Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 1/3/2008

Question
Hi, i am 15 and I play the baritone saxaphone in my High School marching band. The baritone saxaphone is about 15-25 pounds, and there is a hook for your thumb to support the instrument. On new years i marched in the rose parade, it was around 3 hours long 5 1/2 miles. At the middle of the march my right thumb began the feel numb, when i was not playing i massaged it but it did not help. It has been 3 days and it is still numb. What should i do?

Answer
You may have to ride this one out!!!!  You have a pressure injury to the nerve in the thumb...very common.  It should resolve itself, but may take a couple of months. But, if there should be a chiropractor in your area that does low level laser treatment, that can speed the healing process.