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Back problems...

Lance Bunyon

Lance Bunyon

Jul 17, 2018
4,891
10,628
#1
I'm 52 years old. When I stand on stage for more than 1 set, my lumbar(s) tighten up and I'm in agony. I'm thinking about a tall stool so I can "reset" two or three times during the sets by sitting or leaning for a few moments.
I've been gigging on and off for 30 years. Last night the 3rd set became very painful. This is the rule now rather than the exception.
Yoga? Gym? I'm open to suggestions.
 
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#2
You might have to try a few things to see what works for you, but I suggest starting with a visit to your primary care physician to get some help understanding the underlying cause. After that, he or she can direct you to physical therapy, chiropractic care, or whatever else makes sense. Using the lightest bass you can find will help, as well as good footwear. A duo strap to balance the weight might also make a difference. And by all means, give the stool a try to give your back periodic rest breaks during the set.
 
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#3
I also have this going on in my life right now. Glucosamine actually helped last time I had this 3 years ago. I need to get a bottle. The killer is standing in one place. If you move around the stage, it's not so bad. Rehearsals are difficult, though. Previous time it lasted almost three months and was truly debilitating. I even missed a couple days of work and could only sleep in one position. This time around it's not so severe.

I understand a doctor's cortisone shot can help with the nerve inflammation and get you back to normal. Last gig I thought I was going to need a stool to prop myself up but I didn't while we were playing. At break I was really ready to sit down, though.

Bass guitar weight doesn't seem to have an impact.
 
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#7
Are you playing a real bass, or an upright? Yeah, I know what I just did there. But anyway, if it's a real bass :), you might want to consider switching to a lightweight short scale. I've been having back issues for 2 years now. They got a little better when I started playing a Mustang PJ. The weight makes a difference, but I believe the shorter scale length also forces my body into a different playing position that's helping. I'm still not totally there yet with the healing, though...

Starting work with a chiropractor this week. I plan to go 2X a week. I'm also going on a yoga retreat in Dec, and hope to start practicing that regularly. I'm determined to heal this, because, well... it sucks. I'll let you know how it goes.
 
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#9
Lance Bunyon said:
I'm 52 years old. When I stand on stage for more than 1 set, my lumbar(s) tighten up and I'm in agony. I'm thinking about a tall stool so I can "reset" two or three times during the sets by sitting or leaning for a few moments.
I've been gigging on and off for 30 years. Last night the 3rd set became very painful. This is the rule now rather than the exception.
Yoga? Gym? I'm open to suggestions.
Click to expand...
I'm almost 65, and I hear ya. In the country band I stand in back, stage left, near the drummer. I keep a folding stool set up for those 3-4 hour gigs. I sit when I can (but not when I'm singing lead or harmony vocals). More like during those country waltzes (the bane of any country bassist, btw). I find 400mg Ibuprofen taken before a gig helps during and after. I also avoid yard work (or anything that will stress my decrepit frame) on the day of a gig.

Thankfully, in other projects we usually sit. They are small room acoustic acts (wineries, art centers, and such). We use tall stools in the trio. We sit on low chairs in my duo. Not by choice, really. My partner had a bad motorcycle accident many years ago, and both forearms and shoulders have limitations that aren't conducive to standing and playing.

Despite the often contentious opinions about sitting while performing sometimes expressed here and other forums, no patron or audience member has ever complained nor even mentioned it. Do what ya gotta do.
 
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#10
I'm 68, playing since my teens, and my custom bass is very heavy. About 10 years ago, I started using a bass stand, when not sitting, helped immensely on those 4-5 hour gigs.
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#13
Another thought is that there are now a number of 34 inch scale "upright" electric basses, with a floor peg or stand. I play mostly upright, but when I play electric, I certainly notice the weight. If I started playing more electric, I'd get an upright-electric.
 
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#17
See a doc as soon as you can.Lower back problems can be very bothersome/painful.I have lower back problems as well as a host of other areas that give me pain either continuous or sporadic. Think 1.5 to 2.o pounds of titanium in me from back/neck surgeries.Not to mention 2 shoulder,hand and knee surgeries.So see a doc before it gets to that extent.
A pain clinic doc can do a nerve burn that may or may not fix it for up to a year.Depends of if you like multiple huge needles going into your back three times.Two to use a blocking agent then then burn.I will be going back soon to have it done again.
Glucosamine,turmeric can help but will mask the problem.I take Zyflamend an all herbal that works pretty good,get it at the all natural herbal store around me.Drink lots of water and have good posture at all times.
I'd limit the ibuprofen due to it blocks the absorption of glucosamine and chondroitin in your joints kind of what helps make them pliable.
 
#18
I strongly recommend moving around as much as possible. I don't usually have problems with my back on stage, but I make a point of dancing for pretty much the whole set. When I'm out and am put in position to be standing for long periods of time (Disneyland, shopping with my wife) my back just KILLS me.

Duanestuermer said:
I'm 68, playing since my teens, and my custom bass is very heavy. About 10 years ago, I started using a bass stand, when not sitting, helped immensely on those 4-5 hour gigs.
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Sorry, that pic makes it look like you're holding a bow in your teeth. It made me laugh.
 
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