Possible finger injury (numb finger) - anyone had similar?

FreddieVanHalen

I was practicing some chords with hammer ons this evening, playing the same thing over and over for about 10 mins and gripping the chord a bit tighter than I should due to trying to get the hammer ons.

Suddenly i realise fretting hand ring finger has gone totally numb! Stopped playing right away and got some ice on my palm and wrist, which has brought a little feeling back but not much. Finger seems to move ok-ish but hard to play as i can't feel it.

Anyone know what this might be or had similar experience?

underdog

I've got a similar thing in my thumb right now, had it a few days, no help I know but still

PVO_Dave

Hows the little finger? I've had a trapped ulnar nerve before, pins and needles / numb little finger and half of more of your ring finger the same. 

octatonic

Neuropathy is relatively common- rest is usually all you need.

If it doesn't resolve fairly quickly then see a doc.

xmrchi

Did you cut it on a broken glass bong at any point in your past?

FreddieVanHalen

Thanks for replies - no cuts in the past and only the ring finger...

Time for a cup of tea, happy thoughts and some rest.

It feels really weird but yeah hopefully not life threatening lol

FreddieVanHalen

@mrchi haha I'm slow tonight only just got that reference.

I do know someone who suffered such an injury but they aren't on here :-)

MatthewShreddery

I had a similar thing happen a few months ago. I did some heavy tire flipping in the gym and when I got home my fretting hand middle finger was numb for a few days. Was completely fine after a few days.

ToneControl

could be one or more of carpal tunnel, ulnar nerve, shoulder nerve bundle, nerve exit point from vertebrae

From what you were doing, most likely one of the first 2

rest it and follow online guidance, but really... why not ask a medical professional to take a look

bluechargeboy

ToneControl said:

could be one or more of carpal tunnel, ulnar nerve, shoulder nerve bundle, nerve exit point from vertebrae

From what you were doing, most likely one of the first 2

rest it and follow online guidance, but really... why not ask a medical professional to take a look

I think carpal tunnel is the other nerve that goes to the index finger??? But otherwise I agree. I had this in my right hand and they sent me to hospital for electric shocks. No really! They put electric into me finger and measured the reaction time, i.e. if the signal reached my brain. Looking for trapped nerves or somesuch. I resisted the urge to jump out of the window or punch the nurse.

 

I think with me it improved with attempts to improve my posture and possibly lose a bit of weight. I think mine was caused by leaning elbow on desk whilst computer mousing. I would look at your overall posture while guitaring, it is important to be relaxed etc.

Neil

I had the same thing years ago, went to the doc, he said the feeling will come back eventually.

It did but it took about a month IIRC.

FreddieVanHalen

@bluechargeboy I have a desk job with lots of computers and I think I was probably much too tense last night when I was playing, trying to learn a new chord grip, getting frustrated with the hammers and pulls needed and then trying to fight my through it rather than relaxing, stopping and isolating.

@ToneControl will be a couple of weeks before I can get a GP appointment but now I've had a bit of time to think I remembered I know of a physio who specialises in hand injuries for artists and musicians - amazing what comes back to mind when you're not having a panic!

Thanks @MatthewShreddery and @Neil, at least outcomes seem to be positive!

SNAKEBITE

I lay on my right arm to get it numb, makes it feel like someone else is playing.