Nerve compression solution?

[worldfamousandy]

This past May, I began to experience numbness in my left pinky.  It gradually became worse, and I ended up buying a book called (The Bassist's Guide to Injury Management, Prevention, and Better Health, by Randall Kertz, D.C.  It is a fantastic resource.  I have been to a chiropractor a couple of times, and I am getting better, but it never seems to vanish completely.  It has been suggested that I sit while playing (usually not practical), or that I get a lighter bass than my Series 1 (out of the question, I'd sooner drop dead).
 
This is something I need to deal with rather urgently, as it will soon affect my career.  I have ordered a Bassbrace, which looks like a kidney belt with a 6 guitar strap attached to it.  You are supposed to drill a hole in the bottom of the bass, and mount a straplock for this strap.  It is designed to remove much of the weight from your shoulders and distribute it to your hips.
 
Has anyone tried one of these?
 
I'm supposed to drill a small hole in the bottom of the bass where it balances.  Is this a safe place to drill and screw?  In principle, I have no problem drilling into my axe, but I want to make sure I don't have to do it twice.

[glocke]

Dont want to sound to alarmist here, but don't take tingly in the arm to lightly, and if itcontinues or gets worst you might want to see a back specialist.
 
I had some tingling that started out minor, and than gradually encompassed my whole arm....turns out it ad nothing to do with my SI (which I thought it did), but was a disc in my back pressing on a nerve...exercise and stretching helped out alot, but I will probably need some surgery in the future...

[jalevinemd]

Andy,
 
I'm not an orthopedist or neurologist. I'm a radiologist, so take what I have to say with a little grain of salt. Typically when a dermatome (nerve distribution) as specific as one finger is concerned, the problem is usually a peripheral nerve, not something as central as your spine. So I'm not sure that redistributing the weight of your bass will make a difference. Depending on the stress you put on your arm, you may be suffering from some form of ulnar nerve compression/trauma etc...The most common cause is carpal tunnel syndrome - the location is in the wrist. Repeated trauma to the pinky side of the elbow can also cause ulnar nerve trauma. Typically CTS or ulnar nerve compression causes numbness not only in the pinky, but in the medial side of the ring finger as well. Don't know if this helps.
 
Jonathan

[worldfamousandy]

Stretching and excersize has been strongly recommended by everyone I have seen about this.  That's the thrust of the advice in the book, as well.  That seems to help.
 
The unabridged version of my symptoms:
 
1. Numbness in my pinky, and a mild tingly feeling on the pinky side of my ring finger.  There is also a mild tingly feeiling on the ulna side of my forearm.
 
2. A chronically stiff neck.  I would normally describe this as discomfort, but it was full-on pain the morning all this started.
 
Visits to the chiropractor are helpful, but they are by no means instantly effective.  It takes a day or two to work, and I would not say it is 100% effective.  
 
I'll try to get to a doctor who may know more about this sort of thing next time I get to a city.

[jalevinemd]

I would definitely see a specialist in this arena, probably starting with a neurologist. It may be as simple as avoiding the offending activity (driving with your left arm resting on the window, elbow on your desk, the way you hold/play your base etc...)I used to get similar symptoims when I rode my bike to work. Depending on the anatomic origin of the problem, there are definitely surgical options (carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve release procedures.)Though, hopefully, they can find a non-surgical solution. Good luck with all of this. Be happy to help any way I can.
 
Jonathan

[bassdr]

The symptoms you describe suggest either ulnar nerve or cervical nerve root compression- most likely C7. I strongly recommend that you get evaluated by a physician you is knowlegeable in these problems soon.  Prolonged nerve compression can lead to permanent nerve damage. In my practice of Occupational Medicine I see these problems frequently. A thorough physical exam in cluding sensory, motor and reflex testing will guide the next steps. Electromyographic nerve testing and/or cervical MRI scanning are likely next steps. A orthopedist, neurologist, neurosurgeon or physiatrist would be appropriate in this situation. I would avoid the chiropractor until you know exactly what is going on. Michael (Flame Koa Essence)

[kmh364]

I have similar symptoms...have for years. I have both Carpal Tunnel and Cubital (Ulnar nerve only)syndromes. I won't have surgery for either unless I become completely atrophied. Here's what I do:
 
Both are repeated stress syndromes. For the pinky problem, avoid keeping your elbow bent for extended periods of time, i.e., talking on the phone or sleeping especially. Take plenty of Vitamin B-6.  
 
If I don't do both, I get the tingling, and if continued, I get pain as well. Just talking on the phone causes either pinky to tingle and become numb If done for extended periods.
 
For carpal tunnel, which affects all fingers EXCEPT the pinky, avoid wrist hyperextension and stressful wrist flexion, i.e., during typing and leaning on your hand (former) or bicep curls (latter).  
 
Just my two cents, but I avoid surgery this way. Just exercise a little common sense with regards to actions that cause nerve compression in the first place and, hopefully, you'll feel better.
 
The stiff neck has been with me for life, so have my chronic migraines...even a chirpractor hasn't helped with those.
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin

[jalevinemd]

Kevin's right...I was spacing out. Forgive me, I was up on call the night before. Carpal Tunnel is involvement of the median nerve which involves the thumb, 2nd, 3rd digits and radial side of the 4th digit. NOT the pinky.

[kmh364]

Sorry, duplicate post
 
(Message edited by kmh364 on September 30, 2005)

[kmh364]

I've had the EMG's to confirm both conditions (my Neurologist also doubles to treat my migraines), but I'll be damned if I'm gonna let the Orthopaedic man cut me until I've damn nearly lost function of my hands, LOL! I also suffer from tendonitis and arthritis in my hands/wrists. It's particularly acute when I perform lots of clutch work on my Harley over a weekend, and then go to my guitar lesson on Monday night.  
 
OucH! is all I have to say on that subject, LOL!
 
It SUCKS to get old...my 30yr. old girlfriend reminds me of that every once in a while, LOL!

[bassdr]

I agree Kevin, I too have mild Carpal tunnel syndrome and would not go for surgery except as a last resort. I do think it important for Worldfamousandy find out exactly what is causing his symptoms so he can deal with them appropriately. Fortunately my old BMW airhead twin doesn't seem to bother the CTS  Michael (Flame Koa Essence)

[ox_junior]

I have the same problem as Glocke.  A bulged disc in my neck is pressing against the nerves that run down my right arm and into my fingers.  This was confirmed via an MRI scan. I am seeing a neurologist, who has me on a medication that somewhat handles the tingling but not completely.  I'm in physical therapy which also somewhat helps but not completely.
 
Funny thing is - I've been playing a lot of acoustic guitar lately, and I'm now feeling similar symptoms in my left hand.  NOW I'm scared!
 
Exercise and proper stretching is what they're telling me are short-term solutions.  Surgery is the long-term, final solution.  Naturally trying to avoid this as I don't want to be out of the game for any amount of time.
 
Mike

[kmh364]

FWIW, besides lots of natural vitamins, I also take a Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate combination and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) as well. The G/C combo seems to help with my joint aches/pains (especially my knee) and the MSM helps with the hand (especially left) problems. My guitar teacher recommended it after using it himself, and even recommends taking the MSM out of the capsules and mixing it with skin cream and applying it topically to the affected area(s)!  
 
Of course any Orthopaedic specialist wants to operate first and ask questions later, but my Neurologist has confirmed the considerable nerve transmission interruption caused by my Cubital syndrome via ElectroMyoGraphy. Regardless, no one is cutting me until I experience muscle atrophy and/or lose function of the affected areas, which ain't happened yet and I've been suffering for years!

[bassman10096]

A couple of years back, I had similar symptoms, except focused on my right thumb.  My family doc referred me to a spinal care specialty group, which did the whole work up.  Turns out I have two bulging discs and, at least for the long term, a pretty messy situation - probably destined for eventual surgery.  The clinical goal became delaying the surgery.  Between learning the mechanics of the problem through PT and the excellent (and highly effective) interventions through the acute phase by the chiro who practices with the spinal group (imagine that!), the symtoms receded and I regained about 98% normal function (more than they predicted at the time).
 
Since then, I've had one significant relapse, but the spinal care folks put me back together.  Other than that, I'm on my own - no ongonig therapy. Ironically, just a few of the simplest neck stretching and strengthening I learned - practiced regularly - have helped me to fight off several relapses and manage symptoms so far.  Even since I started treatment just a few years ago, surgical options have changed a lot.  We'll cross that bridge if we ever get there.
 
The bottom line is to get yourself assessed and treated.   You may be protecting yourself from more than you know.
 
Bill