Arm / Back pain...PAIN!!!

[ba-dum-ba-dum]

Hello fellow bassers.

I've got a couple of pain issues that I think are bass related. The one that concerns me the most is a pain I've developed within the last few months and it seems to be getting worse. The pain is in my right triceps area. I only feel it when engaging that muscle (like reaching to the back seat of my car to grab a cd binder - it hurts before I even pick up the binder... then when I pick up the binder, it REALLY hurts).

The other pain is back pain I get from standing at band practice or shows for at least an hour. Its a very sharp pain in the middle of my back. I can usually treat this pain by doing a stretch my chiropractor showed me (looks very silly but works well). This back pain is not as much of a concern because it goes away. But I'm guessing that if I had more back strength, this wouldn't be as much of a problem?

The triceps pain is of greater concern because I fear I my have to stop playing bass if it continues to get worse.

Has any one had any experience treating/preventing these type of ailments?

In case it helps I'm about 5'10", 150lbs (skinny) and exercise aerobically, regularly.

Thanks for any help.

[bassguppy]

If the pain in the tricep area has lasted for several months it may be time to go to a Dr. and have that checked out. Have you tried imcremental stretches to possibly loosen the muscle? Lasting several months though seems a long time for a muscle problem.

The Dr. may prescribe physical therapy or there may be possibly some other medical problem. Not to be an alarmist.

As for your back, do as your chiropractor says. Stretches and maybe some weight lifting focusing on to exercising the back area. A good strap (wide) and lighter bass (even 1-2 lbs can make a HUGE difference) can help also. Also, exercise for other parts of the body (legs, shoulders, etc.) in moderation may also help other problem areas since it's all connected.

Strangely the best thing I ever did for my back and hip pain was move from NY (humid) to NM and eventually CA (less humid). In NY, it was at times debilitating pain where I would be out of work for a couple weeks. Now, I'm never in that kind of condition. Occasional pain, yes but not that bad.

[ba-dum-ba-dum]

Thanks for the info.

That's interesting about the climate change. I hope I don't have to move! But this hasn't been a problem all my life (I'm 31 btw.) I play a MIM Jazz, which seems to be on the heavy side. I've been considering a 5 string 2008 P-bass, which from what I've read, is lighter than my 4 string jazz. I hope I can try one soon. Maybe I should consider going even lighter though...I've been looking at the MTD Z series...blah.. sorry, didn't want to make this a new bass conversation.

I see my chiropractor regularly, so hopefully he will alert me if I am really in need of further medical condition. I just don't want to have to stop playing

[peterbright]

Never had a triceps problem. Good luck.

[ba-dum-ba-dum]

Originally Posted by peterbright

Never had a triceps problem...

Well then give me your arm dammit!

[Baryonyx]

PAIN!