Question
Hey Scorpion, this question is for Dave.
I've been roller skating all my life, and all the times I've fell is finally catching up with me (i.e bad knees, bad back, arthritis from multiple broken bones, ect... and I'm only 20). A little over 2 years ago, I was kicked in the back (literally) where my neck and shoulders meet. Ever since then, my fretting hand has been a little on the weaker side, and shakes like crazy if I try to use it. I've even lost some of the feeling in it. :/ We've figured out that getting kicked in that area had caused nerve damage to that entire arm.
Because of that, I've had a hard time trying to play guitar or bass. Can't ever get my fingers to go where I tell them to go half the time, since they just like to do their own little thing. :/ I haven't stopped trying though. It's gotten a little better, but not enough to start praising to the high heavens.
As someone who's had nerve damage in their fretting hand/arm, what was the process of getting full movement back in that arm? Were there any specific exercises that you needed to do?
In an unrelated topic... I'm seriously looking forward to your guys' new album. From what I've heard in the little snippets, it sounds like it's going to be fantastic!
Kelsie :)
Answer
Hi Kelsie,
In January 2002, Dave fell asleep in a chair with his arm in an awkward position, which cut off the circulation to the radial ulnar nerve in his left bicep, compressing it. A compressed radial nerve is commonly called "Saturday Night Palsy". This left him unable to feel or properly move his hand, as the brain could not communicate muscle movement through the nerve. His treatment included four months of extensive physical therapy, as well as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments and weight training. During this time he was able to fully recover from his nerve injury, as well as tendon damage in his finger he had previously suffered from. After being pronounced 100% healed by his doctor, Dave took on the task of relearning to play guitar, with help from guitarist Ric Flauding.
Read more of what Dave Mustaine has to say about it HERE.
-ScorpioN
