't the issue. (When you get whatever medical issue sorted out, the Classic 60's and Road Worn 60's Jags have a 7.25" radius, & still have Am Vintage pickups - may be something to "test-drive" as a thought for down the road.)
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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Surf_Skater
Joined: Sep 06, 2012
Posts: 1300
Lawrenceville , GA
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Posted on Feb 24 2015 06:26 AM
Fender modern player jag and Squier jag are both 9.5 radius. I wonder if there is some other differences in neck shape?
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
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Posted on Feb 24 2015 06:52 AM
Surf_Skater wrote:
Fender modern player jag and Squier jag are both 9.5 radius. I wonder if there is some other differences in neck shape?
Probably; possibly leading to gripping one tighter in the absence of a good anchor point for the hand. (We're talking mm's here & subtle differences in shape in my case, but my hand notices.)
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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zzero
Joined: Jul 09, 2010
Posts: 1153
Lillian Alabama
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Posted on Mar 07 2015 01:30 AM
Solved the problem. Sold both Jags and replaced them with Ibanez RC models, a RC 320 and a RC330. The necks are more like Mexican Tele necks which don't bother me at all. D shaped and not so wide across the front of the neck. I don't have to grip as hard to hold onto the neck. One also has a tremolo so I may leave it unlocked or unblocked and use it as required. No more chord shaking. I like that technique but it may be too rough on the hands
Getting older has it's drawbacks--until I go to the beach all day.
— Enjoying the surf,sun and sand!!
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
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Posted on Mar 07 2015 05:14 AM
zzero wrote:
Getting older has it's drawbacks--until I go to the beach all day.
Yeah, tough ain't it? Not for sissies. 
Sounds like you found a neck shape that's simpatico with your hands.
Good deal.
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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