Tech: Help with a pinched nerve

Subject: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 03:18 PM

I have developed a pinched nerve in my right elbow. As a result, I have limited strength in my fourth and small fingers of my right hand. I chord with this hand as I play left handed. I have a medical problem in my arm that makes an operation highly dangerous. Do any of you have experience with non-invasive therapies that I could check into? My PT suggests finding an OT with experience in lymph compromised arms, hoping that the OT can suggest modality training for my condition.

I am grateful for any ideas or stories that you can share. I still continue with my hand clenching exercises.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 03:36 PM

Believe me when I say that I have compassion for your problem. Playing music is something I have actively pursued and enjoyed for over 40 years now since I was 12. I will never be one of those guys who say "I used to play, but I don't have time anymore." I say this because of my intense passion for playing music, and I have had 2 slight, albeit short term glimpses of what it would be like to not be able to play.

Two years ago and again two months ago, I did something that ended up pinching a nerve between my neck and right shoulder. The pain and tingling moved down from my shoulder, then to my elbow, and then my wrist. It was difficult to play either the guitar, banjo, or bass without much discomfort. Sleeping at night was bad. The doctor did give me some muscle relaxers that didn't help too much. It took about 4-6 weeks both times to heal. I am now almost 95% back to normal from the last go around from early January.

I cannot give you anything but encouragement to keep doing the best you can with the three fingers that work. You'll have to do without those c7th and full F bar chords, but a capo will help.

If I'm not mistaken, world renowned guitarist Django Rheinhart had only three working fingers on his neck hand, the other two either had been crushed, crippled, or missing.

Good luck.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 03:46 PM

although it sounds like carpal tunnel syndrome as well,
but I had a similar thing happen couple of times in the past,
pain in back of neck, twitching muscles, numbness - it did go away
but took a couple months each time.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 03:46 PM

Thanks for relating your story MG. I am grateful for that. And it gives me hope that with work and luck, it may resolve itself. C7 and F are bears anyway! *BG*.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 03:48 PM

Thanks to you as well, Petr. It's definately a pinched nerve.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 11:04 AM

"Pinched nerve" is vague. Do you have tennis elbow, where the nerve that runs down your arm and into your little finger is irritated when you bend your elbow? I had that.

My doctor gave me a band to wrap around my forearm, above the affected elbow. It compresses the tissue and strengthens it somehow. It seems to help. She also gave me an anti-inflammatory, but I forget which one.

Can you change your playing position so your elbow doesn't bend as much?

Do you do anything that puts pressure on your elbows? In my case, it took me a while to figure out that the way I hold a book when reading puts pressure on my elbows. Duh!

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: GUEST,Fred
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 08:15 PM

You might try to find someone locally who does Feldenkrais work. This approach to body work has had some very good results. It was introduced by Yo-Yo Ma to the Tanglewood summer festival for professional musicians. A good practicioner can let you know what they can offer. Good luck with it.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: Sorcha
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 10:10 PM

I'm no help, but I have one in the back of my illeac crest....doesn't stop me playing but sure interferes with walking.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 11:14 PM

Immediately apply for "disabiligy" and begin drawing in the goverment checks.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: GUEST,eileen
Date: 28 Feb 04 - 03:42 AM

I have suffered this occasionally throughout the years...usually when I get intensive on an instrument I'm not totally familiar with. The first time I got it I went to an acupuncturist...two treatments and it left immediately (until such time that I managed to pinch it again). I've used acupuncture for other maladies as well and do believe that it is the best way to free up nerves.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Feb 04 - 04:38 AM

Is this what one tends to call Repetitive Strain Injury these days?

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 28 Feb 04 - 04:40 AM

I had a pinched nerve from a sports injury which caused pain in my elbow and numbness in my thumb as well as restricting neck movement.

I saw an acupuncturist who was also qualified in chiropacty. Though it took some time I now have full mobility.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: Sue M
Date: 28 Feb 04 - 03:22 PM

As an alternative to accupuncture you may want to try EFT which is a form of accupressure and involves tapping on the end of energy meridians while concentrating on your symptoms. I know that people had had success using it to deal with pinched nerves and many other issues physical and emotional (such as stage fright). To find out more visit this website www.emofree.com (I can't get the hang of the 'blue clicky' thing yet).
The site contains examples of the many issues that have been dealt with as well as information on finding a therapist near to you and also how to learn the technique yourself.

Hope you find this useful :-)

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: GUEST,Louise
Date: 28 Feb 04 - 03:47 PM

If lymphedema is causing the problem the National Cancer Institute website has good basic information here (I hope I can make this a hyperlink:
NCI lymphedema info for patients

A good place to look for a skilled professional to start a treatment plan is the National Lymphedema Network website:

National Lymphedema Network


I'm a cancer nurse, so if you have any questions you're welcome to email me at [e-mail]

hope this helps.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with a pinched nerve
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 28 Feb 04 - 06:15 PM

thanks for your offer of help,Louise. It is greatly appreciated.