GADonis
Beautifully Broken
I have a pinched nerve in my neck that causes my ring finger and pinky to go numb on my left hand. It was caused by guitar straps. I went to a physical therapist several years ago and they showed me some stretches to help out. I also switched to a DARE guitar strap which has straps over both shoulders to spread the weight out. I still occasionally using a normal strap and I do okay for a little bit but extended use of a strap will start to aggravate the pinched nerve. If I have to use a regular strap I normally just put it over my right shoulder. This is a little awkward as I have to somewhat "pull" the guitar to the left to keep the strap from sliding off my shoulder, but that's a lot more manageable than numb fingers.
Also recently I had some pain in my left wrist. It was on the side and the top at the joint on the pinky side of my hand. Went to a doctor and they said it was likely tendinitis. X-rays had no indications. I got a shot, some oral anti-inflammatory pills and an anti-inflammatory cream. I took about 8 weeks but it's about 99% better now. I had to stop using the cream, Pinnsaid, because it was causing skin irritation which is a common issue with it. But it seemed to be really helping. On my follow up the doctor recommended an over the counter gel called Voltaren. Same active ingredient as the Pennsaid but different "delivery" gel. I've been using it with no skin issues. I'd say my wrist is back to normal but I do get an occasional twinge so I am continuing to use the Voltaren.
Not sure what caused the tendinitis but I think it has to do with the way I sleep. I tend to curl my hand under me when I'm on my side or stomach. I'm trying to retrain myself to not do that.
Also recently I had some pain in my left wrist. It was on the side and the top at the joint on the pinky side of my hand. Went to a doctor and they said it was likely tendinitis. X-rays had no indications. I got a shot, some oral anti-inflammatory pills and an anti-inflammatory cream. I took about 8 weeks but it's about 99% better now. I had to stop using the cream, Pinnsaid, because it was causing skin irritation which is a common issue with it. But it seemed to be really helping. On my follow up the doctor recommended an over the counter gel called Voltaren. Same active ingredient as the Pennsaid but different "delivery" gel. I've been using it with no skin issues. I'd say my wrist is back to normal but I do get an occasional twinge so I am continuing to use the Voltaren.
Not sure what caused the tendinitis but I think it has to do with the way I sleep. I tend to curl my hand under me when I'm on my side or stomach. I'm trying to retrain myself to not do that.