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Back problems...
- Thread starter Lance Bunyon
- Start date
Always consult your Doc first, but I have a similar issue and basically I bend over with my knees locked and stretch. Also, there are two really important muscle groups in your lower abdominal pelvic area on each side that play an important part of supporting you back alignment.
Lie flat and press in with your fingers towards the edge of the pelvic area and see if you feel something that feels like a cord. Apply firm acupressure for about 15 to 20 seconds until the discomfort from pressure dissipates working up and down the cord. You will be amazed at the relief.
There are also many lumbar roll stretching exercises you can try, but again please, consult your Doc before performing your own physical therapy.
I play a ukulele bass. Very small, very lightweight, very easy to play and sounds dynamite. Sounds like a double bass.
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EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
- Aug 21, 2013
- 6,648
- 2
- 16,412
- Disclosures
- I privately own and operate a local musical instument repair shop.
11 days ago, a world-class neurosurgeon fused together my C5-C7 vertebrae. No idea when, or even IF I'll ever hold a bass guitar up on a strap again. So far, the only good news is, I can feel the fingers on my left hand again. They've been numb, tingling, or asleep since March. I never had any pain from playing bass. My pain was headaches... for 32 years.
So I hear ya'... do whatever you have to do to stop the pain before it stops you from playing.
So I hear ya'... do whatever you have to do to stop the pain before it stops you from playing.
Ed Ive had the same surgery C5-C7 you should be able to use a strap again but it will take some time .Do all of the physical therapy like your life depended on it and you should be ok.And keep doing the exercises for the rest of your life just dont stop doing them.Let the physical therapist know you play the bass with a strap.They may be able to adjust the routine for you.May still have a little tingling but should be way better than it was.
I feel your pain, or did, feel similar pain until getting my very first steroidal cortizone shot 2 weeks ago in the joints between my spine. I spent the entire summer wearing a back brace, and still do when i have to do any lifting (my bass) or spend more than 10 minutes driving.
Im 49yo and been having on and off back pain for about 8 years, growing more intense with longer lasting flare ups each year since.
I didn't read thru all the responses here, but I'm sure it's already been mentioned that you first need to go see your primary care physician, who will likely refer you to a specialist.
I did physical therapy 2 years ago to increse my range of motion, but those take home exercises weren't cutting it any more. Specialist sent me for a bone scan after an x-ray revealed an exaggerated curve to the right, clenched muscles likely causing that, and some arthritis. The bone scan was much more telling, and you can actually see the painful activity where there is white in the center >
And here's the initial x-ray >
So far so good with the shot, but it's my understanding that one can only get 2 or 3 per year, so if it doesnt last longer than 4-6 months, the next step would be to burn the nerves off.
Good luck and healing vibes to you. Subbed
Im 49yo and been having on and off back pain for about 8 years, growing more intense with longer lasting flare ups each year since.
I didn't read thru all the responses here, but I'm sure it's already been mentioned that you first need to go see your primary care physician, who will likely refer you to a specialist.
I did physical therapy 2 years ago to increse my range of motion, but those take home exercises weren't cutting it any more. Specialist sent me for a bone scan after an x-ray revealed an exaggerated curve to the right, clenched muscles likely causing that, and some arthritis. The bone scan was much more telling, and you can actually see the painful activity where there is white in the center >
And here's the initial x-ray >
So far so good with the shot, but it's my understanding that one can only get 2 or 3 per year, so if it doesnt last longer than 4-6 months, the next step would be to burn the nerves off.
Good luck and healing vibes to you. Subbed
After I herniated my L4-L5, in addition to my sciatica, these are the exercises that my physical therapist had me do.
In the UK, I had a chiropractor and an osteopath work on me several times a month. Then I changed the angles that I usually had to play. Starting with the wrists.
But, seeing your doctor is important. Seeing The X-rays of my back, and having my doctor say “wow, I bet that hurts!”
was xtra incentive.
I’ve found losing weight and working your core muscles with help greatly with back issues.
I’ve dealt with back problems since my 30’s. It’s the only way I’ve found to keep from having issues.
I’ve dealt with back problems since my 30’s. It’s the only way I’ve found to keep from having issues.
I understand what it feels like to be going through such a situation. About 7-8 years ago it started to hurt standing on gigs around the 3-4th set. Then it started hurting walking more than a block. Long story short, turns out I had advanced degenerative arthritis and fibromyalgia. Went the whole doctor route, kept stacking pills and giving injections. Didn't get any surgeries where they burned nerves or adjusted the bones. Meds gave more problems than they solved. Then I changed my lifestyle. Started doing daily stretches first thing in the morning (you can find lots of gentle yoga stretches on YouTube). Lost weight, working on losing more by cleaning up the diet and doing gentle exercises in gym (looked up estrogenic foods to avoid in order to enhance weight loss). Won't go back to the doctors until such time that I absolutely need some kind of surgery that would actually be effective. Would like disc-replacements but cant afford it, so...
Before you let the drug & cut people pounce on you, read the works of Dr. John Sarno. Lots of times what's really hurting you has its origins somewhere else.
I understand your issues, I have them for the last 10+ years.
A stool is actually a very good suggestion.
I use it too at practise and gigs.
Not all the time, but for 3-4 songs per set. Usually the slower songs.
Good luck with all that.
DavC said it best. If you can get into those positions, give your back the workout it needs.
Also, YES; use a stool if you need to! No shame in that.
Also, YES; use a stool if you need to! No shame in that.
Sorry, that pic makes it look like you're holding a bow in your teeth. It made me laugh.[/QUOTE]
Now that you mention it I see it too, pretty funny.
If I could play with a bow in my teeth while also working the pizzicato, I probably be rich and famous.
Now that you mention it I see it too, pretty funny.
If I could play with a bow in my teeth while also working the pizzicato, I probably be rich and famous.
As an endurance athlete, I've had my battles with this type of thing awhile back. My suggestion would be to visit your chiropractor and a physical therapist. Develop a plan.
I would also look into core strengthening exercises, such as planks and some others that have been suggested. A physical therapist will get you started. Develop a routine and try to do some each day, but start off easy. Some regular stretching will also help. I still do all of these things as often as possible.
I'm not in a band and don't play in public, I do my own thing at home. I find I mostly sit when playing. My wife got me a gibralter drum throne with back rest that I use every time I play. You might look into one of those.
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/acc...=1100506610359&utm_content=PLA - Product Type
I would also look into core strengthening exercises, such as planks and some others that have been suggested. A physical therapist will get you started. Develop a routine and try to do some each day, but start off easy. Some regular stretching will also help. I still do all of these things as often as possible.
I'm not in a band and don't play in public, I do my own thing at home. I find I mostly sit when playing. My wife got me a gibralter drum throne with back rest that I use every time I play. You might look into one of those.
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/acc...=1100506610359&utm_content=PLA - Product Type
Done the shots, done the nerve ablation (burning), done the chiropractic. Some benefit to each; I'll never get back to my 20s (30s, 40s, etc. either 
). I'm 65 now. Had to go get my stool out of the SUV for a pic. Already loaded for tonight's gig. I try not to use it much. Hate when I see pics of me on it. Usually by the last set, though, I have no choice.
30 inches tall "bottlecap" model on Amazon, with stacked cushions from Bed, bath, beyond.:
Jeez, I look a hundred and twenty!!
). I'm 65 now. Had to go get my stool out of the SUV for a pic. Already loaded for tonight's gig. I try not to use it much. Hate when I see pics of me on it. Usually by the last set, though, I have no choice.30 inches tall "bottlecap" model on Amazon, with stacked cushions from Bed, bath, beyond.:
Jeez, I look a hundred and twenty!!
I've got 10 years on you. Unfortunately the only real solution would be a time machine.
I'm actually in some lower back discomfort right now. Just played an EUB gig sitting down, but still lumbar tenderness. Have a 3.5 hour electric gig tonight, a little nervous about the pain.
I just took 600mg ibuprofen, did those Neila Rey back excercises.
Might be a good idea to choose the lightweight Sadowsky 4 over the 6 string Atelier Z tonight, and schlep the class D amp over the tube amp... :/
Jeez, I look a hundred and twenty!!
Nah, you look like a guy who's doing what he enjoys and making it as comfortable as possible.
Nah, you look like a guy who's doing what he enjoys and making it as comfortable as possible.
