Back pain while gigging

[2saddleslab]

For the past 4 years or so I've implemented an exercise/ stretching regimen at least 3 days a week to reinforce the core. It's made a world of difference. Typically I would be sore for days after something like pressure washing the deck, not anymore. While playing I would get burning in my shoulder blades or aching lower back, not anymore.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Core training. Not as easy as buying something, but produces great results.

 

[Pacman]

I bought a cheap rug for the same reason, and it definitely helps - especially on concrete stages (we have a lot of those in the midwest). The comments about core training are spot on as well - in fact, lower body training in general will make a world of difference

 

[roccobass]

All good advice listed before. I personally say the rubber mat, stool and good shoes in any or all (me) combination will get you through. I no longer play 4 plus sets a night also, which helps.

Obscure as this sounds, be real careful when doing load in. When the adrenaline wears off, that’s when the pain kicks in.

Seriously, when I started paying more attention to making sure I was lifting right, going with lighter amp/cabs and using my trusty hand truck liberally, this all too lessened my back pain on stage.

 

[It's The Groove]

I started using a harness strap from Slinger and having the weight of the instrument distributed equally to both sides made a huge difference. The weight of the bass isn't pulling on one side of your body. I haven't gone back to a conventional strap since. I also have been maintaining my core muscles.

Harness Strap | Double Guitar or Bass Strap

An ergonomic guitar strap that reduces and balances the weight of your heavy guitar or bass between both shoulders to help calm the shoulder, neck and back pain a traditional guitar strap can cause. Click here to learn more!

slingerstraps.com

 

[Wfrance3]

FWIW I cook for our fam and we host all the holidays. Many hours standing on the hardwoods in our kitchen. I have found a standing mat, and also wearing athletic shoes to be a game changer. I get right side shoulder and lower back pain from playing 2 different heavy basses throughout the 90's and a good portion of the 2000's. If everything is normal, I have 0.5 to 1 out of 10 pain level as my default. Not a big deal, but enough to make you jealous of people that have 0. If I aggravate my issue with standing on hard surfaces for extended periods, mouse-heavy computer work at my day job, or cooking without a standing cushion for extended periods, I can boost pain level to a tylenol dulled 3 pretty easily.
Stretch, wear the right shoes, and take advantage of standing on surfaces that are kind to you and you should be fine.

 

[RattleSnack]

Couple of changes helped me:
1. back core muscles exercise
2. better sitting position during day work
3. massaging aggravated back muscles with tennis ball, against the wall

For me, no change of shoes, specialty strap, or so on, made a change. Although I can't claim I tried everything available, of course, so not insinuating nothing from those can help.

 

[murphy]

swimming is great for core strengthening

I cannot wear 9 to 10Lbs basses anymore ...It really hurts my back over time.
So I grab my 8Lber basses to be comfortable and pain free.
Play my heavier bass at home.

 

[climber]

3. massaging aggravated back muscles with tennis ball, against the wall

THIS

 

[Snarf]

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

Man I wish comfy shoes were an option for me! I gotta wear formal shoes on every gig and they are definitely not friendly to the body, heh. Whole body is sore after every gig.

 

[getBAK]

Take a look at Rockport. They have some recent formal designs

 

[ColinR]

I play a 12 pound bass and my Levy 4.5" leather strap is a back saver.
I also recommend a good pair of shoes that support your feet and your weight, not necessarily comfortable shoes. Hoka's seem to work for me.

 

[LLendrum]

A lot of good answers already...
With midback I suspect shoes and the need for a better strap or better balanced bass.
Also, get a kettlebell and start doing swings.

 

[Bliff Curton 2]

I've got metal rods in my spine and more bad discs than good discs.

I almost always play in a chair.

And cannabis oil/tincture helps.
Look up FECO for a recipe.
Eating it lasta longer than smoking, and is discrete. I've even redosed onstage.