herniated disk surgery recovery

rdwhit · #1 07-11-2007, 04:00 PM

I attempted to start this thread once, I don't think it got posted, if it did I'm sorry for repeating myself.....

Ok, I had a herniated disk removed from my neck 3 weeks ago which had been gradually making my left arm usless over the last 10 years. Many factors caused the problem, some bass related, some not. My recovery is going fine, but slow as expected. I'll be away from the bass for 4 months or so.When I spoke briefly in person w/ Paul Ellison last winter he said that a herniated disk is a common bass player problem. He has helped a few people w/ this problem return to playing after laying off for a few months. He is great at teaching good physical playing habits and avoiding bad ones. Does anyone know of such a person near my area ? I live in louisville KY. Can anyone help me find more information on this specific injury/rehab as it relates to bass players? We have some very good sports rehab places here, Mr. Ellison said that is the best way to go. Any more specific info from anyone with personal or professional knowledge on this topic would be a great help to me . Thank You. Rob Whitmer

MingusAmongUs · #2 07-11-2007, 04:29 PM

This may or may not be helpful, but you can broaden your search by looking for teachers of the Alexander Technique. I'm sure there are a few teachers in your area. It may not relate specifically to helping you heal (and then again it might), but it certainly will help prevent future injury.

http://www.alexandertechnique.com/

rdwhit · #3 07-11-2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MingusAmongUs

This may or may not be helpful, but you can broaden your search by looking for teachers of the Alexander Technique. I'm sure there are a few teachers in your area. It may not relate specifically to helping you heal (and then again it might), but it certainly will help prevent future injury.

http://www.alexandertechnique.com/

Thanks MAU. This link will help me start looking into it for the future. It's one thing on my list.

j.s.basuki · #4 07-14-2007, 08:36 AM

I have problem with my C 3,4 and 6,7 of my neck . I always have stiff neck , shoulder and pain to my arm. This have been going on for almost 5 years. I donot want to go for surgery bearing the risk, I rather do accupuncture.
I do some bridging excercise and it lessen the pain and strengthen my left arm.

butchonbass · #5 07-18-2007, 10:25 AM

I had cervical fusion surgery in 1994, they removed the 5-6 disc. It was because of whiplash in two car accidents. I lost 30% or so of the strength in my right hand. I was only playing electric bass at the time, and in a few months I was ok. I have some numbness in my right thumb, but it's not bad. The neck problems did not bother my left hand, but I do have CTS there. Proper technique and lots of playing has overcome both problems. It's amazing how your body can adapt.

pdbass · #6 07-18-2007, 11:00 AM

One of my old teachers (in his 60's) had a similar problem. He actually switched endpins--going to the bent-style endpin popular with players using the Rabbath method. He said he hasn't had a problem with his back or neck since switching.

mheintz · #7 07-18-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdwhit

Can anyone help me find more information on this specific injury/rehab as it relates to bass players? We have some very good sports rehab places here, Mr. Ellison said that is the best way to go. Any more specific info from anyone with personal or professional knowledge on this topic would be a great help to me . Thank You. Rob Whitmer

Drive north to Cincinnati and take some lessons with Rick Vizachero (CSO). Rick was my first teacher and he concentrates heavily on relaxation and movement. Rick studied with Paul. I have had many excellent teachers since Rick, but none of them had the same relaxed posture. He's more Rabbath/Edgar Meyer than Portnoy/Barker.

rdwhit · #8 07-20-2007, 10:11 PM

Thanks for all the support and shared stories guys. It's all helpfull. It may be 3 months or more before I try playing again. I know a couple of guys who probably know Rick Vizachero in Cincy. Maybe I'll see if one of them can help me line up something when the time comes. I'm always open for more advice & ideas. Ellison gets here to Louisville about once a year, he really is brilliant. Thanks again.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #9 07-21-2007, 12:25 AM

DANGER BOB - hang in there, bro. I can't even begin to imagine not playing for that long. I hear that beef stew and beer are good recovery tools for this kind of thing...you could also try seasoning with Pops, although it makes the texture of the stew a little gritty in the summertime.

rdwhit · #10 07-21-2007, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

DANGER BOB - hang in there, bro. I can't even begin to imagine not playing for that long. I hear that beef stew and beer are good recovery tools for this kind of thing...you could also try seasoning with Pops, although it makes the texture of the stew a little gritty in the summertime.

Chris who?

Ha. I actually have some stew in the crock pot right now. I think I've been wrong all these years, when I put the Pops in, the stew got gooy. This makes sense. My Dictionary defines goo thusly: 1. A sticky wet sustance(Possibly short for BURGOO). Iv'e also heard that stew combined with beer can cause flatulence. Do You know anything about this?