Tingles in the left hand and forearm

[Guest guest]

Odd question here: I recently took up playing upright bass (double bass, bass

fiddle) in a band. I played in HS but it's been 35 years.

 

So, I have given myself a case of what I think is carpal tunnel syndrome in my

left hand from gripping the neck of the bass too hard and with improper form.

From what I've been able to glean online the tingles in my left hand and forearm

are likely being caused by repetitive stress and pressure on the nerve in the

carpal tunnel. The obvious treatment would be to stop the bass playing but that

isn't the desired outcome at this point.

 

I have already done what I can to minimize the strain by adjusting the action on

the bass so it plays easier and being meticulous with my playing technique so

that the point that was getting the pressure, the base of the thumb, is no

longer coming in contact with the neck of the bass.

 

My question is this: What can I do to treat the damaged nerve and heal it? I do

not want to get to the point where surgery is my only option and do not want to

become a chronic Motrin user either. At this point I still have all the

necessary strength and the tingling is only an annoyance but it could get worse

if not attended to.

 

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

ian