Guitarists With Hand Pain
Guitarists commonly develop hand pain. Excessive playing combined with poor performing style and stress can damage tendons and nerves in the hands and wrists. Guitarists can avoid and treat hand pain by warming up, taking breaks, maintaining proper posture and taking steps to improve health overall.
Function
Guitar playing by its nature is stressful on the hands. The formation of chords on the fretboard puts the hands in unnatural positions that, according to Guitarsite.com, can lead to nerve damage, aching and inflammation. Improper posture can contribute to awkward straining in attempts to form chords and to strum.
Types
Constant and excessive playing can lead to repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel, tendinitis and focal dystonia. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve that controls sensations to the inside of the hand becomes compressed. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons that cause pain near a joint, in this case the wrist. Focal dystonia causes the fingers to curl up and become unresponsive.
Considerations
According to Tim Jameson, a chiropractor who specializes in treating the music population, guitarists treat their hand pain as something that will go away with time. This is dangerous. Guitarists should refrain from playing until their pain goes away.
Stress
Mental and emotional stress caused by stage fright and hardships on the road can affect the nervous system, making the body more vulnerable to pain.
Prevention/Solution
Guitarists should do finger stretches, make sure their hands are warm before playing, and take breaks as often as possible to avoid pain, according to Lillie Rosenthal, M.D, a physician at the Miller Health Care Institute for Performing Artists. Good posture and proper strap fit is important. A proper diet, yoga and massage therapy are beneficial to keeping the body healthy to avoid injury. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the vitamins and minerals in a healthy diet keep muscles and nerves functioning properly. According to the Mayo Clinic, yoga and massage therapy help relieve stress and relax the muscles.
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