I Have Arthritis, But I Ain't Quittin' - Ask Zac 160
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- Опубліковано 22 кві 2023
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I have been struggling off and on with hand pain since 2019 but had been able to keep things under control until March 2023. Last month, my hand pain hit a new level, and I knew I needed to find out what was going on. Today's episode lays out my journey and my road forward.
FYI, I just played one of my gigs in Tulsa last night. All went well, just a bit sore, and going to ice it down some. Looking forward to the gig tonight, April 21, 2023.
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and Aging on the Body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis. Pickguard design by Jay & Kristi Smith of Juicebox Designs.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
amzn.to/41rnl0V
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
#askzac #zacchilds #arthritis
I'm 76 still drumming, playing guitar, won a swing dance contest last year. Keep moving forward, positive attitude, laugh every chance you get,. Have no sciatic nerves left walk everyday. Set boundaries ( no drama). I know stuff hurts. Clint Eastwood quotes "don't let the old man in😊
Zac, I’m 70, have played all my life and have had arthritis in both thumbs for the last 15 years. I’ve played through the pain. What stopped me dead in my tracks was tendonitis, felt in my wrists. I stopped playing for a month and slowly resumed. The tendonitis is 90% resolved and I am trying to play “smarter.” Hearing your comments and reading those of your viewers reminds me that I’m not alone in this. Thanks for the video!
I have the same problem i am 74 but i switched to 8 gage strings and it really helped me , try that
That’s a thought but I’m not ready to give in. Still a 10 guy. Best wishes for relief!
I’m 40 A few years ago my hands were going numb and i actually quit playing for a couple years. Turned out my sugar was out of control and i was diabetic. Once i quit sugar, my hands came back. And i started playing again
My hands would do the same thing, but it was because I was using a hammer that didn’t absorb shock well. I switched to a wooden handled hammer and the problem went away.
@@smelltheglove2038 i also had problems with my push mower, couple hours of squeezing the handle would mess me up for days. Got a velcro strap and never looked back
@@Ottophil yup, in my case it was carpel tunnel syndrome. I got one of those old school hand strength things. It’s basically a handle with a spring that you squeeze, to tell you the truth I have no idea where we got it. It’s always just been at my parents house as long as I can remember. It has clear red sparkle grips on it, like a 70s Schwinn. Anyway, I would just squeeze that thing while I was watching tv or whatever and it built up the muscles in my forearms and hands and I haven’t had problems since.
Same here. I found neuropathy is worse when dehydrated and stretching and massaging my hands and forearms really helps a lot.
Ditto. I thought I was looking out for diabetes, but the hands were my first symptom, and nobody had ever told me that particular symptom. I knew to look out for neuropathy in the feet, but not numbness in the hands.
My beloved mother who passed away last year had arthritis in all of her joints for the last 30 years and never once did she let it stop her from doing anything even as her fingers were disjointed and her shoulder and hips had degenerated. The field of rheumatology didn’t have many options back then and the disease progressed fast. However she enjoyed life. She travelled, she cooked and did everything. She was an amazing remarkable woman. I miss her and will love her till it’s my time to go. I love you mom ❤
I'm 66. Still playing, still gigging. Just not as much as I did in my twenties. Arthritis has changed my approach to playing but it has NOT ended it. Play ON! Keep moving forward. We have only one gear (forward) and two speeds ( one of them is at a stop ). Don't look back. Look forward to life, playing, and love.
“I’m a husband and a father and friend, things like that first.” Well said and the conclusion I eventually came to myself in a similar situation. Thank you for sharing.
As a coach, I think that if we look at ways athletes warm up, cool down, and pay very close attention to their bodies it can really help us guitarists keep our hands, arms, necks, and backs in better condition as we get older. Love your message and openness about this!!!
Great suggestion.
Never thought about applying that to music.
It's true for everybody actually. Gotta do those mobility exercising to remind the body of the motions it's capable of, in order to maintain those motions. Get moving people!
Heck, it has gotten to the point where I realize I need to stretch out and "warm up" a little just to go out and do yard work.
There are folks who specialize in helping musicians as "athletes" with working considering body positions, repetitive motion, etc. Kinda never too late...
just keep moving forward..... remember... if ozzy can keep walking & signing... you can keep playing.
Zac, I'm 72 years old and have been playing guitar for 60 years. Half of those years I've dealt with arthritis. CBD creams help a bit. Also arthritis gloves, like Tommy Copper help too. They come in flesh color(more subtle) or blue with bare fingertips. I pull the rubber grip bits off of the palm area so they move smoother along the neck. (some brands don't have the rubber grippy bits) What has also helped me a lot is I avoid potatoes and tomatoes. They, and peppers and egg plant, are members of the Nightshade group and can cause inflammation. I don't like eggplant and peppers don't seem to bother me. Potatoes are my cryptonite (and I absolutely love them!) I ache within 20 minutes of eating them. Tomatoes aren't as extreme, but I limit them. Try avoiding them all then add back into your diet and see how you feel. Sorry so long a post, but I feel for ya Bro and I hope this helps.
Hello Jack, I’m 75 Years old and have played the guitar for 60 years also. I’ve had arthritis for 30 years. I’ve done heavy maintenance and mechanical work all my life. I retired at age 70. I have severe nerve damage in my left shoulder, elbow, and hand because of damaged discs in my back. I love playing the guitar but I think my playing days are just about over.
Try. Boswella. It s cheap over the counter. I just tried two weeks ago. I really think it’s making a huge difference. Want to hear other thoughts
@@godbyone I will try Boswella. I believe arthritis affects each person differently. I also think relieving arthritis pain is an individual issue too. For me, my hands favor the Fender scale neck as it gives me a bit more fingering room. Also neck thickness is a factor. For sure, try different guitars/necks for your best comfort level. It's worth switching guitars to keep on playing.
I feel for you Zac. Playing with a short scale Fender Mustang has helped me at times. Good luck.
Happy Birthday Zac! I just turned 70, and have dealt with
osteoarthritis in both basal joints since I was about your age. There's lots of hope! Although I don't keep a gig schedule nearly as rigorous as yours, I still practice many hours a week and play out often. Avoiding hyper-extensions helps a lot, and keeping things moving is the grand key for me. For some reason I actually have less pain now than I did when I was younger, and only rarely need to take OTC anti-inflammatory meds. Keep on keepin' on!
Dan, I'm about to turn 71. Have had basal joint arthritis in both hands since my late thirties. Unfortunately had a basal joint arthroplasty on my fretting hand with unsuccessful results. I've experienced the same as you with less pain in my right hand. A few years ago I came across this info on a U.K. hand clinic website-
"The natural history of this condition is often that the pain 'burns out' with time. The arthritis itself is always present and never improves, but the symptoms from it often go away completely over the course of a few years."
I wish I knew that before I opted for surgery, which I believe resulted in nerve damage.
@@jltrem - Thanks for your great reply! I had never heard that the lessening of arthritis pain over the years was often the rule. I had considered the arthroplasty operation early on too. So glad I avoided it.
Be careful with things like Ibuprofen, continued use actually make’s inflammation worse.
@Fender Thinline I knew three other people who had the surgery and it was successful in their cases. Also wasn’t aware of the possibility of the “burn out “ later which decreased pain.
Happy Birthday and DO NOT DESPAIR. I'm about to turn 80 and have been dealing with hand issues since I was 50. At this point I play with a custom short pinky slide that allows me to use the tip of the pinky finger for some extra notes, but also has allowed me to play all major 5th string bar chords with the slide and index finger. No more gripping for those. Also, using 9's to keep it light, and have re-imagined my playing style in a similar fashion to Dylan Adams. In short, if you are willing to take off in a new direction, you can re-invent your guitar technique to your advantage. I also recommend getting some good grippy work gloves for moving stuff and everday tasks, so you won't need to force your hands to grasp harder. I use Crartsman mechanics gloves which are like the ones wide receivers use to snag passes.
53 yr old rheumatoid survivor gtr player here
1. intermittent fasting
2. no alcohol
3. olive and coconut oil in your diet
4. no processed food/sugar
5. 100% cacao ceremonial dose
6. filtered water
7. Shred
Happy birthday Zac . I'll be 71 in August , and been playing since I was 12 yrs old. Now I've got osteoarthritis , had it for a while now. But don't feel alone on this. I've switched to 8s on a few of my guitars. Billy Gibbons started using them too. I guess it comes with playing so long. Plus I was a Heavy Equipment operator for over 50 yrs. .Always moving levers and such,even my feet in awkward positions all the time,14 hrs a day in most cases. Hang in there buddy it happens to most all of us as we get older. Its just worse for us axe players. Alot of professional guitarists have have the same deal .Just take care and Tylenol seams to help before you start to warm up. The doctor told me to use ice and heat to relieve any cramping ,which I have . Good luck on all your gigs coming up. Lol.🎸🎸🎸👍
Hello all! Love your channel Zac! I’m 67 and spent 35 years doing masonry. Between arthritis and carpal tunnel. I didn’t think I would be able to play guitar after I retired. Both of my hands would go numb at night and have pain shooting through them so bad I would wake up. Then a doctor of acupuncture at the University of Wisconsin Hospital suggested wearing wrist braces at night while sleeping. It was a major game changer. Don’t know whether it would help others but it’s a cheap fix if it does. I no longer wear them every night now, but if any symptoms do flareup they go on.
I feel for you, man. 4 Years with arthritis in my hands and 3 years in my back. The Joe Glaser G-Bender helped a lot. I also realized small necks caused more pain in short periods. I could play larger necks for longer periods without severe pain. I don't play as many notes as I used to, so now I make sure to make each note count...I only have but so many left in me.
A very good friend of mine, Mr "Shorty" Mullins had arthritis..and was still one of the smoothest players I've ever known. My heart goes out to you brother.
I had corporal tunnel in both hands so bad I couldn’t play more than a few minutes before they went completely numb. I had surgery on both hands and they feel great it has been eight years and they are doing great. I have to warm up and keep my hand health up but the extra care keeps me playing in top
Shape. Please everyone take care of your hands
I have been suffering from arthritis for about 6 years now and a couple of years ago I had neck surgery and suffer from index finder numbness on my fretting hand . But I deal with it .I do stretching exercises and a heat glove helps . Before I play and I am almost 70 now .. but I am not give up my life long passion unless they chop off my hand ... just deal with it..
I began having severe hand pain 15 years ago. The first doctor I saw advised me to sell my guitars and find a new hobby . I was not accepting that so I sought out a hand specialist who was more sympathetic and actually interested in helping me. Long story short- STRETCHING !!! For the majority of my playing , I never warmed up or did any stretches . Since seeing that hand doctor, I learned a bunch of stretches and hand strengthening exercises That have not only made me a better guitarist, but really alleviated a lot of the pain i was having. I am 54 and still playing without any surgical intervention. I still get pain and tightness if I do not warm up properly, but you learn and adapt. Keep playing Zac !
Happy 50th! I am turning 73 next month and I am still playing gigs even with my arthritis! About 12 years ago I developed it in my right thumb and I could no longer hold a flat pick. There was nothing much I could do except put on a thumb pick and charge ahead! That's what I did and I'm still using them.......no flat picks. That has helped enough that I am still playing all the time. I also use Voltarin, over the counter topical pain reliever. It has helped a lot. I still have some pain once in a while and now I am developing it in my fingers on the right hand but the topical pain reliever does the trick most of the time. Keep charging ahead and hope there is a discovery that will reverse arthritis!
Happy Birthday to you! I am 68 and I have pretty bad arthritis in my left wrist, so I know what you are going through, and it sounds like you are doing what you need to do so good luck and play your heart out.
Happy Birthday, Zac! Im a 70 year old guitarist from Toledo and dealing with similar issues as both thumbs have days they hurt too much to hold a pick. Like you, I keep playing through it and gig regularly. Keep up your self care and Know you inspire us all!
Happy birthday Zac!! and thanks for sharing ......!
You’re the man dude hope the pain lessens
You're definitely not alone with this. I was diagnosed with severe carpal tunnel syndrome in my left hand four years ago. My symptoms included trigger finger, stiff finger joints, and numbness in my left arm. I was given a splint to wear on my wrist/hand when I sleep, and that did a lot to improve my situation. In fact, I still wear the splint off and on to this day. Also taking breaks from playing when pain starts up is a good idea. Anyway, I just wanted to add along with others on here that you're certainly not alone with this; far from it. It's quite common for lots of players regardless of playing style. Love your UA-cam channel and gentle, laid-back presentation style.
Hey man, I'm70 and had to deal with similar issues. I found that stretching and warmup really helps. A little ice between sets helps. Stay HYRRATED! Makes a huge difference. Love ya!
All the best to you, Zac!
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Zac. Take care!
Happiest of birthdays to you Zac! You keep on picking and we will keep on supporting you and listening!
Thank you for everything you do Zac!
Happy 50th Zac!!!🎊🎈🎉
Happy Birthday, Zac! Glad you have a positive outlook on the next chapter, good stuff brother!
Me too, hard to use my pinky anymore, hurts so much. But I ain't quitin!
Happy Birthday Zac! Thanks for sharing and keep on playing!
Hoping the best for you. Your forthrightness is a breath of fresh air. Thanks!
Happy Birthday Zac. All the best, man.
Happy Birthday Zac!!!
Happy Happy Birthday brother!!!
Happy birthday Zac! Hope you can keep on twangin' man!!
Many happy returns fella. I love this channel and I’m grateful for the knowledge and input it’s given me. Sounds like you’re approaching this with a good attitude - keep on keeping on 👍
Please do a follow up video with what you are learning in how to play without stressing out the arthritis in your hand.
Yes please. Your process of mitigating the pain and working with what you can will be valuable information to all of us on the hill or slight over it. Very cool that you shared and please share your progress!
Thanks for sharing and I hope you find relief
Happy Birthday Zac, and many more! Thanks for this episode - you are most def not alone.
Perfect message. Thanks Zac
Happy Birthday Zac! Appreciate your openness around arthritis; agree that just knowing you’re not alone is a big help, plus it helps us all to keep things in perspective. Have a great year ahead!
Happy Birthday Zac!🎸
Thank You, Zac, and Happy Birthday!!
Happy Birthday Zac!! Hang in there buddy! Stay positive through this challenge, we all are sending you best birthday wishes and good vibes!
turmeric is a natural anti inflammatory ,cut out carbs and sugar best you can, i am in a lot less pain , just from that ,anyho good luck
Good on you, Zac, for being so open about this, and Happy 50th Birthday! 😎
happy 50th! and thank you for opening up and sharing. As you said, it is so important to be able to tell stuff like this
Thank you for sharing this. Your positive attitude is inspirational. I wish you nothing but the best as you navigate this in the future. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Thanks of opening up and keep going man! music is not only playing, all the knowledge and experience you share here is as valuable!
Happy B’day. Have fun!
Happy birthday Zac 🎂 sorry to hear about your arthritis, keep on playing and have a great day with all your lovely friends 🎉
Happy Birthday! Hang in there!
Welcome into the club! 🙌🏼
Happy birthday, Zac. You're an inspiration, and I hope you can take care of your hand.
Happy birthday, Zac! Hope the pain will diminish
Thanks for the video. Good to know I’m not alone! Happy birthday!
Happy birthday man. You will do well.
Happy Birthday Zac!
Best of everything to and for you and Happy Bday, Zac!
Happy Birthday Zak,..!!!
Never give up!!!
Thanks for the programs,..
Happy Birthday! Been doing the same journey for a while - you are on the right road - keep at it!!
So, Happy Birthday Zac.
Great Video Zac, Happy Birthday mate.
Happy birthday Zac hang tough.
Happy birthday Zac. I hear you. I have a lot of complications myself.
Early Happy Birthday Zac and hang in there. Your value is visible to everyone and very special. Thanks so much for all you do.
Happy birthday! Praying.
Happy birthday Zac!
Happy Birthday Zac! Yes, you’re not alone and it can be done, playing that is. Keep playing brother!
You got this- happy birthday!
Hey happy birthday to you and thanks for posting this ,I
wish you the best!
Happy Birthday Zac and welcome to the 50's. Wishing you all the best.
Good stuff, thanks for sharing.
Happy Birthday 🎂
Happy birthday Zac! I am with you - have dealt with Osteoarthritis for several years. Praying for you!
Happy 50th birthday, Zac! Thanks for sharing your experience and best wishes for your on-going treatment.
Happy birthday, Zac! I’m sorry about your arthritis and I hope you find how to manage the pain. Your love of guitars and knowledge about guitars are inspirational! Thank you for always making us smarter people and better guitar players!
Happy birthday young man!
Keep rockin Zac! 🤟🏻
Happy Birthday. Thanks for your time.
Zac, this hit home for me. I turn 60 in a few days and I've been playing for 54 of those years. I've had arthritis for probably the last 12. Then the second whammy hit about 5 years ago when I came down with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (not carpal) where the arthritis in my elbows damaged the ulnar nerve in both arms. Had the surgery but they were only able to stop it from getting worse. My ring and pinkie fingers tingle all the time - 24x7. Like you, much of my passion and identity is wrapped up in the guitar and I was pretty rattled. I talked to a lady who played piano at our church who had the same thing and she said, "Just play anyway. You're probably the only one who will notice." She was right. I've got a double-header Friday - 2.5 hours of solo acoustic fingerpicking followed by a couple more hours pretending to be Don Rich in a Bakersfield band. I can't play "Cascade" any more but I'm reminded of what Chet Atkins was often rumored to have said walking off stage - "Well, we fooled 'em again!" Hang in there Zac!
About 25 years ago, I got diagnosed with Type II diabetes. Our family doctor asked if I had been experiencing any problems with my vision, and I hadn't. But only a few weeks later, I went functionally blind. I had to squint with one eye, hold the newspaper about 4 inches from my face, AND use a magnifying glass, to read it. Scared the living you-know-what out of me, and put me on the right path. Goodbye ice cream. Goodbye donuts, licorice, and wine gums. Goodbye cake with icing. Goodbye pancakes slathered in syrup. Goodbye to a lot of things.
But I lived, am still alive, and living what I think is a decent life. A *different* life, yes, but a decent and rewarding one. One of these days arthritis is going to hit one or more of your guitar heroes. It will affect their speed. It will affect the length of their sets and how often they play. But it will NOT affect their musical sensibilities or taste. Their phrasing may change a bit, but it won't stop them from regularly and consistently surprising you with their creativity.
Congrats on hitting the half-century mark. Hit that one 20 years ago, myself. The key to growing older and remaining happy is to set aside the yardsticks you measured yourself by at younger ages, and get some new yardsticks that are more relevant.
Glad you modified your life. I am doing the same
Amen! going through the same thing not easy.
Happy birthday, Zac!
I understand it would feel scary to have such hand pain. I'm glad to hear you're getting help from a doctor and coping.
Thanks Zac, very helpful!
Great episode, happy birthday Zach. We all have to take more care as we age. Period!
Your story echoes my own on many levels. Thanks for not keeping it a secret. Have a great birthday!
Thanks Zac. It is a strength when you are able to show your weaknesses. Keep on keeping on!
I know the feeling. My arthritis really kicked up about 30 years ago, especially in my left had and fingers to the point I couldn't bend my fingers well enough to play anything bur a couple of chords. Then a few years ago I had a stroke which made it even more difficult to use my left hand. At 69 years old I'm still trying to rehab my hand to be able to play a bit. Fortunately I don't earn a living by playing and haven't since the mid 1970s, but I still liked to play for fun. Not sure how much longer I'm going to be able to do that.
Happy Birthday!
Kudos to you Zac! Hope all goes well, happy 50th! Let us all know how these next few gigs fare.
Happy Birthday Zac! You have a great attitude on your health issue. Be well.
A very excellent video, thank you.
Hence Eric Clapton's Slowhand album. It affects all of us. Less notes but make every one count just a little more. I'm 73 and I know what you're talking about. I'm not stopping either, adapt and improvise. Happy b'day brother!
Happy Birthday ZAC
Happy Birthday! And enjoy your life.😊