Does anybody here physically have a hard time playing an instrument.

ihavebrownhaira · #1 10-21-2008, 01:59 PM

I was wondering if anybody has so much physical pain that they cannot play their instrument for whatever reason. I know I'm only 18 and I already have back pain for a number of reasons. I have slight pain in my hands every now and then. But I can only imagine when I'm 40. My parents are so physically broken from arthiritis, and scoliosis, and a number of other complications that I should take care of my body as best as I can. I believe it must be a terrible feeling to fall in love with music and have it taken away from you because, you physically cannot play it. I can personally play guitar fine right now. My back only hurts a little if I sit too long. I play an epiphone thunderbird so i sit kind of akwardly when I play. But I know there are probably some guys in their 40's and up who are struggling.

bongomania · #2 10-21-2008, 03:34 PM

Yeah, I played marching grand piano for a while, but my back started to hurt. Then I tried switching to marching pipe organ, figuring since the pipes are hollow it wouldn't weigh as much, but that didn't go too well either. I think I'm going to try playing the piranha flute next.

uethanian · #3 10-21-2008, 04:49 PM

i hear ya, i'm almost 18 and my back is killing me as i type this. sometimes BG gives me knots in the shoulders, but upright can really mess things up if i'm having a bad day. i used to play a lot of keyboard (piano, harpsichord, organ) but now i can't keep that 'piano posture' that people insist on.

and not looking forward to getting older...i've had a lot of chiropractic done, and i'd be a lot worse off today without it. but i figure, by the time i'm 30-40, they'll have mastered that new spinal procedure (where they inject liquid between the vertebra that gels into pads).

and don't get me started on marching band...one year of baritone was enough for me...

Pilgrim · #4 10-21-2008, 05:26 PM

I suggest you get as light a bass as possible (perhaps a hollowbody of moderate size) and pay a great deal of attention to using a playing position that is as body and wrist-friendly as possible. There are many people who play instruments at horrible angles that cause physical problems. Also, given your parents' problems, you should be working with a doctor NOW and taking actions to minimize your potential for developing arthritis and related problems.

StyleOverShow · #5 10-21-2008, 05:32 PM

Seriously, consider your posture. Maybe even talk to someone at a yoga studio about how to manage the weight given your family predisposition. You might consider playing sitting on a stool, just look cool doing it. You know it could become 'your thing'.

Fassa Albrecht · #6 10-21-2008, 05:36 PM

I've got such bad wrist issues there are days I can't even pick up a bass.

Phalex · #7 10-22-2008, 06:29 AM

Get yourself a Barker Vertical Bass. You could duct tape yourself to it if you have too!

winston · #8 10-22-2008, 10:37 AM

Two years of sousaphone in high school marching band messed up my left shoulder for a while. I started college as a music major but had some wrist problems (due to poor posture while playing & bad typing habits) that inspired me to change my major. Fortunately I encountered an arts/sports medicine doctor who watched me play and suggested some changes that were very helpful.

Things were OK until I started playing upright bass and had some hip/back difficulties. I took a course of about 12 Alexander Technique classes that were immensely helpful. Since then I've done some Pilates and a bit of yoga and have a good sense of how to do the things I enjoy with minimal physical impact. Also helps that I'm married to a massage therapist.

Most bassists/guitarists rest the instrument on their right leg while sitting. This tends to make you twist your spine in the middle, which is not a good thing. I've found that resting it on my left leg, classical guitar style is a more natural position, though it can make the left-hand reach longer. In general, strive for pretty straight wrists and be aware of tension, breathe, relax, etc...good luck!

WalterBush · #9 10-22-2008, 10:45 AM

I was diagnosed with Erythromalalgia (I think I spelled that right) this August, after a summer of agony. It's a nerve disorder I got from a car accident. It means that with activity, my hands and feet swell to cartoon proportions and the joints in my limbs ache.
So, I can't even fold my own clothes, can't work my day job, and playing bass is more difficult.
I switched to the lightest strings I could find (.30-.90 for my Steinberger, and .35-.120 for my BTB), and I sit down as much as I can. The strings and lower setup helped a lot, but I can't sit down and play in a dance band for long, so I have to grit my teeth and bear it on the weekends; right now, it's the only way I have to support my family, so NOT playing isn't an option.
Other than that, I just have to be content with the knowledge that at least it'll likely go away in a couple of years, and that my band values my presence enough to move my bass rig for me, and that at some point, I'll find a day job that doesn't use my hands.
EDIT: I'm only 33, and can still play my instrument. It just hurts like crazy after a while.

WalterBush · #10 10-22-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

Get yourself a Barker Vertical Bass. You could duct tape yourself to it if you have too!

Thought about this more than once...the more natural position might cut down on the pain in my hands, but I don't want to pay $xxxx to find out I'm wrong.

ihavebrownhaira · #11 10-22-2008, 12:14 PM

Jeez guys I'm really sorry. Life can be so diffucult sometimes. Man. I'm speechless. I'm not very good with words which is why I like music. Its painful to imagine a life where I can't play guitar. But man. I knew this would be of a sad thread. We all must keep pushing on. But you guys will be in my prayers. I don't mean to sound sappy

haha, but I'm being honest. I feel for you guys.

I also want to thank the people who gave me advice. I do need to see a doctor. Being 18 and on my own is tough especially with the economy being in the crappy position its in. But I will see a doctor soon. I'm 6'5 and I've heard a lot of real tall guys have back problems. But thanks again guys.