Back pain while gigging

[buldog5151bass]

Lately I've been having some bad back pain in my mid back by the end of gigs. I've been thinking of getting a rubber mat to stand on.

Anyone ever try this, and did it help?

 

[4SG]

Yes. Anti-fatigue mats are definitely helpful for preventing back pain during prolonged periods of standing. That's why doctors, barbers, kitchen staff etc. use them. They are not a cure for existing back pain and, of course, if you experience recurrent back pain you should bypass chumps like me on TalkBass and seek competent medical attention.

 

[wjcstp]

If you aren’t doing it already, start stretching regularly to loosen up your back and hamstrings, it can be a huge help with back pain. I agree with 4SG, it’s worth getting checked out and a physical therapist referral to help with stretching and exercises to build up your core for better support.

 

[AndyLES]

I had the same issue. What I did:
1) Raised my strap height; I realized my low punk-style strap height was forcing me to slouch.
2) started wearing comfortable shoes with Dr Scholl's insoles.

 

[dreamadream99]

Stool with a back, and a comfortStrap

 

[Nuisance]

Lighter bass........trust me.

 

[DaveParker39]

Shoes go a long way for me. I wear a barefoot style shoe (Xero Prio Neo) which feels more natural to me. I found I don't want more cushion, I want it to feel like I am barefoot.

 

[Rich Fiscus]

Lately I've been having some bad back pain in my mid back by the end of gigs. I've been thinking of getting a rubber mat to stand on.

Anyone ever try this, and did it help?

I’ve been using an anti fatigue mat for years. It definitely helps. Or at least it did when my back problems were physical, rather than neurological.

It also secures cables without any tape.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Lighter bass, wider strap, new/more comfortable shoes. Not to mention proper posture and hydration.

Ibanez makes some amazing headless basses.

 

[getBAK]

To answer your question, yeah shock absorbing Mat will help. But your money is probably better spent on good shoes and a wide strap.

 

[Dust2Dust]

Raised my strap height; I realized my low punk-style strap height was forcing me to slouch.

I'm the opposite. I was wearing my bass too high. I realized I was leaning back alot to counter the weight of the bass. I guess there is a "sweet spot" in the middle somewhere.

Plus this . . . my #1 is a Squier Jaguar now

Lighter bass........trust me.

.
Another thing that helped is putting one foot up on something (in my case it was a toolbox next to where I stand when I practice)
I didn't even realize I had put my foot on the box, but when I took my foot off the pain immediately started setting in.

I'm right-handed and I put my left foot on the box.

I don't know why, but that helps ALOT!

 

[Fender_Bender]

I mat will help a little bit, and even more importantly it’ll give your knees some cushion to stretch your back before, during breaks etc and afterwards. If you’re new to getting on your knees to stretch your back out, go easy at first.

 

[SJan3]

If you're at all along in years, you could have some disc atrophy or arthritis. I'm 70 and suffer from these conditions. But I received spinal injections and they have helped immensely. It's worth a checkup and xrays.

 

[TOOL460002]

Lately I've been having some bad back pain in my mid back by the end of gigs. I've been thinking of getting a rubber mat to stand on.

Anyone ever try this, and did it help?

That and good shoes. Was at a show Friday in okay shoes versus beefy semi-hiking boots and what a difference. I don't like stomping on pedals with chunky shoes but I'd rather that than back pain. My history is mainly low back (L5/S1) back but I do have T1/T2 issues. However, they tend to compensate when I grt tired or my posture starts to suck. More material between you and the floor is a win. Being super strict about your posture is a win. Here's to positive vibes and reduced or non-existant pain. Peace.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Thanks all. FWIW, I'm 60, somewhat beat up body. I've been using the same sub 9 pound bass and wide strap as my primary instrument for the past 2 decades.

 

[climber]

77 years young… Hoka sneakers, Gruve Gear double strap and a stool to sit down when I’m not singing does the job for the most part. Plus working out regularly and stretching before and after gigs!

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

You can try one of those anti-fatigue mats Bulldog, not terribly expensive and sure can't hurt. The upper back pain might be from something else you're doing daily. Different vehicle? Different job? Different chair? Cutting more grass? It doesn't take much to throw you outta' whack. And playing bass can be a little bit physical too.

I don't wanna' be the first to say it... but... well, ain't none of us gettin' any younger.

Seriously, I wouldn't let it go too long before getting some medical attention.

 

[Five or Six]

You've got some good advice here. Shoes, a mat will help. But, a lighter bass is the real answer. (opinion) A strap spreads the weight across your shoulder some but, doesn't make a bass any lighter. It still weighs the same. Be a little conscience of you posture when playing.

A 9.5 bass will weigh just that no matter the strap. Might help for a bit at the beginning of a gig but, by nights end, you still have 9.5 on your shoulder.

 

[murphy]

The cure for my wife was getting into New Balance shows and like said ,Hoka are very good (as worn by Doctors)

I am happy with Sketchers Arch support shoes

 

[Neo1]

Can only speak from my own personal experience. I had back pain off and on over the years (sometimes went to chiropractor, etc.). The best thing I ever did was start doing morning sit-ups. Strengthening my stomach/core has meant no back pain (I can play for three hours with my heaviest bass strapped on). Start slowly - no need to go all Arnold - just enough to get into a routine. I'm no body builder, just a skinny guy in his 60's, but my back problems have gone away.