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What is the nature (i.e. symptoms, manifestations) of your nerve issues? Right or left arm/hand? What make or "style" of tuba are you using, right or left facing bell? Have you considered using a tuba stand that will actually HOLD (not just support) the horn FOR you? There are several available (most for under $100.oo when I last checked a couple of years ago) You may find your problem to be more common among other tubaists than you previously thought. There are a lot of physical issues relative to playing long periods on an instrument of this size.

If it turns out to be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, stay away from surgery. I had two doctors recommend surgery ond one recommend wearing braces when I slept. After about a week of wearing the braces, the problem went away.

I had a problem in my pinky and ring finger of my right hand, where they would tingle and almost get numb. I knew it wasn't carpal tunnel cause that affects the other side of the hand, so i went to the doctor who promptly recommended that i stop sleeping on my side and take some ibuprofen.

It has worked so far, so that is just a thought - but do go see a doctor.


~C~

harold wrote:Do a google search on "performing arts medicine" and you will find someone. I know Chicago is a bit of a hike, but there is an excellent orthopedic specialist there.

If you go to Chicago -- take an Alexander Technique lesson from John Henes. Alexander cleared up a lot of those types of issues I was having once upon a time. Sometimes we are not aware of the tensions and bad habits we put ourselves in while we play.

I suffered from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for several years, putting up with sleeping in wrist braces every night, and the constant tingling and falling asleep feeling while doing such mundane things as reading the paper or holding the steering wheel of my car.

My doctor finally recommended that I have the surgery, which I had done on my right wrist in June. She warned me that if I didn't have the surgery, I ran the risk of permanent damage to the mucsles in my hands. She had other patients that put off the surgery too long and could no longer button their shirts!

Anyway, after the recovery period, during which I regained the strength in my hand/wrist, the surgery resulted in a complete reversal of the symptoms with no side effects. I plan to have the left wrist, which was not as bad as the right, done sometime in the Spring.

Bottom line, talk to your doctor and have a few simple tests done so you can make an INFORMED decision.

My sister, who is a professional bass player has dealt with it too. She performs almost every night, as she is now touring full time.

Her doctor had her make sure and stretch before she plays and also being careful about carrying heavy equipment (but now in her current band they have people to carry their equipent for them!)

The strecthing and making sure she was using good technique and other preventative measures has helped her keep it at bay. It is a common malady with musicians, especially ones that have a fair amount of physicality involved in what they do. Take care of of it before it gets serious.

There is a lot of things that we must do to take care of our bodies... (protecting your hearing is another one...)

I've been seeing a neurologist for similar problems... It was so bad for awhile that I could not play for any extended period.

The neurologist recommened supplements and so far (9 months) I have seen great improvement.

I take:

50mg of B complex (good for carpal tunnel)
2- 200mg magnesium (one AM one PM)
2 - 100mg 5-HTP (one AM one PM)
2 - 5mg organic lithuim at bedtime (to help relax and sleep)

Of course, the usual disclaimers apply... I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, nor am I diagnosing nor prescribing... but this is what has worked for me.

Ken

KenS wrote: 2 - 100mg 5-HTP (one AM one PM)

I have never heard of that one - can you elaborate??

5-HTP increases the seratonin level which my doctor said will help with nerve transmission.