Back injury and possibly having to quit band

[tbirdsp]

I think I'll just leave that uncorrected...

 

[tbirdsp]

It's usually after about 8 pints that I have trouble getting out of bed.

I think I'll just leave that uncorrected...

 

[sedan_dad]

I just had back surgery on Nov 2nd. Herniated disk. I've played the last few months sitting down. I HATE doing that. I can feel the difference already although my doc has me off work through the end of the year. Get it done. Think long term health. It's worth the recovery time.

 

[Kevorargh]

I've had some back pain from car accidents and bad decisions with lifting things. A chiropractor or physical therapist is a great option. Lighter gear is great as well. I've been using the D'adarrio Planet Waves Dare strap for my basses that disperses the bass' weight over both my shoulders, and that works well, too. Good luck!

 

[skwee]

I was just going to suggest something like this:

I would consider using a stand that holds your bass for you. You stand behind the bass and play it. This takes all the pressure off your spine. I use one for a situation where I play both standard electric bass and piccolo bass in the same songs, switching between instruments. This is the appliance I use to support my bass on a microphone stand...it works really well. I just wish it was made of metal rather than plastic, but it has held up for a year of gigging now...it is far less expensive than other alternatives, and I like it a lot. I had a broken spine years ago and so there are times when I need it for just playing regular bass...

https://www.amazon.com/MBrace-MBR-1...71904177&sr=8-1&keywords=walk+up+guitar+stand

Also, instead of lugging an amp to gigs, maybe it's time to get a nice preamp, and run straight into the board.

 

[EdO.]

That and a nice lightweight semi-hollowbody bass i.e. Hofner Beatle bass, Danelectro etc. Where there's a will...

 

[PauFerro]

I was just going to suggest something like this:




Also, instead of lugging an amp to gigs, maybe it's time to get a nice preamp, and run straight into the board.

I kind of already do that with my Line 6 amp -- it has an XLR line out at the back. It does have a little speaker so I can hear myself, but it sounds good going out to our mixer and into the system...

 

[EdO.]

Same here, basically. Small 40 lb combo amp, big enough to hear myself onstage, line out to the board and let the PA do the lifting. I honestly don't know why I'd ever need anything bigger.

 

[mrpackerguy]

I've been having some back soreness towards the end of 4-5 hour gigs and I bought one of these to keep in the band trailer. Takes up next to no space, compact, foldable, and the guys don't mind if I sit for a few songs towards the end of the night. You don't sit down too far, so it's not at all like sitting in a chair. https://www.amazon.com/MityLite-Fle...ie=UTF8&qid=1479335649&sr=1-73&keywords=stool

 

[EdO.]

Great idea! Being 6 weeks out post surgery with a right knee replacement the option to sit a bit without the stool taking up space in the gear hauler is what I needed. Order placed, thanks for the link.

 

[Clark Dark]

Herniations of L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5 S1 here. I recommend you give yourself some down time, at least a week. What I learned about my discs is if I lay flat on my back with both feet pointed to
12'oclock I can rotate my left foot inward towards 3'0clock while rotating my right foot towards 9'oclock and I can feel the "air pop" in my discs. This technique has helped me ease the pain of the herniations and helps when the sciatica tries to creep in also. Also if you continue to play get a good chair with a comfortable back. If possible don't play with the opioids. None of that crap dulls pain, they only dull senses.

 

[mrpackerguy]

Great idea! Being 6 weeks out post surgery with a right knee replacement the option to sit a bit without the stool taking up space in the gear hauler is what I needed. Order placed, thanks for the link.

glad to help! You actually get 2 stools in that package. One for the band trailer. One for the basement practice area!

 

[Ironbar]

Lower back injury in lumbar area. Possibly a slipped disc. Sustained it while bending over on weekend, spent two days laying down in pain; am still nowhere near functional three days later (walking very slowly, everything takes three times as long). Osteo reported degenerative discs in lumbar area about 8 months ago, too much walking or standing usually results in dull aching back.

Am kind of thinking band is the last thing on my mind right now. Need time to get my back back on track.

Has anybody here had a back injury and continued to play in a band? Weekly rehearsals only at the moment.

From someone who's come from a long history of back issues, I really think you're jumping the gun here.

Number one, with diet & exercise (and I do MEAN exercise), back pain can be greatly mitigated. Also, since I got laid off from my desk job back in 2009 and then began working in a more physical capacity, I don't have any more back pain at all.

Second, look into getting a Slinger Strap for your bass. A Hip Strap or the dual shoulder strap model will probably do wonders for your back pain.