VGuitar Forums

VGuitar Central => General Discussion => Topic started by: Paresh on November 07, 2009, 01:28:53 PM

Title: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: Paresh on November 07, 2009, 01:28:53 PM
Hi guys - I'm having trouble with my right hand & this is the diagnosis. Doesn't affect my playing yet but there is nerve damage & some muscle atrophy. I think it could be from playing - the compression of my right arm on the body of the guitar. Not much I can do about either from what I understand. Anyone know more about this? Thanks.
Title: Re: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: bob e on November 07, 2009, 03:13:12 PM
I have symptoms associated with the ulnar nerve from time to time.  It used to be a huge problem but now rarely acts up.  Can make my pinkie and ring finger become tingly or go numb.  Also made gripping a pick very difficult.  The good news is my acupuncturist who is also an excellent massage therapist has showed me streaches to do which are often shown to carpel tunnel sufferers.  Better yet, he treats it with acupuncture and massage to release the compression and restore normal function.  I suggest you reject any thought that this is a chronic problem that cannot be treated.  It can be.  Seek treatment from sport massage/injury/body work provider.  Just one good acupuncture treatment will make a huge difference.

At least, this is my experience and opinion.

MIDIme
Title: Re: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: Paresh on November 07, 2009, 03:57:14 PM
Thanks!!
Title: Re: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: notnomiistakes on November 07, 2009, 08:23:44 PM
Paresh
I have no specific knowledge of your problem but I have two things to try.  Physical therapy and chiropractic.  I went to a physical therapist in June and she did wonders for numbness in my right arm pit and upper arm just with exercises.  She gradually had me increase the reps and added more types for about 6 weeks or so.  She walked me over to a model skeleton that first visit and showed me the nerves and what was wrong with me (this is without my doctor telling her).
Even though chiropractors specialize in the spine surprisingly a chiropractor that I was trading with several years ago worked on a bad knee.  10 minutes of him pushing on and around my knee ended my of week of limping and a lot of pain.  Chiropractors will usually see you for free the first time to evaluate and let you know if they can help......

I have ulna nerve damage from a rototiller accident that can't be fixed.  Just some numbness in my left hand and partial arm.  It sounds like you've been to doctors but if you haven't I would also try them first. I would keep looking into it from specialists like neurologists.   
Hope this helps....
(google is great too for info)
Title: Re: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: chipstar on November 07, 2009, 09:22:13 PM
Hey Paresh,
I'm sorry to hear about your condition. Physical therapists suggest the Alexander Technique for musicians and dancers. I have experience with this technique from my own left hand pain. I have found it much more useful than acupuncture in that it isn't a temporary fix that is just for pain alleviation. It focuses on playing technique and relaxation although it goes much deeper than that. It is a rather cryptic technique and it can be hard to find useful information but here is a link to information regarding the technique.

http://www.amsat.ws/index.html

Best of luck with your recovery.

later,
Chipstar

Title: Re: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: Kevin M on November 08, 2009, 12:06:51 AM
I suffer from this as well.  I've had two major flare-ups with it - one several years ago, and parts of this year.  When it gets really problematic, I have soreness in my wrist and tingling in the pinkie and ring finger of my right hand.  During the flare-up this year I also noticed pain in my arm near the elbow, right near where the nerve travels.  In the course of physical therapy I mentioned that I sleep with my arm bent (when I sleep on my side), so my physical therapist found what is basically a velcro splint for me to wear at night.  This forces me to sleep with my arm in a more straight position.  This has helped me tremendously.  It's called a Cubital Comfort Brace and I got mine from Sammons Preston.  In addition to wearing this, I also, daily, perform the nerve glides (stretching) that I was taught by the last physical therapist and take ibuprofen for it occasionally as well. 
Title: Re: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: Paresh on November 08, 2009, 07:00:51 AM
Thanks guys! I knew there would be a deeper level of empathy and insight on this list. Much appreciated!
Title: Re: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: chipstar on November 08, 2009, 07:04:22 AM
That's what we're here for... to learn from and support one another... and to trade some great patches. Be cool.

later,
Chipstar
Title: Re: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: notnomiistakes on November 08, 2009, 10:26:16 AM
Quote from: chipstar on November 08, 2009, 07:04:22 AM
That's what we're here for... to learn from and support one another... and to trade some great patches. Be cool.

later,
Chipstar
ditto
Title: Re: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: chipstar on November 09, 2009, 11:11:41 AM
Hey Paresh,
I have a suggestion may help relieve pressure in your right hand thereby allowing your arm to relax so you can play longer and with great ease and comfort. Have you ever played with a V-Pick? I picked some up recently and they are really nice. They are made of acrylic so they stick to your fingers when body heat is applied allowing you to loosen your grip. They even make picks for hand, wrist and arm injuries. They are expensive but even doing trem picking, they will not wear out. Here is a link:

http://www.v-picks.com

As a note to anyone interested, Vinnie at V-Picks will give you 3 free picks and a catalog just for emailing him with your name, address, forum and forum handle. Here is his email address:

vinni@v-picks.com

Oh yeah, V-Picks for V-Guitar players. Coincidence or not...

I hope that this helps.

take care,
Chipstar
Title: Re: ulnar neuropathy
Post by: Paresh on November 09, 2009, 11:35:51 AM
Thanks! I never heard of them. I just sent the email to try some out.