Nerve damage?

[caseygabriel]

Any heavy shruggers out there having problems with their hand(s) going numb from using straps performing barbell shrugs? I currently shrug 495 @ 4x10 front and 495 @ 4x10 rear.

Any suggestions to correct this? I am using "homemade" straps due to the lack of supply over here.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Sub-Zero]

uhoh never thought about it


do using straps cause ur hands to mess up?

 

[buffer1]

that might be carpal tunnel,there are nerves that run down your arms that make your hands do that,I,m not sure if they can do anything about it,I get it some times from the work I used to do

 

[musketeer]

I have used straps to pull over 600lbs and the pain in the wrists IS consderable. I am often left looking like a bondage sub or something from all of the minor laceration on my wrists. The pain is enough to make me not notice whether there is any decrease in sensation, but I'm more worried about slipping a disc in my back or tearing a bicep or something rather than nerve damage.

The reps you are using are not high enough to restrict the blood to your hands for long enough to do damage (i think). My hand have been fine even doing 20 reps sets at that weight (5 plates) so I'd say that the type of straps you have are probably not the best, but that you will probably survive. I mean, how long are your hands numb for?

 

[caseygabriel]

Thanks for the responses. Musketeer it stays numb for a couple of days after the workout. I think the straps I made are to wide and squeezing the vein that runs on the inside of my wrist. I will make narrower straps.

Thanks again for the input!

 

[Ulcasterdropout]

My hands get numb even without the straps.

 

[musketeer]

SEVERAL DAYS? no that' not right! I assumed that it was like just right after or during the set. Thats really not good.

Try using dumbells for your shrugs (if they go up to 100+ lbs then that will be enough) , you get a much fuller and sharper contraction from much less weight. Just do this while you are in Iraq and then when you get back you can get into the barbell again if you like.