Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker underwent surgery after a nerve problem affected his ability to play. He shared the news in a statement and a photo from the hospital on Instagram, appearing alongside Kourtney Kardashian. Barker said the issue had left his arm, hand, and fingers numb for weeks and required a procedure to correct.
Barker explained what prompted the surgery and how the nerve problem developed. He said he wanted to address the issue early so it would not interfere with his playing long term. He also gave a rough timeline for his recovery.
“I had surgery yesterday,” Barker said. “My arm, hand and fingers have been numb since a show I played last month.”
He described the diagnosis and the procedure he needed.
“I did a nerve test Monday after my show and turns out I needed a cubital tunnel release to fix the nerve,” he said.
Barker then explained why he chose to have the surgery now rather than wait.
“I wanted to get ahead of it and get it over with so that I can keep playing the way I play for a long long time,” he said. “Should be good in a few weeks.”
Barker’s timeline raises the question of what a full recovery from this kind of surgery involves. Cubital tunnel release is a common procedure, but healing depends on the task. Drumming places heavy demands on the arm, hand, and fingers.
Cubital tunnel release relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. This is the nerve that runs along the inner arm and controls feeling in the ring and little fingers. Pressure on it can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
The first stage of recovery is usually quick. Light daily tasks can often resume within a few days. Many people return to desk work within one to two weeks. Driving is typically possible after two to three weeks, once pain has settled.
Activities that require strength and repetitive motion take longer. Lifting and gripping generally stay light for about six weeks. They are then built up step by step. Full grip strength and a return to sport can take around three months.
Nerves also heal more slowly than other tissue. Tingling often eases within days or weeks, but numbness and hand strength can take months to improve. The final result can keep improving for a year or more after the operation. For a drummer known for his speed and endurance, that gradual return will be the key measure of how well the surgery worked.
