The Steel Guitar Forum

Im a new player, but recently have been playing 3 to 4 gigs a week. My wrist and elbow are killing me. Do steelers get carpel tunnel easily? Is there anything I can do?

Alex, it is not normal for the wrist and elbow to hurt. A lack of physical exercise can result in muscle pain from weak muscles.
If the pain continues, I think you should see an orthopedic specialist who can diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.
I have joint pains that came with old age. I'm in my 60s now. I take Celebrex daily to ease the pain. It certainly works for me.
<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by John Daugherty on 09 July 2005 at 11:43 AM.]</p></FONT>

Alex,

I have had a similar problem for about 6 months. I believe it is tendinitis. Mine started in my elbow. I got a brace for my elbow and then my wrist started to hurt. I get a burning pain down my arm when I lift or carry anything. I've heard a cortizone shot will help, but I remain skeptical to its overall benefits.

Alex,what kind of steelguitar are U playing?A Double body or a single one?

Ron

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Nikaro Steel Guitars
<font size="0">Nikaro SD10 4x6-Nikaro SD10 4x5-2Peavey 112 Ultra Tube.<font>
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I starting having some pain in my elbows and wrists after I had made a lift kit for my EMCI. I finally figured out that since I was using the same pack seat (that I've always had) the change in position was causing the pain. I changed to an adjustable seat and adjusted the height upwards (to match the guitar's height) and that was the cure for my joint pain(s). Now when I sit at my guitar the angle at my elbows is just a little greater than 90 degrees.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Doug Garrick on 11 July 2005 at 05:54 AM.]</p></FONT>

My brother is a psysiotherapist, and he advised me after similar problems to try to keep my shoulders, arms, hand/fingers as relaxed and loose as possible. Since then i've found a playing position that works for me by first putting my hand on the strings so that i can both pluck and mute them as easy as possible, and from there search for a sitting position (height, distance to the steel, left/right) where there's almost no tension on the muscles when in rest. I like to rest my forearm on the c6 neck, or to rest the lower part of the hand on the e9. What really helped me too was holding my hand straight in relation to my arm, (not bowing it inwards), and starting from a relaxed, instead of spread-out thumb, when looking for the optimal hand-position. Instead of spreading out my thumb, i moved my elbow to get my thumb/hand more parallel to the strings.

I might also suggest trying to get together with a veteran player who may be able observe some bad posture habbits. Probably cheaper than seeing an orthopedist, maybe, depends on the picker

Hi Alex,
Do you have a back on your seat? I used a seat with no back and for years everything hurt. I bought a seat with a back on it from Herbie Wallace and never had another problem. The back gives you a chance to rest between numbers, even if just for a few moments.
<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Bill Bosler on 11 July 2005 at 03:17 PM.]</p></FONT><font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Bill Bosler on 11 July 2005 at 03:19 PM.]</p></FONT>

I have had a similar problem with my left elbow - from too much guitar. I had a cortizone injection without knowing much about it, and I will never have another one.
I have found that finding the correct posture and as mentioned above, remain as relaxed as possible, so don't play with a flexed arm if you can help it. When you're learning (like me) I think it's easy to get all tense, especially in the right arm - however I have been making an effort to keep my right arm and left shoulder relaxed and it really feels better.

I posed the same problem to the forum. I have pain from diabetic neuropathy also. And when I worked on the Joe Wright Technique's bundle to strengthen my music muscles and relaxed as advised by the good people of the forum. It worked. I am a newbie and I tense up also but when I try to find a relaxed position I have less pain.

I get more pain carrying the Peavey Amp down the road than the pain from playing

I used to get wrist pain until I switched to a bigger bar; worked for me. . . I think the smaller bar put my hand in an awkward position and put strain on my wrist.

I go to wal-mart and purchase a bottle of Tea Tree Oil for $4.95 and can get rid of a lot of strained pains.