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kalo
USA
142 Posts |
 Posted - 02/21/2006 : 15:01:57
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Hi All,
I am new to this forum...Here is my situation!
A little over a week ago I started feeling pain in my left hand. It hurts to squeeze my hand and I get pain in my pinky inside my palm and outside hand.
I lift weights and play guitar and attribute that it was a strain that probably happend while lifting weights.
I am VERY familiar with Dr. Sarno's Mind Body Perscription.
I think this is TMS comming back, (I have or had chronic pain in my neck and shoulder two years ago) but I am not sure.
Right now I am still working out and playing my instruments. But a big part of me is scared that something else might be going on and that this pain is more then tms...
I guess I need reassurance. I know that if I went to the Docs. they are probably going to tell me I have Repetive Strain Injury....
My questions is should I see an M.D. to get diagnosed or should I just go on about my daily activities. If this was a strain from lifting I think should of been healed by now?
Thanks, and I am glad this website is here!!!!
Kalo |
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Andrew2000
40 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 17:57:31
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| Hi Kalo ... also am a musician, play keyboards, have suffered from hand/finger problems ... lift weights also. For me, I don't think the problems were from overlifting or overplaying ... when I was under stress, or when a stressful event had just passed, there might be an onset of problems (stiffness, pain) in a finger or hand ... I think that many times I was "tricked" into believing there was a physical problem (overuse of some kind) but have learned that the symptoms are a distraction from - or maybe even a manifestation of - the stress or tension I'm experiencing ... once I get a handle on what's going on inside, it passes .... this still happens with me from time to time ... sometimes it takes a day or two, other times it's taken me longer, but eventually it always passes ... am not a doctor but my advice would be not to focus on the symptoms, think more about what you're feeling, try to keep playing ... |
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kalo
USA
142 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 18:10:56
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Thank you Andrew2000!
I still play my guitar and bass guitar...I play through the pain. What is funny is when I play I do feel some discomfort, but when I stop the pain gets worst!
Thanks for your reply..I will continue to play! |
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 18:41:22
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When you think the guitar might cause you pain, take a look at Steve Howe from the rock group YES.
He is almost 60 years old and still going strong. If you know his style you understand what I mean. If anyone should get hand pain from playing guitar, it would be him.  |
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kalo
USA
142 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 19:50:10
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Dave,
Your statement is absolutely right! Even though I am young I am familiar with Steve Howe!
It's that I read so many stories about how different musicians played through the pain and it got worst until they couldn't play anymore...The pay had develop into a chronic condition..
I keep telling myself that it won't happen to me because I believe in Dr. Sarno's Theory....But sometimes that self doubt creeps in and FEAR is what makes the pain so strong...
Thanks for your input! |
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wrldtrv
666 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 23:24:23
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| As long as we're talking about aging guitarists you can add Keith Richards to the list. |
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Sarah Jacoba
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 23:50:30
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I am a professional guitarist and have had various TMS symptoms since the mid 90s (doing pretty good now). I had a bout of the exact pain you describe a couple years back. To be "safe" I visited the orthopedic doctor who gave me the classic must be overuse so play less line. Of course I cant play less, w/ my job, so I decided to do the exact opposite and try to play more, just to test his theory. Ironically the pain went away in a couple days (after being around for months). Of course it's a risk, but I had to know. And life is risky after all.
I didnt want to be half scared or play w/ fear and hesitation, so I figured I'd try to make it horrible and see what happened. In other words I called its bluff. Fortunately for me it was TMS again and it went away. But this is proof that the RSI theory can be wrong!
--Sarah Hyacinth Jacoba
"When dream and day unite" |
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 06:48:16
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quote:
Originally posted by kalo
It's that I read so many stories about how different musicians played through the pain and it got worst until they couldn't play anymore...The pay had develop into a chronic condition..
Do you know of any such stories with musicians from prior generations?
In other words, before there were diagnoses such as RSI and carpal tunnel, how many people actually suffered from them? |
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kalo
USA
142 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 07:41:09
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Dave, there are two stories I know....
One, is Yngiew Malmsteem who is know able to play but suffered with RSI, and another guitarist who play for KISS after Ace Frehley left. None of these bands do I like, but have heard of there struggle..
The other that comes to mind is not a guitarist but who is a CONCERT pianist and was featured on 60 minutes some 8 years ago...
HE felt pain and didn't stop and his hand was mush. He could no longer play and his hand kind of turned to hard almost like stone.
After many years it took a rolfer to massage and help him...
I hope Dr. Sarno is right because like Sara Jocoba stated "I am playing with fear" that if I keep playing I am going to do more damage..
Maybe I should do what she has done and call it's bluff. |
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marytabby
USA
545 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 17:34:06
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I think all RSI stuff is TMS in disguise, no matter what the occupation, whether it be golfing, playing guitar, typing, etc.
I have a ton of experience with TMS related RSI in both wrists and I can tell you it's gone away as I've worked the Sarno approach. I was scheduled to have wrist surgery last summer and canceled after wiseing up from learning what I learned here and in the reading. |
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New - Pain left hand and pinky
