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What Causes Numbness And Tingling Sensation In Fingers Of A Professional Musician?
Question: hi there. I am a professional musician. I started with intense violin at age 8. and continue to play seriously. in many styles. and give lessons. 6 years ago I started guitar and singing. It took off like crazy. I wrote a bunch of songs... etc... heres the issue... sometimes after ive slept, maybe every few months, my left hand gets numb in the thumb and two first fingers... ive been told that its a pinched nerve, but this time it doesn't seem to be subsiding as fast as usual... its been over a month, and im have slight to moderate numbness on the three fingers of my left hand. uit hasn't stopped me from performing... yet... but any worse that this... and I don't know if i8 can keep on performing.. .any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Rest, modification of activities, ice application will help you.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX I really appreciate your concern. Congratulations for having such an interesting profession.
Numbness and tingling of thumb and first fingers are common symptoms of compression of nerve during its course in upper limb. As you are a professional musician and engaged in playing violin and guitar, you are likely to have nerve compression and injury due to repetitive strain. If you ignore these symptoms at the initial stages, it would lead to chronic and more severe symptoms. So take it seriously to avoid future consequences.
These are some steps for prevention and cure of repetitive strain injury in your case:
Rest your fingers, hand, and wrist. Stop activities that you think may be causing numbness and pain. Try keep your wrists straight or only slightly bent.
Take frequent breaks from repeated postures and movements. Try stretching exercises in between.
Ice application to wrist joint will be helpful. Try to apply ice as frequent as you can. If possible, every 2 -3 hours.
Research says Vitamin B6 can be helpful in such cases. You can continue to have non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). In severe case of pain and numbness, oral steroids can be used.
Wear a wrist splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position and relieve pressure on your nerve.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Rest, modification of activities, ice application will help you.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX I really appreciate your concern. Congratulations for having such an interesting profession.
Numbness and tingling of thumb and first fingers are common symptoms of compression of nerve during its course in upper limb. As you are a professional musician and engaged in playing violin and guitar, you are likely to have nerve compression and injury due to repetitive strain. If you ignore these symptoms at the initial stages, it would lead to chronic and more severe symptoms. So take it seriously to avoid future consequences.
These are some steps for prevention and cure of repetitive strain injury in your case:
Rest your fingers, hand, and wrist. Stop activities that you think may be causing numbness and pain. Try keep your wrists straight or only slightly bent.
Take frequent breaks from repeated postures and movements. Try stretching exercises in between.
Ice application to wrist joint will be helpful. Try to apply ice as frequent as you can. If possible, every 2 -3 hours.
Research says Vitamin B6 can be helpful in such cases. You can continue to have non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). In severe case of pain and numbness, oral steroids can be used.
Wear a wrist splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position and relieve pressure on your nerve.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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