Numbness in fingers of left hand

[flamencoLVR]

After playing my nylon stringed guitar for a few minutes, the first three fingers of my left hand often go numb and tingly. I am age 76, and notice that if I bend way over forward for a while, with chin on chest, numbness may go away indicating that I have some problem in my spine/neck.

I intend to seek medical help with this but would appreciate any experience other guitar players may have had with finger numbness.

[hesson11]

Numbness is often a sign of nerve entrapment or some other kind of nerve damage, as I understand it. I don't have literal numbness, but I do have tingling and slight loss of feeling. I would definitely suggest medical advice. I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, cubital tunnel syndrome AND carpal tunnel syndrome. The trifecta! Each could be better explained through Mr. Google, but these conditions have definitely curtailed my playing. They are usually progressive disorders, so I have no idea what the future holds. But perhaps your problem is something that can be addressed. I certainly hope so. All the best.
-Bob

[BKENNA]

I had numbness in the left little and ring finger turned out to be an Ulnar nerve issue. They did a (Ouch) Nerve conductivity evaluation (They see how well electricity flows between points on your hand / fingers and locations on your arm)

I also have carpal tunnel issues. The first operation on the ulnar (simple, easy, quick operation, bring a driver) lasted since 2009, I currently am having issues again they believe doing a carl tunnel procedure (They cut the carpal tunnel nerve) is going to give me a two for one, relief from both the carpal tunnel and they believe it also is the cause of the current Ulnar nerve issues since the nerve has not moved from where they relocated it to when they did the procedure in 2009.

The procedures have been well worth it. The Nerve Conductivity Procedure is painful however not unbearable.
Best to you.
Brian

[Bax Burgess]

Since experiencing tingling/aching in my picking hand/arm/shoulder, I've alleviated the symptoms using nunchuks - not in some scene out of a martial arts movie, but more in the mood of t'ai chi, which itself may be an effective treatment. I've heard of Yoga as another option.

[hesson11]

Originally Posted by BKENNA

They did a (Ouch) Nerve conductivity evaluation...The Nerve Conductivity Procedure is painful however not unbearable.
Best to you.
Brian

Ouch is right. At least it doesn't last long, even tough it seems to at the time. My neurologist apologized about a hundred times as she performed it!
-Bob