ugh, pins and needles in my right hand...

[link0126]

I was just doing scales through all the major keys and now I feel pins and needles type of sensation in my hand. I was not playing very fast. Does that come from bad wrist position or something?

[kalirren]

That sounds like a nerve.  You weren't going fast - were you exaggerating motions?

Could you be more specific about where you're feeling the sensation?  Is it only on one side of the hand?  Do you feel it in the fingers as well as the main body of the hand?  How far does it extend up the forearm?

[outin]

Pins and needles is not good. It is usually a sign of nerve irritation. If you ignore it, you may be up for a long recovery, so whatever you are doing, it's better stop it.

I got some carpal tunnel symptoms (pins and needles in 1-3 fingers) couple of months ago from using too much force and wrist motion in practicing legato passages (I have long fingers and my piano is quite heavy to play between the black keys). I learned my lesson and now I stop at the first sign of tickling in my fingers. I seem to have a tendency to use too much force, probably due to my piano. I need to get it fixed.

Also I sometimes get pins and needles on the 4-5th fingers, which is from my structural neck problems. That is something I just need to live with and try to exercise more.

[link0126]

ahh too much force could be it. I was practicing gravity drops a lot yesterday. Maybe I was sometimes pushing down or not releasing the tension fast enough... The sensation is mainly in my wrist and like half way up into my hand. It's not overwhelming as I stopped playing shortly after realizing it. On Wednesday at work I was using the trackball all day almost non-stop and had quite a bit of pain in my wrist, but not tingling. I stopped playing for two days and it pretty much cleared up. Playing the piano didn't bring back that pain, so I suspect it was may have just been too much force.

[lousyplayer]

thats a nerve in your back or neck. you're putting too much pressure on it. do you have a back problem? you have to exercise regularly if you play piano seriously or you get problems. I recommend swimming at least 3 times a week. try stretching before and after lessons too.

[keyboardclass]

thats a nerve in your back or neck.

Agreed.  Many of the pins and needles are brought on by poor shoulder placement.  Adjust each shoulder one at a time like this lady:

 

[johnmar78]

mate, this is what i normally do in the cold morning. I wash up all dishes with hotwater using bear hands. thiswise, no pins...or cramps on my back of my whrist.

[keyboardclass]

mate, this is what i normally do in the cold morning. I wash up all dishes with hotwater using bear hands. thiswise, no pins...or cramps on my back of my whrist.

Sheesh, but you're sure heading for a mauling!

[link0126]

thats a nerve in your back or neck. you're putting too much pressure on it. do you have a back problem? you have to exercise regularly if you play piano seriously or you get problems. I recommend swimming at least 3 times a week. try stretching before and after lessons too.

Yes, I have back pain, neck and sometimes shoulder pain. I do stretches, and just started seeing a chiropractor again. After playing piano or just throughout the day I will often be able to lightly push my head to one side and crack my neck. I also do stretches on the ground to crack my back and stretch my lower back and legs by laying in a doorway with one leg up on the wall. I often am able to crack my knuckles as well. Is that a bad sign, I guess? I've tried to find teachers that help me with posture and tension but none of them do. I have the video "freeing the caged bird" but it's so long and involved, I feel that without a teacher I can't make use of it.

[keyboardclass]

I've met Lister-Sink.  She mostly knows what she's talking about - I'd pay close attention.

[link0126]

I've met Lister-Sink.  She mostly knows what she's talking about - I'd pay close attention.

I will have to go back and watch the video again, but from what I remember you need a teacher or another person who is greatly involved with the process to help you out. The exercises require two people I believe. This is the problem for me...

I know I need to overcome these issues to be successful at the piano but it really seems hopeless most of the time, yet, I can't stop caring.

[keyboardclass]

You're right - you'll get nowhere on your own.  I read all the books I could get my hands on but it wasn't till I stumbled upon a world-class teacher that I began getting anywhere.

[link0126]

You're right - you'll get nowhere on your own.  I read all the books I could get my hands on but it wasn't till I stumbled upon a world-class teacher that I began getting anywhere.

So... just wander around in the dark and hope I come across the answer? nice...
 

[keyboardclass]

So... just wander around in the dark and hope I come across the answer? nice...
 

No.  ...hope you come across a piano guru!

[lousyplayer]

Yes, I have back pain, neck and sometimes shoulder pain. I do stretches, and just started seeing a chiropractor again. After playing piano or just throughout the day I will often be able to lightly push my head to one side and crack my neck. I also do stretches on the ground to crack my back and stretch my lower back and legs by laying in a doorway with one leg up on the wall. I often am able to crack my knuckles as well. Is that a bad sign, I guess? I've tried to find teachers that help me with posture and tension but none of them do. I have the video "freeing the caged bird" but it's so long and involved, I feel that without a teacher I can't make use of it.

you have to forget physical therapy by 'specialists': just do hardcore exercise (try triathon, voleyball, that kind of stuff) thats what works. not pussy stuff

[link0126]

you have to forget physical therapy by 'specialists': just do hardcore exercise (try triathon, voleyball, that kind of stuff) thats what works. not pussy stuff

actually, I think one of the contributing factors or at least something that made my issues worse was weight training about 6 years ago. I don't see how "hardcore exercise" is what I need.

[lousyplayer]

thats because weight lifting is terrible for your back. as is piano. you need exercises that strengthen all the back/neck muscles without putting localized excessive strain on them: swimming, running, volleyball best exercises and recommended by doctors.

you will also notice you will play stronger after exercise. try play piano right after a 50mins swim, it will take a lot longer to get tired if you do that.

[keyboardclass]

Yes you can exercise to sustain a poor posture - why not start out with a good one in the first place?

[link0126]

Yes you can exercise to sustain a poor posture - why not start out with a good one in the first place?

B/c as you said you need to stumble randomly upon the piano guru for that. I'll take the solution that is actually available to me.

[keyboardclass]

Maybe take Tai Chi and yoga classes?

[lousyplayer]

Maybe take Tai Chi and yoga classes?

Tai Chi does nothing. Yoga its ok but its only stretches. ITS NOT ENOUGH. If you think of piano as sport, you need side exercises to compensate the localized strain you put on certain muscles! This is especially true if you're female, but I have seen a lot of male pianists with crooked backs too. Its a bit like flu, there are several ways to treat it and includes medication and doctor bills. There is only one way of preventing it: eating oranges.

Or think of a football player, in the old days they only ran across the field, now they spend like hours in the gym working out all the muscles of their body that will complement their performance, prevent injury, etc.

[keyboardclass]

Tai Chi does nothing. Yoga its ok but its only stretches. ITS NOT ENOUGH.

YES IT IS. (with a bit of walking thrown in for good measure)

[lousyplayer]

YES IT IS. (with a bit of walking thrown in for good measure)

No its not. Yoga is just stretching will do nothing to increase back support which is what he/she needs! walking? how old are you? is this a piano or a pensioner forum?

[keyboardclass]

No its not. Yoga is just stretching will do nothing to increase back support which is what he/she needs! walking? how old are you? is this a piano or a pensioner forum?

No, it's a pantomime forum - come on boys and girls!  Oh yes it is!

[thalbergmad]

try play piano right after a 50mins swim,

I tried that, but I end up with a puddle of water under me stool.

Thal

[tril]

I agree with lousyplayer. I'm a sports person and I think it helps a lot with other stuff like piano!