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Double Bass Back Pain

M

moopants

Oct 21, 2006
430
4
Lake Charles, LA
#1
When I stand while playing orchestral music, I get a lot of pain in my lower back to the point that I have to stop playing. I get less pain when I sit on a stool, but the problem is I don't always have a stool to use when I play.

I'm fairly short (5' 8'') and I play 3/4 basses. I normally have back pain in my everyday life, but when I play too long standing, it gets to be too much to handle. I can't practice all that long because of the pain I get. Any suggestions on what might help me?
 
#2
I used to stand as well and I had the very same problem. One possiblity is that your hamstrings are very tight. About three months ago, my track coach had me sit on the floor, with my back against the wall, and make an attempt at touching my toes. I could only go 2-3 inches past my knees, and he told me that my tight hamstrings were a major culprit in my back pain. You should try the same. If you can't stretch very far, you should stretch at least 2-3 times a day. However, I'm also a 275 lb shot putter, and it ain't exactly all muscle, so my extra weight might have caused tightness in my hamstrings. But, I'm just a bass player, so I would definately see a doctor or talk to your bass teacher.
 
#3
moopants, I'm 5'6" and I play on a 7/8th sized orchestral bass with a 42" string length with no problem. A bent end pin really helps if you don't have a stool. I'm sure you've heard this before but exercising regularly and keeping in good physical shape, including diet will help with the pain, I've been at the opposite side of the spectrum.
 
#4
If you have constant back pain, there's something wrong. A good chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist should be able to help, or your doctor may be able to point you at someone useful. In any case, get some advice about it, because if it's your bass playing now, it'll be everything later and much harder to fix. Once the physical stuff is dealt with, get advice from a teacher who is good with the physical aspects of bass playing, perhaps an Alexander or Feldenkrais method teacher, and you should be right.
 
#8
Could it be the bass itself? Today I played my teacher's bass while standing and my back didn't really bother me. His bass seems a little higher than the one I have at home. I raised the height of my bass, and I'm going to see if that works out for me.

Edit: I do own a stool that is comfortable for me to use, but always having a stool when I need to play is not practical. Plus, I'm more worried about correcting this in the long run than a temporary fix.
 
#9
moopants said:
Could it be the bass itself? Today I played my teacher's bass while standing and my back didn't really bother me. His bass seems a little higher than the one I have at home. I raised the height of my bass, and I'm going to see if that works out for me.

Edit: I do own a stool that is comfortable for me to use, but always having a stool when I need to play is not practical. Plus, I'm more worried about correcting this in the long run than a temporary fix.
Click to expand...

How can teh interwebs fix your back pain? -Go and see someone who can look at you and your stance. Alexander technique would be a good start...
 
#10
moopants said:
...His bass seems a little higher than the one I have at home. I raised the height of my bass, and I'm going to see if that works out for me.
Click to expand...

I see so many players slumped over their basses. Raising the bass up will at least help correct your posture and allow your back muscles to function properly. Low impact stretching and resistance training will also do wonders. Top that off with a pair of shoes designed for your foot type and your in business.
 
#11
One of the best things I've done is after having my back "go out" on me the umpteenth time, my doctor sent me to a sports therapist, who set up a set of daily stretches for me to do. They're basically yoga techniques, and not even the more difficult ones, 5-10 min. a day and I'm set. I've had zero problems since then. But one of the things he told me is to ALWAYS keep my back straight - sitting, standing, walking, getting up, playing, etc.(don't bend over to pick up something) Along with years of playing with a bass strapped on me daily, just bad posture in general has caused irreversible damage, but constant watch on the back has helped immensely.

Ike
 
#12
What I notice when I get pains like that, it's sometimes related to posture. If you get one of those cheap stools and saw off the front and side legs (like you're making a diamond with the legs of the stool) So it is slanted slightly, it will help your posture and will make you sit up straight. Or you can get one of the metal stools with the adjustable legs. Hope you feel better!
 
#13
Everything said so far is right. Most of all GO AND SEE SOMEONE! I had the same problem last year and ended up on my back in bed twice and off work. Eventually I went to and osteopath after the third episode and I have had no problem since then. I tried the stool as well now I don't even need that. My pain was down to bad posture and a physical day job and the muscles just had enough and went into spasm causing the pain. That spasm is a protective measure muscles take when they 'feel' there is the chance of being ripped from the bone. It may cost a bit but it is worth seeing someone.
 
#16
moopants said:
Well, I raised my bass and my back problems (while playing) are easing a little bit, but I know I do need to go see a doctor. I'm going to start doing stretches every day. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Click to expand...

It's good you go to the doctor, there are so many underlying problems so it's close to impossible to diagnose anything over email or via a forum posting.

Anyway, the suggestions here are good. I would indeed recommend figuring out a good sleep position as there are positions that will release the tension in the back during the 5-10 hours of sleep. My chiropractor recommended me to put one pillow between the legs, and hold on to another one with the arms while sleeping sideways, and this actually releases a lot of tension that could happen otherwise when sleeping without such support so I'm a big fan of this arrangement now.

--Kent
 
#17
I have had back pain for several years and have even had to back surgeries. Long story behind that.

My recent trips to the phy therapist revealed some tips techniqques I had never known before and have helped me alot.

Focus or concentrate on building up or strengthing you abdominal muscles through lite stretches and exercises.

Since you are in the LC area as well I can recommend the very person who has helped me with this issue.
 

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