fingers go numb after tattooing

after a couple hours of tattooing the tip of my thumb went numb yesterday, now its today and its still like tingly feeling. its because i gripped a bit to hard without breaks, but thats how i do it, i use steel grips so no cushion, does this happen to anyone else? what do you do for it? is it a big deal? like is a callus eventually going to form or am i going to loose feeling in the tip eventually ? when i work next ill maybe fold up a paper towel and use it as a cushion?

STRETCH IT OUT!!!! before and after every tattoo you should do some stretches (you can find a ton of examples in Guy's new Reinventing The Tattoo) it will take the wear and tear off your body.. i wouldnt worry about it at all..repetative jobs like our can mess with your nerves and muscles...only answer is to prevent it or maintain it... i installed carpets for a year when i was younger and since i had to hammer the perimeter of the room twice , in every room of new houses...my arm would be numb everynight...pins and needles occasionally ....once i stopped the job...it went away. but like anything if it persists or gets way worse see a dr. thats my 2 cents hope it helps benreigle.com

good advise on stretching. thumb numb can be a nerve deal my pinky over to index will do that at times and thats the orlander nerve. vibration from machine can cause this arm positioning and body position can also.heep a eye on it and if worrsens see a doc. does sound like vibrationious numbeness

I loooove my red rat grip covers for that exact reason. also, i changed glove companies- the new company's 'large' is just a little looser. that allowed for a little more blood flow to my fingers which made a ton of difference. Also ive had good luck with accupunture. Just something to think about. good luck and dont forget to stretch!