Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (Full Version)

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abcbsex -> Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/13/2008 9:21:01 PM)

Sometimes my husband will tie my hands above my head, and whether or not I'm laying down or standing up, my arms, starting with my hands, will start to tingle. We've made sure to keep the wrists bonds loose enough for a couple fingers to fit in so no blood is cut off, but it still tingles and my arms start getting cold. Usually when this happens I ask to be in a different position, because it really worries me that they'll go numb and nerves will end up getting damaged. I'm never in the position for more than 5 minutes before it starts happening, so it kind of disrupts the flow of any bondage play. When I get worried about it, that disrupts it even more and in the case of tonight (I was in a laying down position), it led to the whole session ending.

Is this a valid fear or does tingling come with the territory of bondage? I hate to keep fretting over it when it may not be a big deal, or if it is, I'd like to just avoid it. Thanks for any advice!




Evility -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/14/2008 3:54:00 AM)

Try just lying or standing with your arms over your head without the bondage. Do you still experience the same sensations? I can see your hands maybe going numb from the bonds if they were too tight but not your arms. Just a guess but maybe this is a nerve/circulation issue not related to the bondage.




panthersub -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/14/2008 5:00:47 AM)

When i'm bound and my hands get tingly and numb, there's not a lot we do. i just let my mentor know through indications and he'll loosen the restraints or retie the rope if need be as i have a tendency to pull hard on the restraints and that's the reason for my numbness. i don't worry about it, and we normally don't stop play. i know that he will check my hands for any signs of numbess or coldness, and he may let me relax my hands, but it doesn't interfer with play. i know this probably doesn't help you much, but thought i'd share my own experience.
  Best of luck




sub4hire -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/14/2008 7:27:06 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Evility

Try just lying or standing with your arms over your head without the bondage. Do you still experience the same sensations? I can see your hands maybe going numb from the bonds if they were too tight but not your arms. Just a guess but maybe this is a nerve/circulation issue not related to the bondage.


I'd try this also.  Sometimes other things are wrong.  You may just be blaming it on the bondage.  Reason being...my arms and hands fall asleep and tingle while I am sleeping...depending on how I am lying.  No bondage at all.

I used to sleep naturally with my arms over my head.  Well come to find out it was throwing out my shoulders.  Stretching the muscles and nerves.  Now I don't...problem is over.





katie978 -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/14/2008 12:56:42 PM)

   I wonder about this as well.

  Does bondage have to be completely comfortable to be safe? Often times in porn (best possible example of safe sex practices, I know), the person who is tied is extremely uncomfortable. Lots of breast bondage turns the breasts blue/black...but that's not supposed to be safe. I've seen behind-the-back arm ties that make the arms start to tinge blue...is that safe?

If nothing is supposed to hurt, doesn't that ruin some of the fun? There are very few positions I can think of for bondage longer than like 3 or 4 minutes that wouldn't start to hurt somewhere. So, how does one know when a bondage hurt isn't a good bondage hurt?

  OP, my arms get numb whilst over my head as well...not sure whether that's a circulation problem-it's just harder for blood to pump upwards. I imagine they'd have to be up there for a relatively long time being completely numb before you get nerve damage-think how often your foot falls asleep with no continuing ill effects.




Lynnxz -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/14/2008 1:46:56 PM)

I don't know about all porn, but I do know a lot of the bondage companies only have the girl tied for short periods of times, there are lots of rests and breaks in between it all.

The tingly is an indication of pissed off nerves, you may be pinching a few, or your physique may just not lend itself towards having your arms over your head. You might want to look into the style of suspension cuffs that has a  bar you can hold onto- you don't have to be off the ground to use them, but they are nice for keeping your hands above your head comfortably. I'd also suggest you see a chiropractor for and adjustment, most are great at popping everything back into place.

Before someone corrects me for not using ginormous medical terms- yes, I'm well aware I did not.




celticlord2112 -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/14/2008 1:53:43 PM)

Tingling, numbness, and cold are causes for concern regardless of what induces them; they are highly suggestive symptoms of a disrupted blood flow.

If you can slide two fingers under your bonds, your assessment that the bonds are not disrupting blood flow seems reasonable. That being said, SOMETHING is most likely disrupting the blood flow.

A doctor's visit may be necessary to determine what that something is.

quote:

ORIGINAL: abcbsex

Sometimes my husband will tie my hands above my head, and whether or not I'm laying down or standing up, my arms, starting with my hands, will start to tingle. We've made sure to keep the wrists bonds loose enough for a couple fingers to fit in so no blood is cut off, but it still tingles and my arms start getting cold. Usually when this happens I ask to be in a different position, because it really worries me that they'll go numb and nerves will end up getting damaged. I'm never in the position for more than 5 minutes before it starts happening, so it kind of disrupts the flow of any bondage play. When I get worried about it, that disrupts it even more and in the case of tonight (I was in a laying down position), it led to the whole session ending.

Is this a valid fear or does tingling come with the territory of bondage? I hate to keep fretting over it when it may not be a big deal, or if it is, I'd like to just avoid it. Thanks for any advice!




windchymes -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/14/2008 2:35:54 PM)

There are physical disorders that can cause numbness and tingling in the arms and hands.   Best thing to do is to consult a doctor or a physical therapist.




abcbsex -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/14/2008 4:17:54 PM)

Thanks everyone for your input, it's put my mind at ease. I'll mention the sensation to my doctor at my annual exam.




NumberSix -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/14/2008 4:58:16 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: abcbsex

Sometimes my husband will tie my hands above my head, and whether or not I'm laying down or standing up, my arms, starting with my hands, will start to tingle. We've made sure to keep the wrists bonds loose enough for a couple fingers to fit in so no blood is cut off, but it still tingles and my arms start getting cold. Usually when this happens I ask to be in a different position, because it really worries me that they'll go numb and nerves will end up getting damaged. I'm never in the position for more than 5 minutes before it starts happening, so it kind of disrupts the flow of any bondage play. When I get worried about it, that disrupts it even more and in the case of tonight (I was in a laying down position), it led to the whole session ending.

Is this a valid fear or does tingling come with the territory of bondage? I hate to keep fretting over it when it may not be a big deal, or if it is, I'd like to just avoid it. Thanks for any advice!


My first question is, what do you do for a living?  Do you have repetitive motion disorder (carpal tunnel syndrome) ?  That stillness in an already compressed nerve......

I can get a numb arm just holding on  to a mouse.........given the right time and day and circumstance.

Ron

(I might have more, after---)




abcbsex -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/15/2008 7:53:46 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: NumberSix

quote:

ORIGINAL: abcbsex

Sometimes my husband will tie my hands above my head, and whether or not I'm laying down or standing up, my arms, starting with my hands, will start to tingle. We've made sure to keep the wrists bonds loose enough for a couple fingers to fit in so no blood is cut off, but it still tingles and my arms start getting cold. Usually when this happens I ask to be in a different position, because it really worries me that they'll go numb and nerves will end up getting damaged. I'm never in the position for more than 5 minutes before it starts happening, so it kind of disrupts the flow of any bondage play. When I get worried about it, that disrupts it even more and in the case of tonight (I was in a laying down position), it led to the whole session ending.

Is this a valid fear or does tingling come with the territory of bondage? I hate to keep fretting over it when it may not be a big deal, or if it is, I'd like to just avoid it. Thanks for any advice!


My first question is, what do you do for a living? Do you have repetitive motion disorder (carpal tunnel syndrome) ? That stillness in an already compressed nerve......

I can get a numb arm just holding on to a mouse.........given the right time and day and circumstance.

Ron

(I might have more, after---)


I'm a university student, so the only repetitive motion I do is writing... and typing. My mom had carpal tunnel from sewing, but it onset in her 40's. I guess it's possible, but I'd be pretty pissed if schoolwork has caused carpal tunnel already.




mistoferin -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/15/2008 2:59:49 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: NumberSix
I can get a numb arm just holding on  to a mouse.........given the right time and day and circumstance.

Ron


My guess would be that the mouse probably doesn't like it too much either!

Sorry...I just had to[:D]




Sunnyfey -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/15/2008 8:20:37 PM)

an aside note from a shibari practitioner.....least im the one who gets tied up anyhow

The big worry about thr tingly and numbness is nerve damage, as the other posters said. permenate nerve damage can be caused in under 30 seconeds from tight bondage, seriously no joke, so yeah its kind of scary.  if your hanging or have any weight suspened from the rope you should always use a "locking knot" like a locking larks head, this keeps the rope from getting too tight. and, as for us anyway, we generally dont do over the head arm and wrist bondage, the blood flow is decreased when your arms are raised up (yes yes i know bondage 101 but...its always good to point it out anyway) the big scare for over the head arm bondage besides the lessening of blood flow and tingly induceing lack of blood is the fact that when the arms are quickly released, you get the itches and such from the blood rushing back and in some cases can become light headed, which is a scary thing.
i dont know if you where heels during these sessions or not, but lest not forget about a fall from being light headed off high heels, which in most cases isnt so bad aside from a bruised bum, but ankles breaking and knots on the head can happen too.
And aside from all that, have you though of suspension type of bondage? that way all your weight is pulled off your arms, a quick easy harness between the legs with a locking knot, with ropes secured to a big heavy steel eyelet anchored in a 2x4 stud in the celing takes the weight just fine in most cases. NOTE BIG BIG RED NOTE  read and practice your knots BEFORE SUSPENSION, and your first suspension? only go a FEW INCHES off the floor, i suggest lots of pillows underneath
Bondage can be rewarding and fun if practiced safely, I also suggest reading up on it a good start off book is Erotic Bondage Handbook
.
All in all, if you get tingly, losen the rope, or untie period, i suggest if you do this alot to buy a nice set of suspension cuffs, makes for happy bondage, and no tingly numbness from rope.




Leatherist -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/15/2008 8:56:42 PM)

Some people simply cannot sustain certain positions without getting nerves, blood vessels or tendons stretched or pinched. Avoid them if they do damage.




Lostangel28 -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/16/2008 1:56:08 AM)

Have you also tried while in that position flexing yor arm muscles some like flex and unflex every so often, that may help them from going completely numb. Thet ingly sensation would get annoying, i can se where your concerns would be. i do not think you would get nerve damage from the bondage, however if you have circulation problems that might lead to something else entirely. You could also try a different postion like try your hallway ask him to put 4 screws into the wall as in 2 upper 2 lower facing each other so that when chained or whatever restraints you have your arms are slightly up but completly out at your sides and then have him put a speader bar between your ankles. So essentially it is the same position only your standing. The restraints should be strong enough to hold your weight. This is actually a very fun position, and you should not experience any tingling at all.




apiercedkitty -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/16/2008 5:32:24 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: abcbsex
I'm a university student, so the only repetitive motion I do is writing... and typing. My mom had carpal tunnel from sewing, but it onset in her 40's. I guess it's possible, but I'd be pretty pissed if schoolwork has caused carpal tunnel already.


As an aside... my mom had carpal tunnel - and i ended up with surgery for it when i was 22. It can be hereditary so don't rule it out. You would, however, most likely be experiencing things like numbness and tingling while writing, typing and even sleeping if you did have it.
my hands and arms will start to tingle... i think someone else already mentioned clenching and unclenching your hands - i know this helps me. i don't usually worry about the tingling and He's very careful not to leave my arms above my head too long. He makes sure to check for color and temp often and changes position if either changes. i've yet to have to ask to be untied.
i hope you can work this out to your satisfaction!

edited because i'm not fully awake and clearly can't spell this early in the morning.




kiwisub12 -> RE: Honestly, how worried should one be about bondage-induced numbness? (8/16/2008 9:39:32 AM)

Tingling and numbness is related to nerve impingment.

Cold and purple is related to circulation.

When i first started playing with my Sir, he had me with my hands suspended above my head in cuffs - i was fighting and trying to get away, pulling on my wrists. My thumb went numb, and since i was so new, i didn't mention it. Some time later, after play, i said something about it, and my Sir got very annoyed with me. now, i tell him my numbness and tingly sensations.  And just so you know, it took months for the feeling to come back. I was afraid i had permanently damaged that nerve.

I also have carpal tunnel (mild) and my hands and fingers do get numb and tingly relatively easily. We too have found that suspension cuffs work really well to help slow it down.  You know, i like being able to use my fingers and hands, so  we don't ignore the warning signs.  Unfortunately , there is not flashing warning light when our nerves get too close to too much over-stimulation. Damage is only evident after the fact.





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