Hand problems

[outin]

I am really p***ed now 

My right hand is useless...and not from practicing piano 

I had to arrange a big event and a seminar this weekend. There was a lot of computer work to do and I spent all day Wednesday doing it. I don't usually get problems with long sessions in front of the computer at work but this time I was doing it with my laptop at home. After about 6 hours I started noticing a strange burning sensation in my right hand pinky area. I tried to relax the hand more and use the mouse less but it didn't go away. Since not finishing the work was not an option because it had to be ready for print the next morning I just kept going. Changed the mouse to the left hand but could not avoid using the right one too. When I went to bed the whole hand was burning. Never had anything like that before, the nerves must have been really irritated.

The next morning the burning was gone. I did some computer work again and played a little but was careful not to overdo and there was just a little tingling. Fri-Sat there was no time to play at all. Tonight when the thing was over I tried to play a little but my right hand feels funny and I finally stopped because I noticed that I was tensing a lot because of the funny feeling. I assume the source of this is my neck&shoulder, where I have some structural issues.

Just venting, tomorrow is my lesson and I have hardly practiced at all this week and I am also worried about how long it will take before the hand is back to normal. I know it can take time when it's nerves, but I am afraid that my motivation will disappear again if I have to limit my practice for long. Back to the left hand etude I guess 

[j_menz]

Sorry to hear it, but it does raise an important issue.

Most of us are aware of the need to avoid strain and injury while playing the piano, but how many of us engage in other activities just as likely to cause this, or aggravate it, without such due regard.

[outin]

Sorry to hear it, but it does raise an important issue.

Most of us are aware of the need to avoid strain and injury while playing the piano, but how many of us engage in other activities just as likely to cause this, or aggravate it, without such due regard.

A piano teacher once told me that she thinks using the computer and especially the mouse for too much is very harmful to playing the piano. I tend to agree, I assume my problems with the right hand span are related to this...

And I never learned to type properly, but use a 3 finger system of my own. That probably causes some tension in my 4-5 fingers.

[quantum]

Have you considered an alternate pointing device, such as a trackball?

[outin]

Have you considered an alternate pointing device, such as a trackball?

Yah, but I am just too clumsy and slow with those, I cannot even use the laptop plate properly, the computer starts doing things on it's own

The work was very fine editing, placing photos and stuff like that and the mouse is the only way I can do it fast enough...

[costicina]

Don't worry too much, Outin, these computer-related pains generally tend to resolve in short time and without consequences. Just try to take it easy for a couple of days.
Good luck, and let's know how is going!

[nyiregyhazi]

Have you considered an alternate pointing device, such as a trackball?

Wouldn't that be even worse? At least a mouse keeps you mobile to some extent. A trackball locks you in one spot.

[outin]

Wouldn't that be even worse? At least a mouse keeps you mobile to some extent. A trackball locks you in one spot.

At work I have this:



I try to use it as much as possible, but when I am in a hurry or have to do something that requires good coordination I tend to crab the mouse. It feels more natural to me.

I never had any problems with the mouse before I started playing the piano. But now that I have been forced to unlock my wrist and shoulder and use my whole arm I get all kinds of issues

[quantum]

Wouldn't that be even worse? At least a mouse keeps you mobile to some extent. A trackball locks you in one spot.

There are people that need to do extensive computer work as part of their job, and find a trackball more favorable for long hours of use.  All depends on the person. 

I've seen prototypes of keyboards designed for those with repetitive stress injury.  The researchers were suggesting that less movement, not more movement, is the key. 

[nyiregyhazi]

There are people that need to do extensive computer work as part of their job, and find a trackball more favorable for long hours of use.  All depends on the person. 

I've seen prototypes of keyboards designed for those with repetitive stress injury.  The researchers were suggesting that less movement, not more movement, is the key. 

I'd have to say that I'm a little surprised. Having the wrist resting in an a constant spot for long periods strikes me as the worst.       

[outin]

I'd have to say that I'm a little surprised. Having the wrist resting in an a constant spot for long periods strikes me as the worst.        

That is how I used to work for many years actually with the mouse, kept my wrist very much immobile on the table while just making tiny movements with my hand to move the mouse. Didn't bother me until I started piano and needed to get some flexibility...it was pretty much all gone from my right hand. My left hand was much better from the beginning.

The nerve issue seems to be mostly gone now, I played a lot yeaterday and there was no tingling...At work I noticed some, just have to limit my computer work a few days more.