I'm 34 and have played drums and guitar since I was a kid. I play drums semi-professionally and I noticed about 3 or 4 years ago that when playing hard at shows my hands would start to go numb. Sometimes to the point that I felt I might drop a stick. I've always been obsessive about playing music and have spent thousands and thousands of hours practicing and playing shows. About 3 or 4 years ago, I got back into playing guitar seriously and have been just as obsessive about it. Now, after I play the guitar vigorously(hehe) for a few moments my fingertips start going numb and will get worse until I stop playing for a moment. Anyone have this sort of problems playing? It's getting worse. I play drums out every weekend on a gig somewhere and I play guitar constantly between. I can't lose my ability to play guitar or drums!!

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2010 American Deluxe Strat Sunset Metallic - Lindy Fralin Blues Specials in the neck and middle, Dimarzio AT-1 humbucker in the bridge.
PRS Custom 22 with solid rosewood neck
Mesa/Boogie Electra Dyne 1x12 combo
DRRI

Never had that problem. Sounds like something neurological...I am no doctor but sounds like you should see one.

T2

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What time is it? It's Fender Time.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
I had it and had same symptoms, only I play guitar.Get it checked out.They can do a simple nerve conduction test (EMG) that will tell if you have it.I let mine go to long and now have pemanent nerve damage.Anytime your dealing with numbness of any extremity you should have it checked out.
my .02

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1986 Fender Sidekick Reverb 35
1990 Fender Red Knob - "The Twin"
1992 Fender Newporter - Acoustic
2000 Fender American Series Strat - Natural ash
2010 Fender Mustang 1
2011 Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster -Sunburst
2012 Fender Champion

Hey HP, I have had carpal tunnel surgery in my left hand some ten years ago. I had the same symptoms as you have. Now I'm not a doctor and I'm not telling you that you have carpal tunnel problems, but I would definitely try to get the answer from a medical doctor. Good luck.
Claude.

It sounds much like the condition I suffer from that's a bit more like carpal tunnel syndrome combined with cubital tunnel syndrome.My condition arose from weight training years ago combined with playing guitar too much.Leona Boyd was stricken with it and it cost her her career.
I went to a chiropractor who specializes in a treatment for the hands and she has worked wonders by manipulation of my shoulders,arms,forearms,wrists and hands.She also uses impliments called Graston tools or sticks(spelling???)to break up damaged and scarred tissue.She gave me some stretches and excercises to do and my tolerence for playing is increasing week by week.Maybe you should consult a chiropractor,a neurologist or a rheumatologist to get an official diagnosis.Carpal tunnel only affects certain fingers and the thumb but your involvement is more involved than that so it's most likely a combination of conditions.Lots of luck and keep us posted on what happens and the course of treatments prescribed as this can hit any musician.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

i am a mechanic and at 58 yrs young i had similar problems for years-- i started drinking some Acia Berry juice 2 years ago and have had great results--shoot me a pm for more info--not trying to sell you anything just stating a fact

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2011 PRS 25th SAS
2008 Eric Clapton Custom Antigua Strat
2012 PRS Artist Package Studio Special Order

Numbness in the hands, feet, or other extremities may be a sign of adult-onset Type 2 diabetes. This symptom is known as neuropathy and if the underlying condition is not treated, will intensify. I'd urge you to have your blood glucose levels tested the next time you visit your physician or primary care provider. The screening is relatively inexpensive as is the medicine used to keep the condition in check. But untreated, the disease will debilitate to the point of ultimate mortality.

A word to the wise......

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

SOLID!

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

In summary....'run..don't walk". Might consider intially consulting a physiatrist....a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and start from there.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Another thing to consider: are you using a death grip?

A simple change to make might be to loosen up a bit / avoid going rigid.

The only reason I mention this is that I notice the number of times your reference playing hard, obsessing, playing vigorously, etc.

Thanks to everyone for their insightful responses. Yes, it does occur when I'm playing heavily or vigorously. And, it seems to be getting worse. Playing my acoustic makes it onset faster, as does playing fast and with a bunch of crazy bends(like some SRV). I guess I will go to the Dr. and see if he'll refer me to a specialist of some sort, and he'll probably take blood and test for the diabetes. Thanks for all the input guys(and girls). I knew I could count on ya'll

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2010 American Deluxe Strat Sunset Metallic - Lindy Fralin Blues Specials in the neck and middle, Dimarzio AT-1 humbucker in the bridge.
PRS Custom 22 with solid rosewood neck
Mesa/Boogie Electra Dyne 1x12 combo
DRRI

Best of luck, Hollis.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that it's nothing critical.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

My life revolves around playing music, as it has my entire life. I do not want my career cut short because of an issue like this. Maybe I'll have to start playing the piano!

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2010 American Deluxe Strat Sunset Metallic - Lindy Fralin Blues Specials in the neck and middle, Dimarzio AT-1 humbucker in the bridge.
PRS Custom 22 with solid rosewood neck
Mesa/Boogie Electra Dyne 1x12 combo
DRRI

hollis- here's a thought- may or may not help.

years ago i used heavy picks. i then hardly played after i got married in 83.

when i started getting serious about playing again 5 years ago, i was having a tough time using these same picks.

i then tried playing with different gauges, and found that fender light picks worked for me, as well as a lighter touch. it could be that you are using heavier strings. i switched to 9's and i can play for quite a while now.

hope your fix is that easy- best of luck to you