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’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.
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!!!
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!
There are folks who specialize in helping musicians as "athletes" with working considering body positions, repetitive motion, etc. Kinda never too late...
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..
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.
@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.
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.
@@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.
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.🎸🎸🎸👍
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.
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 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!
Same, I’ve found really fat necks to help mine somewhat. I used to love Ibanez but something about the thin neck and more of a “pinching” grip just just sets mine off.
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.
At 65 I've been having trouble with my third finger for about ten years (trigger finger and arthritis). I've never been to the doctor about it but plan to soon. I've adapted by using my second and fourth fingers more. It's totally changed my playing style. My playing is much more original now. So there is an upside. I first started cutting back on string bends decades ago as kind of a musical experiment. And now I find that if I try to do typical blues style bending, it's uncomfortable and a bit of a strain. So I don't do a lot of bending, and will instead go for half step bends where it makes musical sense. I would recommend cutting back on whole step bends, instead use a sliding action to imitate the sound of a bend. It can be a very cool sound. And all of this stuff takes you to unexplored musical territory, which is always cool.
@Fender Thinline Yeah, I've only just recently learned of the existence of such a thing. My case is fairly mild - but still, it slows me down. My brother had it and had the shot first and then the surgery. I'll be going in soon.
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!
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.
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
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!
I have a recommendation that's worked for this 64 year old guitarist. About 2-3 years ago I began getting pain mostly in middle joint on each first finger and at the base joint of each thumb. I ordered a couple of 20 lb. dumb bells (I could've started with 15 lb dumb bells) and began doing some minimal weight lifting every other day. Nothing crazy, just 3 sets of 10 curls while sitting down on a chair with good back support. The pain in my fingers went away in about a week or less. When I slacked off on the weightlifting, the pain came back. For me, this is a game changer.
Hi Zac: first of all: happy birthday ! I am going towards 70 and I'm playing guitar for 57 years. Since I'm retired, I play everyday. A few years ago, I developed an ulnar syndrom. It sometimes result in stiffness of the two last fingers of my left hand and also pain. The surgeon I saw told me it could be operated, but the risk was larger than the benefit. So I chose not to and go on with the sporadic pain. I changed necks to chunky ones, as thin necks were giving me cramps in my left hand. Basically, I can handle it now, exercising everyday by playing without forcing. Then came the blow: for a few months I got Tinnitus. The ringing in my ears won't go away and it's irreversible. I had to learn to live with that too, and play softer at low volumes. I'm not quitting either, just adapting. Music playing is such an important part in my life that I'd rather go with pains in my hands and ears rather than stopping. I have put all my bigger amps for sale, as for some guitars and keep just the gear I need or am attached to. I consider myself lucky to be able to continue, even if I have to go through some changes to be able to. Life goes on ! Cheers Zac
Fifty-seven years, eh? I'm guessing that you, like myself, watched the Beatles on Ed Sullivan on Feb.9, 16, and 23 in 1964, and that started you down the 6-string road.
You are not alone Zac. We appreciate your authenticity, honesty and creativity. I think of how Les Paul continued to share his brilliance well into his late years. I am a player of over 50 years and continue to learn great stuff from you. Hell...thanks to you I have a sweet Nobels overdrive pedal!! Keep that sweet tele singing, Zac!!
Thank you for sharing. I was wondering why very few guitarists speak about this. I’m 57 and I have arthritis in both pinkies. It was very painful at one point. I was literally crying because it hurt to play. But I changed to an anti inflammatory diet and it stopped. It still gets a bit sore from time to time but I use that soreness as a reminder to take better care of my hands. Take care!
This sounds like all the other comments but I’ve had arthritis for 25 years and it stopped me for playing for 15 of those. I’m now back at it and my music knowledge and playing skills are much better thanks to people like you on TH-cam. I’m still playing in a band wherever 75 year old can play and I love it.
almost 66 yrs old, playing guitar for over 55 yrs, arthritis for over 10 yrs. i can work around almost anything but the pain was keeping me awake at night . when it got to the point i couldn't stand it any longer i looked into CBD therapy. within a week the pain was almost gone and has continued to decrease a little at a time for over a month now. it also calmed me down quite a bit to where i enjoy life a lot more. i'm certainly not cured but i can live with it now. best of luck in your journey!
First of all, Happy Birthday! You have my deep sympathy for the diagnosis of arthritis in your hand(s)--you're really not alone, I have it, too. I'll be 75 this year, and my arthritic thumb joints have annoyed me for the past two decades. There really isn't a cure. So, don't stop playing; it really does help. Just plan on doing things in more reasonable moderation and pace yourself accordingly. Trust me; learning to live with it, however annoying, is significantly better than the alternative.
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
I’m 63, and I’ve been dealing with this problem for about two years now. (By the way, I went through the same sequence of emotional events when I realized I might not be able to play guitar or bass during my last days on earth. Freaked me right out!) A lot of it came from trying to pull things off on an acoustic guitar with 12’s, just like I would with an electric with nines. I am also more careful to play a cheap Japanese copy of a Martin D-35 with a set of 12’s..with a skinny neck while I’m practicing my set for church, or wherever. It doesn’t sound as good as my Taylor GS8 with 13’s, but has a smaller neck and is a lot easier on my hands I find. The Taylor plays and sounds superb, but it is a cross between a dreadnought and a jumbo. It’s kind of like driving a truck… But I love the sound so I can’t stop playing it. My wife is a yoga therapist, and she gives me great advice, like Gently stretching my hands and finger before playing. When I follow her advice, I feel way better! 😊
Thanks for the inspiring video and best wishes from Ottawa. I just turned 68 and played stringed instruments all my life, mostly with my musician dad and just for fun. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 13 - arthritis runs in the family. But I was fortunate to be almost “normal.” I used to volunteer with old ladies crippled up with arthritis so I was too ashamed to complain. Now carpal tunnel and arthritis in my left hand is spoiling my ... musical therapy. I am impressed to see by the comments we are certainly not alone. As the Dubliners sang, “Don’t give up ‘till it’s over.” Best of luck to all.
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'm 70, and my hands have issues. I've been diagnosed with arthritis/tendonitis in my knees, elbow and back, so I'm not surprised that my hands ache at times. For me, the issue is preserving my range of motion and maintaining skills. I'm playing bass, baritone and guitar, and if I'm diligent and persistent about practicing, the pain is reduced. I avoid analgesics because they impair the muscle improvement that is the aim of practice. Everybody has their own level of pain tolerance, and everybody is different. So keep track of what you're doing, and avoid the the things that are bad. And Zac, when the left hand needs a break, give it slide, and let it glide for a while.
I do a lot of bending and vibrato and I started practicing sliding up into the note and adding the vibrato 50 percent of the time to lighten the wear and tear on my fretting hand. I'll be 65 in November. Just little work arounds here and there. Good luck, Zac. 👍
Love your show Zac, I too have had hand issues from what we thought was the "big A" but found out way down the road it was stenosis and injuries to my neck from the hard life that causes my pain, stiffness and feeling, and basically useless. They thought it was the "big A" as they call it, and I do have it also, but not in my hands. What got me thinking otherwise is the fact that I could help the situation by just vigorously twisting my head back and forth and side to side and it would go away until the next time it showed up or the next morning after laying still sleeping. I also play and it was causing problems with feel and strength and stamina. It too showed up from driving for hours and that's when I started seeking help. Long story with many mistakes and doctors misdiagnoses and advice that did not work. No hope for me and my issues, but it got me off of the pain med's and the big A meds. Have you had a MRI ?? If not get one. Real important. They need to see a good view of your neck before ruling out all arm and hand problems. All nerves and or as my nuro doc calls them hand sensors and muscles signals are routed through a small area in you neck. Next time you are having problems, "and age is not on your side either" just work your neck some and see if it helps any. If so it might also be nerves in your neck and not the "big A" so much. Exercise might work also, anything but pharma. Try to stay off the meds to save your kidneys for later, your gonna need them more than your hands. PS Wiping your butt is way more important than making a hard bar cord anyway. :) just saying ! GOOD LUCK !!
Hello, I have the same issue. I have arthritis in my cervicals (5), and it affects my nerves, leading to a numb, tickling left hand with swollen fingers. I had times where I had to limit my practice time, in order to spare my hand for a planned gig. On some songs, I had to simplify bar chords or power chords. It comes and more or less goes back. Like all of us here, guitar playing is part of my identity, and the idea of having to stop is a worry. All the best to all of us, keep playing as long as you can.
Broke my index finger...twice, and had a boxer's fracture all on my left hand during my 30's - arthritis has been a constant companion for years. It doesn't have control over me as a player. I'm in my mid-60s and still playing daily. I manage the pain as needed. Do things to increase mobility/flexibility. Rest when required. I can tell you when a cold front is coming. Like a pitcher who can no longer throw with the same heat they once had, you make needed adjustments and expand on what you have to offer as a player. You are definitely not alone. Now my hearing, well that's a different story. Happiest of Birthdays my friend!
I too am on the cusp of the "Big 50" on May 9th with 10 and 14 year old girls. It's definitely been a time of reflection for me. I've had those feelings of "is it over?", but I also have more feelings of "it's just the beginning!" I have also had some left hand issues. They have resolved for now thankfully. You are definitely not alone! Good luck old man!😉
Geez, I’m turning 40 May 4th and my boys are about to be outta the house in a couple years. Yikes, no way I’d have the energy for little kids at 40 hahaha.
Love you Zac! I’m 55 looking at 56 and I’m not a pro and my livelihood does not depend on my playing … but for me at least it is the thing that keeps me sane. I worry about arthritis a lot after having a good bit of tendinitis and repetitive motion problems (too many hours in the fetal position at the computer). I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through but know one thing really clearly and plain spoken … you are not at all alone. We all love music and we all love playing and when it becomes more difficult it has an impact, on all of us, in our own personal ways. Thank you for being so transparent and open with this community … it means a lot!
I had surgery on my Left Shoulder last year (August) was finally released from Dr and PT in March. was Septic Arthritis in that shoulder, the pain was tremendous, I lost sensation in my fingers on the left hand the first inclination that something was wrong was not being able to play a Barre Chord CLEAN then even simple chords... the final straw was unable to move my arm I am now trying to play again, it was and still is a bit of s struggle trying to regain what I lost which was Most of my left Deltoid, and some other muscles in that shoulder.
Thanks for talking about this Zac! I'm 53, have been playing music for 47 years (guitar for 44 of those)...recently identified arthritis in my left hand index finger first joint (exacerbated in last year or two as I'd started playing bass regularly)...learning to treat it and play around it. Helps to hear others' stories.
First of all, a very happy birthday to you Zac. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day. So sorry to hear about your problem with arthritis. Getting older isn't always easy. I love your positive attitude. That will definitely help you manage this issue. I too have arthritis but mine is in my knees. I had my left knee replaced back in 17 and now my right one is acting up the same way. We do what we must, for sure. I will be praying for you to get better and be strong. Best wishes ❤️
At 63 I started having arthritis problems in my left (fretting) hand.... OUCH! The pain got worse and my ring finger seemed to be the most damaged. By 64 I was having trouble bending my Ring finger (and my other 3 seem to be getting stiff) After months of looking I found a surgeon who specializes in knuckle replacement. I had the surgery last November, and now I'm back in the band! It's still requiring some stretching and warm up,... but I'm getting back to playing lead guitar. My biggest road block is the D tri chord (my ring finger bends a little weird)... but as you know, their are ways around it... I'm 65 now and my passion is still music.... gotta keep playing!
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!
Sorry to hear about your arthritis, Zach. I hope everything works out. You’re one of the finer guitar players I’ve ever heard and you’ve got an excellent program. Keep putting it out there buddy
I’m sorry to hear that and I have been through the same thing. Luckily, now….there is many new and great arthritis medications unlike 30 years ago (Enbrel, Humira……). The first thing is to treat the arthritis with a Rheumatologist, not a primary Dr, and get the treatment that will help you and keep playing guitar. Then, you can do things to strengthen your forearms and play differently. You will be able to keep playing as long as you get treatment for the arthritis whether rheumatoid or psoriatic or whatever. Good luck and as you can see on TV with the commercials, you are not alone.
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 !
9:32 this is what i found with my tinnitus. i’m 22 and got tinnitus from a middle ear issue caused by an infection, so thankfully my hearing is still pretty good (i’m quite paranoid about it). The days i spend at home not doing much of anything turn into the worst, noisiest nights, but the days i spend 8 hours in a kitchen are the nights i sleep the most soundly. Might not work forever, and i recognise i’ve got a lot of time for things to be uncertain, but there is comfort somewhere.
First of all, happy birthday! Another arthritis guitar player (age 73) here. Pretty much no cushion in the knuckles nearest the fingernails on my fret hand. It will be a process of trial and error to see what positions really hurt and finding alternatives. You sound like you've already started that process with the comments about your thumb. I've had to experiment with changing wrist position and getting my fingers to lay flatter so as not to put as much pressure on the joints. Best of luck to you!
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 TH-cam channel and gentle, laid-back presentation style.
Hi zac...I just wanted to say I fully appreciate and understand your concern and frustration on this matter....I turned 50 back in February, welcome to the club bye the way 👊👍..when I was twenty years old, whilst in service of my country 🇬🇧 in Northern Ireland 🇮🇪..I suffered shrapnel injuries due to hand grenade damage, which was down my left side of my body, principally in my hand, side and leg...it first started giving me grief when I was 31...and I have adapted to the challenge of guitar playing, and also manual work...I'm still playing and working..let's face it buddy Bill's have to be payed, first and foremost as a family man I'm sure you will agree. I'm not in your league as a player, but I can still play ametuerally, and enjoy the guitar, which is a lifelong passion. Keep going and never give up pal...love and hope to see more of your excellent guitar 🎸 video's in the future...much appreciated from over the pond 🇬🇧
Hi Zac - I'm 72 - 10 years ago arthritis made it nearly impossible to close my hands, let alone play and none of the usual treatments helped. In desperation I tried Boron capsules (now becoming accepted treatment) - as advised, it became more painful for a couple of weeks then virtually disappeared - today my hands are pretty well pain free. Worth a try and cheap as chips online (double dose for the first week or two) - the only thing that worked for me.
Be encouraged Zack you are doing the right thing. I am 65 and have had 11 surgery's on both my hands both my wrists are bone on bone . I was diagnosed with Kinebox disease in 1993. I have severe arthritis in both hands. I have been dealing with this for 32 years its been a hard journey but I never gave up! I even played in casts at times. I have found that you have to strengthen your hands and forearms. I have found good results with the grip master and also the Gripz pro rubber band hand and forearm strengthening bands. I still suffer from pain from time to time and I use the exercises from my hand therapist as well as ice heat and also different ointments and creams. I also have the wrist and thumb brace like you do and have went down to 9's which is also a smart move. The Rev Billy uses 8's ! The main thing is warm up and get that blood flowing in your hands. I play in church and I thank God to still be able to play. I basically play like Jimi with the thumb over the top most of the time. I had to learn how to play all over again so many times its crazy but the bottom line is I had to work through the pain. I know that sounds crazy but thats what I had to do. You are not alone brother. Be encouraged. I pray that God will heal you in Jesus name! If you need anything just let me know.
Me too…. MS and now I know why I hit a plateau with guitar early and then …but it’s also my greatest joy. It beats a grave…. And being in your 50’s is great. You have so memories by now and you just go about everything smarter with more efficiency. Not a cure but beware of all the paprika in foo foo restaurants. It’s a common short cut in tasty food but it causes me no end of grief. Johnny greenwood struggled with tendonitis from his 20’s. Good luck Zac.
Zack, thanks for posting this and no, you are not alone on this issue. I’m 52 and have been playing for about 37 years. 6 years ago, I had a bad roll in my Jiu Jitsu class and suffered a compression injury on my cervical spine that left me with not just crippling neck, shoulder and upper chest pain, but also about a 60% loss of function on my left hand. It has been a slow and tough road to recovery, with lots of physical therapy and medication, but for the past two years I have been able to gradually get back into playing. I still don’t have 100% dexterity and there is some lingering loss of sensation on my pinky and ring fingers, but I can play. Something like this does change the way you approach the guitar and since I cannot do some of the things I was able to do before, my identity and my style has changed as a guitar player. I had to learn that this isn’t necessarily bad, it’s simply different. Like you, the guitar is a huge part of my life and when I got injured I was also truly scared of the thought of not being able to play again, so I get it. Take care of your hand and thank you for your videos and wonderful stories. God bless.🙏🏻🎸❤️
First... Happy 50th Birthday! I know that you are getting "professional" help, and I'm not a doctor (nor do I play one on the Internet), however, I had to quit playing for several years due to arthritis. I now play again, daily, with almost no pain any more. What changed? My diet - eliminating foods that caused the inflammation, and adding foods that promoted healing. It took a little time, but I healed. And, I no longer need medication to control the pain and inflammation. If you are interested, I can tell you what I did; if not, that's cool. Without going into too much detail, I had an allergy test done and eliminated those foods to which I was sensitive. Additionally, I eliminated those foods that are known to cause inflammation (i.e., sugars, vegetable/seed oils, wheat, and dairy). I added in more high quality meats, fresh fruits & vegetables, and nuts & seeds. I also, began intermittently fasting to reduce the inflammation and promote healing. Anyway, it worked for me; it might work for you too. Whatever you choose to do, good luck!
That really helped me and I would also add some supplements like Collagen, B vitamins, glucosamine, staying hydrated and eliminating added Sugars. Stay healthy!
Happy 50 Zac, As a old guy who has a rather abusive day job(hand and muscle wise) plus played guitar for over 50 years I have had a lot of wrist, carpal and hand issues off and on .Trying to play smart and exercise and warm up, will do a lot to enable you to keep playing and beat the pain ...You have my best wishes and thoughts on keeping going and appreciating every chance you get to play; it's the best one can do as long as you can do it .I really appreciate your frank discussion of this and play on brother!
Happy Birthday Zac! I just turned 56 on April 20th, I've been playing guitar since I was about 10yrs old. My hands started going numb last year and I couldn't play for quite a while, due to my job in construction work. Your videonhits home for me, cheers from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Sure wish I could see your shows this coming weekend. All the best, Dan G.
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 got diagnosed with arthritis in both hands a decade ago. Here in Southern England, the cool damp climate, isn’t great for the condition. Apart from once a day turmeric/black pepper capsules, the only real thing I do is wear fingerless mittens most of the year round unless playing or eating - yes even at night in winter. I’ve done some of the things you’ve done - lighter strings etc. I’ve also had the action on my acoustics slightly lowered, essential on Martins 😉. I’m almost 70 now and can still play professionally. As you say, thing a little about how you play. Weirdly, on electric, I’ve become more melodic ( could be an age thing?) and am getting more work. Yup, ya get the pain and all that stuff, but it has helped me be positive by not taking playing for granted - I’m enjoying it more now - and I think much more about how I play. After 60 years of guitar, that’s a big deal for me. Take care and keep up the good work 😎🎵🎶👍
I'm 65 and have the same thumb issue, I also went to 9's and am learning to play lighter with chording, it's not fun but still very doable. I have found the less chunky necks make a big difference in pain
Happy Birthday. Will pray for you also. I am going to be 74 at end of May. I had a stroke 5 years ago followed by a 4 way bypass and some other cardiac problems. I now only have around 40% heart capacity. I lost my playing ability an desire. But in the last year I am slowly learning again. Like they say getting old isn’t for sissies😀. Hang in there and follow your plan.
I'm 59, and have been playing off and on for about 30 years. I actually started playing more in my late 30s to keep my dexterity , because I noticed my hands were feeling stiff and clumsy for work. My joints are getting stiffer now, but I'm not quitting either. I discovered alternate tunings, using triads more and using partial chords with ether a backing track or pad to fill in. Also started experimenting with slide again. So there still some noise to be made. Hope whatever treatment you do works well for you.🤙
Happy birthday Zak!! I’m 68 with the same issue - and 55 gigs on the books for 23’ - 9-46s on my 25.5 scale guitars- massage - stretching - icing - de stressing my grip - lifes good - ull get on top of it! Thank you for ur awesome content- cheers - Bill
I, too, have arthritis in my fingers. Aside from any prescribed treatment, be aware that using the fingers daily is the best medicine - don't let them get stiffer from non-use! True, we have to sometimes find new ways of doing things, but we can preserve our guitar playing for a long time by staying active.
The big 50! H.B. Zac. My share: I suffered a serious left hand injury maybe 8 or so years back. My left hand was hyper extended in a fall injuring all those palm tendons, and I had an evulsion fracture of the main knuckle in my left index. I've been a thumb wrapper and it requires the index to really be able to tuck. I thought my playing days were over. Well, I got some therapy, I waited a long while and then started to really play again a year later. I've adapted and no one can really tell except me. I also forgot the before times. I have the beginnings of arthritis in my hands. Hang in there Zac. You seem to be doing all the best things for yourself. Love your channel!
HBD Zac. I' ll be 67 next month, and I guess I'm blessed that, although other things are breaking down, the hands are not afflicted. Other than the right hand being less agile than when I was young...But, hell, I could never speed-pick convincingly anyway. Best of luck to you. John in Montreal
Great video. I too have played guitar (hobbyist) from most of my life and always worry about something happening to my hands. A little older than you, but still in my 50's. I think the best thing you said was that you are a father and a husband first. That shows maturity my friend. My hope that is that you have many more years of playing, however, if you don't I am confident that you will have many other ways to express your creativity and encourage others. I offer no medical advice, but I have learned that in many areas of my life including music that limitations breed creativity. You may find that what you perceive as restrictions may open up new and interesting areas of music for you. Look at so many of the old jazz guys, as they aged they played less notes but conveyed so much. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Props for being open about your health challenges. I am sure that you'll get tons of encouragement from your viewers.
Happy B day, Re: repetitive hand injuries and recovery, everyone is different. Don't close the door on a hand splint(s) at night. Used one every night and after 3 months had great results, and I still use it nightly. Use common sense as others have added. String gauges, stop when discomfort is present, warm up, and refrain from using the hand(s) aggressively around the house - i.e pulling/grasping, use hands tools judicially, and that includes other things like a keyboard. Also certain types of food aggravate joint swelling, Carbs turn into sugar, and excess sugar increases joint inflammation. When you play, is it string height, neck radius, or both that really cause the discomfort? Switch guitars often when playing. Best of luck.
Big hug from me, Zac! Playing music is incredibly healing, even therapeutic for me, and I can't imagine being unable to physically manage it. Glad you're getting the medical and PT help you need!
Hey Zac, 61 year old from Ireland here. I have basal thumb joint arthritis and it’s a bummer, but you gotta keep going! I’ve had steroid injections which gave me a few months’ relief but really it’s not going away. I’ve tried every ointment and gel on the market. The best relief I’ve had is laying my hands on an old school hot water bottle with a soft cover when I’m sitting around. Best of luck 👌
Stay positive Zac. I too have hand issues but my love of the guitar will not let these issues get a hold of me. Music is too important in my life and I too will continue to play. Hang in there my friend. And Happy Birthday!
Anti-inflammation diet! It was my catharsis, and changed my life. Cut out inflammatory foods such as peanut butter, dairy, and most of all SUGAR! For me, it took a couple weeks, but changed my life. I’m down 90 pounds. I can tell you don’t need to lose weight, but when the inflammation abates, life is better. All the best, and please know how appreciated you are.
wow. i turn 50 in october--ive played guitar on an on for 25 or so years--recently started playing more and more -practicing 3-4 times a week 2 different bands playing every live show i could--but i rarely play alone--things are going great put out my first record--giging alot but only 30-45 minute sets--not supertech stuff. then my thumb began to ache almost all day then my finger tips have begun to numb recently. one day i woke with a swollen elbow--10 days later its just starting to somewhat return to normal but feels like there is fluid inside---getting old sucks--but NEVER GIVE UP -savor every minute you have tp play music--dont take anything for granted. I did and regret it now.
Thanks for sharing. This video help me a lot. I’m 81 years old and also a guitarist. About 5 years ago I‘ve gotten arthritis and so this video helped me a lot. Thank you and God Bless!
You certainly are not alone. I believe one of the most potent medication we have is your mind. I know of many who had overcome and beaten rather grim diagnoses of conditions solely with the attitude that the ailment Will Not Stop Me From Doing What Is Most Important To Me. I know as I am one of them. I too suffer from arthritic hands but, with minor adjustments continue to play daily and gig on a regular basis. I see you are of the same mindset. Thank you for honesty and for sharing your wisdom, not only on this topic but in every video you have granted us. You are a wealth of information and inspiration. Thank you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Zac, I've been down this road for 18 years now Psoratic, Osteo and Spondylosis. You can beat this, but you must be smart. You now have a budget. Go over budget and you do a little more permanent joint damage each time. But getting exercise playing is good to keep things loose in there. It's not going away. Your job is to find the right limits and exercise, but don't push too hard. Know when to hold em or fold em. A bucket of ice water often helps. This smells but works, trust me - Natural Relief 1222
I’m in the same spot as you, got multiple joint arthritis from playing for over 30 years, I’m 44. I would recommend looking at how classical players use the guitar, those left hand knuckles are not under pressure in a clenched fist as much. Also think about the pressure you apply, it’s always less than you use! You can do it, just be careful. One last thing I can suggest warm water bath for the hand is magic for sore hands.
I'm 63. Still gigging. I have ulnar nerve damage at my wrist. In between my thumb and forefinger on my left hand. I'm much better now but for a while I was numb in my little finger and half of my ring finger. And zero strength. I lost my job of 7 years. I'm in Minnesota and there was no facility for my specific problem. If you present with, "I'm a guitar player..." they stop listening. I just kept playing and I've managed it by adapting my technique. I don't dig in as much as I used to. I limit my unpayed playtime to what I can do.
I can’t believe someone has made a video directly addressing this. I have seen Tim Lerch discuss it too. However you’re totally correct in the fact that there is a strange tendency to not talk about it. Well not talk about it to other guitarists and musicians. My wife gets an earful at times. I’m 58 and I have arthritis is in both my right and left hands and is in mostly the thumb and wrists. While the pain is bad in both areas it’s my wrists that have really stunted my playing. I have very limited range of motion in my wrists. It started to become extremely debilitating about 6 or 7 years ago. I’m a bit prone to depression and sunk into a year of major depression over it and didn’t play most that time. I have purchased different guitars including a Strandberg with different neck profiles in hope they would help. While they have helped some, the key is to adjust my playing accordingly. Icing is one of the most helpful therapies. I should mention I’ve been through the steroid and gel injections, and consuming NSAIDS in large amounts at times. Unfortunately while these therapies can be amazing in the relief they can quickly bring they have negative side effects that in the long run are bad. I have tried to cut down on that and see if proper stretching and strengthening will be more helpful. Anyway, I am happy you chose to talk about it because it is lonely and even if I do choose to talk to another guitarist or musician unless they have experienced the pain and stiffness I can tell they don’t quite get how devastating it can be because like you said, whether we like it or not if you have been playing an instrument for 40+ years it is part of our identity. I hope you can stay as free of pain and immobility as much as possible. Thanks again!
Hi, I turned 60, i feel it too. Why with all the adds, publicity, no one ever advises on log term hand health. I have writen to a few mags and never get a reply. I broke my neck in 96, so mine might be a bit worse.
Thank you Zac for your honesty in this video, which is refreshing. As you say there are very few professional guitarists on Y tube who admit to having trouble with their hands after years of playing. Tim Pierce and Guthrie T have briefly eluded to some problems, I have been playing guitar since I was 10 and giging since age 18. At age 70 I have arthritis in both thumbs but I still gig on weekends, so take heart. By adjusting your playing technique and getting proper physio/stretching help you will keep playing the instrument that we all love.
Happy birthday Zac! Thanks for sharing, all the best! I am turning 60 this year - and yes, even though it is hurting a bit here and there, there are still so many things that must be explored on the instrument. Love you channel!
Best of success for you all the way. I'm working with arthritis in my right thumb and tendinitis in my left elbow (affects fingering with the ring and pinky fingers). I'm lucky enough to have insurance that covers a hand orthopedist and a chiropractor. Still playing and will keep on while I can.
Wish you luck! A few years ago, I had to deal with Colon Cancer. I am better now, and the doctor said that I most likely not have a reoccurrence. The issue was that the chemotherapy caused dumbness in my hands and feet. Unfortunately, my feet still have a bit of numbness, but I was lucky, and my hands did recover. At one point I couldn't control of the direction of the tip of the pick, but now I am at about 95 to 98% of where I was with guitar.
Hooray for a positive attitude. I'm 67 and have Arthritis, for 13 years, and play better every day. No reason to worry. Your taking the right measures too. Go Zak!
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
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...
I feel for you Zac. Playing with a short scale Fender Mustang has helped me at times. Good luck.
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..
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.
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.
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.🎸🎸🎸👍
just keep moving forward..... remember... if ozzy can keep walking & signing... you can keep playing.
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.
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 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!
Same, I’ve found really fat necks to help mine somewhat. I used to love Ibanez but something about the thin neck and more of a “pinching” grip just just sets mine off.
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.
At 65 I've been having trouble with my third finger for about ten years (trigger finger and arthritis). I've never been to the doctor about it but plan to soon. I've adapted by using my second and fourth fingers more. It's totally changed my playing style. My playing is much more original now. So there is an upside.
I first started cutting back on string bends decades ago as kind of a musical experiment. And now I find that if I try to do typical blues style bending, it's uncomfortable and a bit of a strain. So I don't do a lot of bending, and will instead go for half step bends where it makes musical sense. I would recommend cutting back on whole step bends, instead use a sliding action to imitate the sound of a bend. It can be a very cool sound. And all of this stuff takes you to unexplored musical territory, which is always cool.
@Fender Thinline Yeah, I've only just recently learned of the existence of such a thing. My case is fairly mild - but still, it slows me down. My brother had it and had the shot first and then the surgery. I'll be going in soon.
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!
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.
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
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!
I have a recommendation that's worked for this 64 year old guitarist. About 2-3 years ago I began getting pain mostly in middle joint on each first finger and at the base joint of each thumb. I ordered a couple of 20 lb. dumb bells (I could've started with 15 lb dumb bells) and began doing some minimal weight lifting every other day. Nothing crazy, just 3 sets of 10 curls while sitting down on a chair with good back support. The pain in my fingers went away in about a week or less. When I slacked off on the weightlifting, the pain came back. For me, this is a game changer.
Happy Birthday Zac!! Yes you are not alone in this struggle. Living with pain is not easy. Travel well friend.
Hi Zac: first of all: happy birthday ! I am going towards 70 and I'm playing guitar for 57 years. Since I'm retired, I play everyday. A few years ago, I developed an ulnar syndrom. It sometimes result in stiffness of the two last fingers of my left hand and also pain. The surgeon I saw told me it could be operated, but the risk was larger than the benefit. So I chose not to and go on with the sporadic pain. I changed necks to chunky ones, as thin necks were giving me cramps in my left hand. Basically, I can handle it now, exercising everyday by playing without forcing. Then came the blow: for a few months I got Tinnitus. The ringing in my ears won't go away and it's irreversible. I had to learn to live with that too, and play softer at low volumes. I'm not quitting either, just adapting. Music playing is such an important part in my life that I'd rather go with pains in my hands and ears rather than stopping. I have put all my bigger amps for sale, as for some guitars and keep just the gear I need or am attached to. I consider myself lucky to be able to continue, even if I have to go through some changes to be able to. Life goes on ! Cheers Zac
Fifty-seven years, eh? I'm guessing that you, like myself, watched the Beatles on Ed Sullivan on Feb.9, 16, and 23 in 1964, and that started you down the 6-string road.
@Fender Thinline You are very strong minded. All my support ! Music keeps us all going: cheers !
You are not alone Zac. We appreciate your authenticity, honesty and creativity. I think of how Les Paul continued to share his brilliance well into his late years. I am a player of over 50 years and continue to learn great stuff from you. Hell...thanks to you I have a sweet Nobels overdrive pedal!!
Keep that sweet tele singing, Zac!!
Me too, hard to use my pinky anymore, hurts so much. But I ain't quitin!
Thank you for sharing. I was wondering why very few guitarists speak about this.
I’m 57 and I have arthritis in both pinkies. It was very painful at one point. I was literally crying because it hurt to play. But I changed to an anti inflammatory diet and it stopped. It still gets a bit sore from time to time but I use that soreness as a reminder to take better care of my hands.
Take care!
Thank you for sharing ! I'm 61 and my hands are suffering. I keep doing activities and playing to keep the "rust" off.
This sounds like all the other comments but I’ve had arthritis for 25 years and it stopped me for playing for 15 of those. I’m now back at it and my music knowledge and playing skills are much better thanks to people like you on TH-cam. I’m still playing in a band wherever 75 year old can play and I love it.
almost 66 yrs old, playing guitar for over 55 yrs, arthritis for over 10 yrs. i can work around almost anything but the pain was keeping me awake at night . when it got to the point i couldn't stand it any longer i looked into CBD therapy. within a week the pain was almost gone and has continued to decrease a little at a time for over a month now. it also calmed me down quite a bit to where i enjoy life a lot more. i'm certainly not cured but i can live with it now. best of luck in your journey!
First of all, Happy Birthday! You have my deep sympathy for the diagnosis of arthritis in your hand(s)--you're really not alone, I have it, too. I'll be 75 this year, and my arthritic thumb joints have annoyed me for the past two decades. There really isn't a cure. So, don't stop playing; it really does help. Just plan on doing things in more reasonable moderation and pace yourself accordingly. Trust me; learning to live with it, however annoying, is significantly better than the alternative.
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
I’m 63, and I’ve been dealing with this problem for about two years now. (By the way, I went through the same sequence of emotional events when I realized I might not be able to play guitar or bass during my last days on earth. Freaked me right out!)
A lot of it came from trying to pull things off on an acoustic guitar with 12’s, just like I would with an electric with nines.
I am also more careful to play a cheap Japanese copy of a Martin D-35 with a set of 12’s..with a skinny neck while I’m practicing my set for church, or wherever. It doesn’t sound as good as my Taylor GS8 with 13’s, but has a smaller neck and is a lot easier on my hands I find. The Taylor plays and sounds superb, but it is a cross between a dreadnought and a jumbo. It’s kind of like driving a truck… But I love the sound so I can’t stop playing it.
My wife is a yoga therapist, and she gives me great advice, like Gently stretching my hands and finger before playing. When I follow her advice, I feel way better! 😊
Thanks for the inspiring video and best wishes from Ottawa. I just turned 68 and played stringed instruments all my life, mostly with my musician dad and just for fun. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 13 - arthritis runs in the family. But I was fortunate to be almost “normal.” I used to volunteer with old ladies crippled up with arthritis so I was too ashamed to complain. Now carpal tunnel and arthritis in my left hand is spoiling my ... musical therapy. I am impressed to see by the comments we are certainly not alone. As the Dubliners sang, “Don’t give up ‘till it’s over.” Best of luck to all.
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'm 70, and my hands have issues. I've been diagnosed with arthritis/tendonitis in my knees, elbow and back, so I'm not surprised that my hands ache at times.
For me, the issue is preserving my range of motion and maintaining skills. I'm playing bass, baritone and guitar, and if I'm diligent and persistent about practicing, the pain is reduced. I avoid analgesics because they impair the muscle improvement that is the aim of practice. Everybody has their own level of pain tolerance, and everybody is different. So keep track of what you're doing, and avoid the the things that are bad. And Zac, when the left hand needs a break, give it slide, and let it glide for a while.
I do a lot of bending and vibrato and I started practicing sliding up into the note and adding the vibrato 50 percent of the time to lighten the wear and tear on my fretting hand. I'll be 65 in November. Just little work arounds here and there. Good luck, Zac. 👍
Love your show Zac,
I too have had hand issues from what we thought was the "big A" but found out way down the road it was stenosis and injuries to my neck from the hard life that causes my pain, stiffness and feeling, and basically useless. They thought it was the "big A" as they call it, and I do have it also, but not in my hands. What got me thinking otherwise is the fact that I could help the situation by just vigorously twisting my head back and forth and side to side and it would go away until the next time it showed up or the next morning after laying still sleeping. I also play and it was causing problems with feel and strength and stamina.
It too showed up from driving for hours and that's when I started seeking help.
Long story with many mistakes and doctors misdiagnoses and advice that did not work.
No hope for me and my issues, but it got me off of the pain med's and the big A meds.
Have you had a MRI ?? If not get one. Real important.
They need to see a good view of your neck before ruling out all arm and hand problems. All nerves and or as my nuro doc calls them hand sensors and muscles signals are routed through a small area in you neck.
Next time you are having problems, "and age is not on your side either" just work your neck some and see if it helps any. If so it might also be nerves in your neck and not the "big A" so much.
Exercise might work also, anything but pharma.
Try to stay off the meds to save your kidneys for later, your gonna need them more than your hands.
PS
Wiping your butt is way more important than making a hard bar cord anyway. :) just saying !
GOOD LUCK !!
Hello, I have the same issue. I have arthritis in my cervicals (5), and it affects my nerves, leading to a numb, tickling left hand with swollen fingers. I had times where I had to limit my practice time, in order to spare my hand for a planned gig. On some songs, I had to simplify bar chords or power chords. It comes and more or less goes back. Like all of us here, guitar playing is part of my identity, and the idea of having to stop is a worry. All the best to all of us, keep playing as long as you can.
Broke my index finger...twice, and had a boxer's fracture all on my left hand during my 30's - arthritis has been a constant companion for years. It doesn't have control over me as a player. I'm in my mid-60s and still playing daily. I manage the pain as needed. Do things to increase mobility/flexibility. Rest when required. I can tell you when a cold front is coming. Like a pitcher who can no longer throw with the same heat they once had, you make needed adjustments and expand on what you have to offer as a player. You are definitely not alone. Now my hearing, well that's a different story. Happiest of Birthdays my friend!
I too am on the cusp of the "Big 50" on May 9th with 10 and 14 year old girls. It's definitely been a time of reflection for me. I've had those feelings of "is it over?", but I also have more feelings of "it's just the beginning!" I have also had some left hand issues. They have resolved for now thankfully. You are definitely not alone! Good luck old man!😉
Geez, I’m turning 40 May 4th and my boys are about to be outta the house in a couple years. Yikes, no way I’d have the energy for little kids at 40 hahaha.
Love you Zac! I’m 55 looking at 56 and I’m not a pro and my livelihood does not depend on my playing … but for me at least it is the thing that keeps me sane. I worry about arthritis a lot after having a good bit of tendinitis and repetitive motion problems (too many hours in the fetal position at the computer). I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through but know one thing really clearly and plain spoken … you are not at all alone. We all love music and we all love playing and when it becomes more difficult it has an impact, on all of us, in our own personal ways. Thank you for being so transparent and open with this community … it means a lot!
I had surgery on my Left Shoulder last year (August) was finally released from Dr and PT in March. was Septic Arthritis in that shoulder, the pain was tremendous, I lost sensation in my fingers on the left hand the first inclination that something was wrong was not being able to play a Barre Chord CLEAN then even simple chords... the final straw was unable to move my arm I am now trying to play again, it was and still is a bit of s struggle trying to regain what I lost which was Most of my left Deltoid, and some other muscles in that shoulder.
Thanks for talking about this Zac! I'm 53, have been playing music for 47 years (guitar for 44 of those)...recently identified arthritis in my left hand index finger first joint (exacerbated in last year or two as I'd started playing bass regularly)...learning to treat it and play around it. Helps to hear others' stories.
Try boswella. Supplements over the counter. Want to hear what u think. I thinks working for me
First of all, a very happy birthday to you Zac. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day. So sorry to hear about your problem with arthritis. Getting older isn't always easy. I love your positive attitude. That will definitely help you manage this issue. I too have arthritis but mine is in my knees. I had my left knee replaced back in 17 and now my right one is acting up the same way. We do what we must, for sure. I will be praying for you to get better and be strong. Best wishes ❤️
At 63 I started having arthritis problems in my left (fretting) hand.... OUCH! The pain got worse and my ring finger seemed to be the most damaged. By 64 I was having trouble bending my Ring finger (and my other 3 seem to be getting stiff) After months of looking I found a surgeon who specializes in knuckle replacement. I had the surgery last November, and now I'm back in the band! It's still requiring some stretching and warm up,... but I'm getting back to playing lead guitar. My biggest road block is the D tri chord (my ring finger bends a little weird)... but as you know, their are ways around it... I'm 65 now and my passion is still music.... gotta keep playing!
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!
Sorry to hear about your arthritis, Zach. I hope everything works out. You’re one of the finer guitar players I’ve ever heard and you’ve got an excellent program. Keep putting it out there buddy
I’m sorry to hear that and I have been through the same thing. Luckily, now….there is many new and great arthritis medications unlike 30 years ago (Enbrel, Humira……). The first thing is to treat the arthritis with a Rheumatologist, not a primary Dr, and get the treatment that will help you and keep playing guitar. Then, you can do things to strengthen your forearms and play differently. You will be able to keep playing as long as you get treatment for the arthritis whether rheumatoid or psoriatic or whatever. Good luck and as you can see on TV with the commercials, you are not alone.
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 !
9:32 this is what i found with my tinnitus. i’m 22 and got tinnitus from a middle ear issue caused by an infection, so thankfully my hearing is still pretty good (i’m quite paranoid about it). The days i spend at home not doing much of anything turn into the worst, noisiest nights, but the days i spend 8 hours in a kitchen are the nights i sleep the most soundly. Might not work forever, and i recognise i’ve got a lot of time for things to be uncertain, but there is comfort somewhere.
First of all, happy birthday! Another arthritis guitar player (age 73) here. Pretty much no cushion in the knuckles nearest the fingernails on my fret hand. It will be a process of trial and error to see what positions really hurt and finding alternatives. You sound like you've already started that process with the comments about your thumb. I've had to experiment with changing wrist position and getting my fingers to lay flatter so as not to put as much pressure on the joints. Best of luck to you!
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 TH-cam channel and gentle, laid-back presentation style.
thanks for sharing, really cool honest message. That is what makes this channel great.
Thank you
Hi zac...I just wanted to say I fully appreciate and understand your concern and frustration on this matter....I turned 50 back in February, welcome to the club bye the way 👊👍..when I was twenty years old, whilst in service of my country 🇬🇧 in Northern Ireland 🇮🇪..I suffered shrapnel injuries due to hand grenade damage, which was down my left side of my body, principally in my hand, side and leg...it first started giving me grief when I was 31...and I have adapted to the challenge of guitar playing, and also manual work...I'm still playing and working..let's face it buddy Bill's have to be payed, first and foremost as a family man I'm sure you will agree. I'm not in your league as a player, but I can still play ametuerally, and enjoy the guitar, which is a lifelong passion. Keep going and never give up pal...love and hope to see more of your excellent guitar 🎸 video's in the future...much appreciated from over the pond 🇬🇧
Arthritis can be taken care of - stop eating gluten, sugar and start including raw ginger, turmeric, lemons to your diet
Hi Zac - I'm 72 - 10 years ago arthritis made it nearly impossible to close my hands, let alone play and none of the usual treatments helped. In desperation I tried Boron capsules (now becoming accepted treatment) - as advised, it became more painful for a couple of weeks then virtually disappeared - today my hands are pretty well pain free. Worth a try and cheap as chips online (double dose for the first week or two) - the only thing that worked for me.
Be encouraged Zack you are doing the right thing. I am 65 and have had 11 surgery's on both my hands both my wrists are bone on bone . I was diagnosed with Kinebox disease in 1993. I have severe arthritis in both hands. I have been dealing with this for 32 years its been a hard journey but I never gave up! I even played in casts at times.
I have found that you have to strengthen your hands and forearms. I have found good results with the grip master and also the Gripz pro rubber band hand and forearm strengthening bands. I still suffer from pain from time to time and I use the exercises from my hand therapist as well as ice heat and also different ointments and creams.
I also have the wrist and thumb brace like you do and have went down to 9's which is also a smart move. The Rev Billy uses 8's ! The main thing is warm up and get that blood flowing in your hands. I play in church and I thank God to still be able to play. I basically play like Jimi with the thumb over the top most of the time. I had to learn how to play all over again so many times its crazy but the bottom line is I had to work through the pain. I know that sounds crazy but thats what I had to do. You are not alone brother. Be encouraged. I pray that God will heal you in Jesus name! If you need anything just let me know.
Me too…. MS and now I know why I hit a plateau with guitar early and then …but it’s also my greatest joy. It beats a grave…. And being in your 50’s is great. You have so memories by now and you just go about everything smarter with more efficiency.
Not a cure but beware of all the paprika in foo foo restaurants. It’s a common short cut in tasty food but it causes me no end of grief. Johnny greenwood struggled with tendonitis from his 20’s. Good luck Zac.
Zack, thanks for posting this and no, you are not alone on this issue. I’m 52 and have been playing for about 37 years. 6 years ago, I had a bad roll in my Jiu Jitsu class and suffered a compression injury on my cervical spine that left me with not just crippling neck, shoulder and upper chest pain, but also about a 60% loss of function on my left hand. It has been a slow and tough road to recovery, with lots of physical therapy and medication, but for the past two years I have been able to gradually get back into playing. I still don’t have 100% dexterity and there is some lingering loss of sensation on my pinky and ring fingers, but I can play. Something like this does change the way you approach the guitar and since I cannot do some of the things I was able to do before, my identity and my style has changed as a guitar player. I had to learn that this isn’t necessarily bad, it’s simply different. Like you, the guitar is a huge part of my life and when I got injured I was also truly scared of the thought of not being able to play again, so I get it. Take care of your hand and thank you for your videos and wonderful stories. God bless.🙏🏻🎸❤️
Hey happy birthday to you and thanks for posting this ,I
wish you the best!
First... Happy 50th Birthday! I know that you are getting "professional" help, and I'm not a doctor (nor do I play one on the Internet), however, I had to quit playing for several years due to arthritis. I now play again, daily, with almost no pain any more. What changed? My diet - eliminating foods that caused the inflammation, and adding foods that promoted healing. It took a little time, but I healed. And, I no longer need medication to control the pain and inflammation. If you are interested, I can tell you what I did; if not, that's cool. Without going into too much detail, I had an allergy test done and eliminated those foods to which I was sensitive. Additionally, I eliminated those foods that are known to cause inflammation (i.e., sugars, vegetable/seed oils, wheat, and dairy). I added in more high quality meats, fresh fruits & vegetables, and nuts & seeds. I also, began intermittently fasting to reduce the inflammation and promote healing. Anyway, it worked for me; it might work for you too. Whatever you choose to do, good luck!
That really helped me and I would also add some supplements like Collagen, B vitamins, glucosamine, staying hydrated and eliminating added Sugars. Stay healthy!
Happy 50 Zac, As a old guy who has a rather abusive day job(hand and muscle wise) plus played guitar for over 50 years I have had a lot of wrist, carpal and hand issues off and on .Trying to play smart and exercise and warm up, will do a lot to enable you to keep playing and beat the pain ...You have my best wishes and thoughts on keeping going and appreciating every chance you get to play; it's the best one can do as long as you can do it .I really appreciate your frank discussion of this and play on brother!
Your most inspirational video yet. And that is saying something. Happy birthday and keep in mind that all of out here love and appreciate you.
Happy Birthday Zac! I just turned 56 on April 20th, I've been playing guitar since I was about 10yrs old. My hands started going numb last year and I couldn't play for quite a while, due to my job in construction work. Your videonhits home for me, cheers from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Sure wish I could see your shows this coming weekend. All the best, Dan G.
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 got diagnosed with arthritis in both hands a decade ago. Here in Southern England, the cool damp climate, isn’t great for the condition. Apart from once a day turmeric/black pepper capsules, the only real thing I do is wear fingerless mittens most of the year round unless playing or eating - yes even at night in winter. I’ve done some of the things you’ve done - lighter strings etc. I’ve also had the action on my acoustics slightly lowered, essential on Martins 😉. I’m almost 70 now and can still play professionally. As you say, thing a little about how you play. Weirdly, on electric, I’ve become more melodic ( could be an age thing?) and am getting more work. Yup, ya get the pain and all that stuff, but it has helped me be positive by not taking playing for granted - I’m enjoying it more now - and I think much more about how I play. After 60 years of guitar, that’s a big deal for me. Take care and keep up the good work 😎🎵🎶👍
I'm 65 and have the same thumb issue, I also went to 9's and am learning to play lighter with chording, it's not fun but still very doable. I have found the less chunky necks make a big difference in pain
Happy Birthday. Will pray for you also. I am going to be 74 at end of May. I had a stroke 5 years ago followed by a 4 way bypass and some other cardiac problems. I now only have around 40% heart capacity. I lost my playing ability an desire. But in the last year I am slowly learning again. Like they say getting old isn’t for sissies😀. Hang in there and follow your plan.
I'm 59, and have been playing off and on for about 30 years.
I actually started playing more in my late 30s to keep my dexterity , because I noticed my hands were feeling stiff and clumsy for work.
My joints are getting stiffer now, but I'm not quitting either.
I discovered alternate tunings, using triads more and using partial chords with ether a backing track or pad to fill in.
Also started experimenting with slide again. So there still some noise to be made.
Hope whatever treatment you do works well for you.🤙
love your show and your guitar playing
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
Happy birthday Zak!! I’m 68 with the same issue - and 55 gigs on the books for 23’ - 9-46s on my 25.5 scale guitars- massage - stretching - icing - de stressing my grip - lifes good - ull get on top of it! Thank you for ur awesome content- cheers - Bill
I, too, have arthritis in my fingers. Aside from any prescribed treatment, be aware that using the fingers daily is the best medicine - don't let them get stiffer from non-use! True, we have to sometimes find new ways of doing things, but we can preserve our guitar playing for a long time by staying active.
The big 50! H.B. Zac. My share: I suffered a serious left hand injury maybe 8 or so years back. My left hand was hyper extended in a fall injuring all those palm tendons, and I had an evulsion fracture of the main knuckle in my left index. I've been a thumb wrapper and it requires the index to really be able to tuck. I thought my playing days were over. Well, I got some therapy, I waited a long while and then started to really play again a year later. I've adapted and no one can really tell except me. I also forgot the before times. I have the beginnings of arthritis in my hands. Hang in there Zac. You seem to be doing all the best things for yourself. Love your channel!
HBD Zac. I' ll be 67 next month, and I guess I'm blessed that, although other things are breaking down, the hands are not afflicted. Other than the right hand being less agile than when I was young...But, hell, I could never speed-pick convincingly anyway. Best of luck to you. John in Montreal
Great video. I too have played guitar (hobbyist) from most of my life and always worry about something happening to my hands. A little older than you, but still in my 50's. I think the best thing you said was that you are a father and a husband first. That shows maturity my friend. My hope that is that you have many more years of playing, however, if you don't I am confident that you will have many other ways to express your creativity and encourage others. I offer no medical advice, but I have learned that in many areas of my life including music that limitations breed creativity. You may find that what you perceive as restrictions may open up new and interesting areas of music for you. Look at so many of the old jazz guys, as they aged they played less notes but conveyed so much. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Props for being open about your health challenges. I am sure that you'll get tons of encouragement from your viewers.
Happy B day, Re: repetitive hand injuries and recovery, everyone is different. Don't close the door on a hand splint(s) at night. Used one every night and after 3 months had great results, and I still use it nightly. Use common sense as others have added. String gauges, stop when discomfort is present, warm up, and refrain from using the hand(s) aggressively around the house - i.e pulling/grasping, use hands tools judicially, and that includes other things like a keyboard. Also certain types of food aggravate joint swelling, Carbs turn into sugar, and excess sugar increases joint inflammation. When you play, is it string height, neck radius, or both that really cause the discomfort? Switch guitars often when playing. Best of luck.
Big hug from me, Zac! Playing music is incredibly healing, even therapeutic for me, and I can't imagine being unable to physically manage it. Glad you're getting the medical and PT help you need!
Hey Zac, 61 year old from Ireland here. I have basal thumb joint arthritis and it’s a bummer, but you gotta keep going! I’ve had steroid injections which gave me a few months’ relief but really it’s not going away. I’ve tried every ointment and gel on the market. The best relief I’ve had is laying my hands on an old school hot water bottle with a soft cover when I’m sitting around. Best of luck 👌
Stay positive Zac. I too have hand issues but my love of the guitar will not let these issues get a hold of me. Music is too important in my life and I too will continue to play. Hang in there my friend. And Happy Birthday!
Anti-inflammation diet! It was my catharsis, and changed my life. Cut out inflammatory foods such as peanut butter, dairy, and most of all SUGAR! For me, it took a couple weeks, but changed my life. I’m down 90 pounds. I can tell you don’t need to lose weight, but when the inflammation abates, life is better. All the best, and please know how appreciated you are.
wow. i turn 50 in october--ive played guitar on an on for 25 or so years--recently started playing more and more -practicing 3-4 times a week 2 different bands playing every live show i could--but i rarely play alone--things are going great put out my first record--giging alot but only 30-45 minute sets--not supertech stuff. then my thumb began to ache almost all day then my finger tips have begun to numb recently. one day i woke with a swollen elbow--10 days later its just starting to somewhat return to normal but feels like there is fluid inside---getting old sucks--but NEVER GIVE UP -savor every minute you have tp play music--dont take anything for granted. I did and regret it now.
Thanks for sharing. This video help me a lot. I’m 81 years old and also a guitarist. About 5 years ago I‘ve gotten arthritis and so this video helped me a lot. Thank you and God Bless!
Feel you here...50 also. Thank you for sharing and happy birthday
You certainly are not alone.
I believe one of the most potent medication we have is your mind.
I know of many who had overcome and beaten rather grim diagnoses of conditions solely with the attitude that the ailment Will Not Stop Me From Doing What Is Most Important To Me. I know as I am one of them.
I too suffer from arthritic hands but, with minor adjustments continue to play daily and gig on a regular basis. I see you are of the same mindset.
Thank you for honesty and for sharing your wisdom, not only on this topic but in every video you have granted us. You are a wealth of information and inspiration.
Thank you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Zac, I've been down this road for 18 years now Psoratic, Osteo and Spondylosis. You can beat this, but you must be smart. You now have a budget. Go over budget and you do a little more permanent joint damage each time. But getting exercise playing is good to keep things loose in there. It's not going away. Your job is to find the right limits and exercise, but don't push too hard. Know when to hold em or fold em. A bucket of ice water often helps. This smells but works, trust me - Natural Relief 1222
Happy Birthday ! Facing Arthritis head on, and keeping busy is the best thing you can do. Good Luck
I’m in the same spot as you, got multiple joint arthritis from playing for over 30 years, I’m 44. I would recommend looking at how classical players use the guitar, those left hand knuckles are not under pressure in a clenched fist as much. Also think about the pressure you apply, it’s always less than you use! You can do it, just be careful. One last thing I can suggest warm water bath for the hand is magic for sore hands.
I'm 63. Still gigging. I have ulnar nerve damage at my wrist. In between my thumb and forefinger on my left hand. I'm much better now but for a while I was numb in my little finger and half of my ring finger. And zero strength. I lost my job of 7 years. I'm in Minnesota and there was no facility for my specific problem. If you present with, "I'm a guitar player..." they stop listening. I just kept playing and I've managed it by adapting my technique. I don't dig in as much as I used to. I limit my unpayed playtime to what I can do.
I can’t believe someone has made a video directly addressing this. I have seen Tim Lerch discuss it too. However you’re totally correct in the fact that there is a strange tendency to not talk about it. Well not talk about it to other guitarists and musicians. My wife gets an earful at times. I’m 58 and I have arthritis is in both my right and left hands and is in mostly the thumb and wrists. While the pain is bad in both areas it’s my wrists that have really stunted my playing. I have very limited range of motion in my wrists.
It started to become extremely debilitating about 6 or 7 years ago. I’m a bit prone to depression and sunk into a year of major depression over it and didn’t play most that time. I have purchased different guitars including a Strandberg with different neck profiles in hope they would help. While they have helped some, the key is to adjust my playing accordingly. Icing is one of the most helpful therapies. I should mention I’ve been through the steroid and gel injections, and consuming NSAIDS in large amounts at times. Unfortunately while these therapies can be amazing in the relief they can quickly bring they have negative side effects that in the long run are bad. I have tried to cut down on that and see if proper stretching and strengthening will be more helpful.
Anyway, I am happy you chose to talk about it because it is lonely and even if I do choose to talk to another guitarist or musician unless they have experienced the pain and stiffness I can tell they don’t quite get how devastating it can be because like you said, whether we like it or not if you have been playing an instrument for 40+ years it is part of our identity. I hope you can stay as free of pain and immobility as much as possible. Thanks again!
Hi, I turned 60, i feel it too. Why with all the adds, publicity, no one ever advises on log term hand health. I have writen to a few mags and never get a reply. I broke my neck in 96, so mine might be a bit worse.
Thank you Zac for your honesty in this video, which is refreshing. As you say there are very few professional guitarists on Y tube who admit to having trouble with their hands after years of playing. Tim Pierce and Guthrie T have briefly eluded to some problems, I have been playing guitar since I was 10 and giging since age 18. At age 70 I have arthritis in both thumbs but I still gig on weekends, so take heart. By adjusting your playing technique and getting proper physio/stretching help you will keep playing the instrument that we all love.
Happy birthday Zac! Thanks for sharing, all the best! I am turning 60 this year - and yes, even though it is hurting a bit here and there, there are still so many things that must be explored on the instrument. Love you channel!
Best of success for you all the way. I'm working with arthritis in my right thumb and tendinitis in my left elbow (affects fingering with the ring and pinky fingers). I'm lucky enough to have insurance that covers a hand orthopedist and a chiropractor. Still playing and will keep on while I can.
Wish you luck! A few years ago, I had to deal with Colon Cancer. I am better now, and the doctor said that I most likely not have a reoccurrence. The issue was that the chemotherapy caused dumbness in my hands and feet. Unfortunately, my feet still have a bit of numbness, but I was lucky, and my hands did recover. At one point I couldn't control of the direction of the tip of the pick, but now I am at about 95 to 98% of where I was with guitar.
Hooray for a positive attitude. I'm 67 and have Arthritis, for 13 years, and play better every day. No reason to worry. Your taking the right measures too. Go Zak!
I have some neuropathy in my hands and use wrist splints at night...I like to stretch my hands often....thanks for sharing Zac