Frustrated with my health!

[DanAleks]

I'm 62. When I was in my 40's and 50's, I was having major issues with herniated disks.
The ortho said he couldn't believe I wasn't in a wheelchair begging him for surgery.
I went to a body worker in Milwaukee for Ortho-Bionomy treatments. Along with the treatments he showed me some exercises and he got me started doing Tai Chi.
I'm pretty much all fixed with occasional flare ups if don't keep up with my exercises.

 

[Kukulkan61]

I feel you, I'm 57 I was in a bad motorcycle accident in May 2015, which took my whole left side out including a lower left leg amputation and a shoulder repair surgery that was only 75% successful and what's left of my knee has limited motion I can't bend it more than .45 degrees. I have to be careful I don't reinjure my shoulder. I'm back to gigging again but I've had to lighten my gear, I now use Mesa Subway cabs and small heads except for the Mpulse 600 which is sort of heavy, I place a stool on stage with me because I sit and stand thru out the gig, I can pretty much shlep my own gear if long stairways are not included, if that's the case the guys in the band do it for me, I'm gonna play as long as I can handle it, I love it too much..

 

[Marc valero]

I am 63 and doing 9 gigs or so a month. So far no issues, i am fine with my Stingray 5. Just had the time to start lifting weights again and feel great. This is about 2 months ago.

 

[JRA]

At our age, the issue isn't whether we look cool, slick and studly while playing or setting up, it's that we are smart enough to arrange things so we CAN play!!

^
the
bottom
line
!
_____

 

[g4string]

OP. Exercise your body. Preferably 4ea 60min work outs a week. Swimming and yoga will be your friends here. Emphasis on the lap swimming as it's the best overall low impact workout for your body.

But the more you can strengthen your "core", the less pain you will feel in your back. Unfortunately, the first few months will be painful. No doubt. But once you work past the pain, you WILL start to reap the benefits of your labor.

 

[Nephilymbass]

So, at almost 63, I suffer from lower and mid back pain(2 herniated discs) along with bad shoulders(rotator cuff surgery).
I cannot take the gigs I'd like and really am not self sufficient to move my own equipment.
I feel my days as a player are limited or certainly restricted.
I'll have to seek out an acoustic/semi acoustic gig that requires no more than 1 bass and a small, lightweight combo.
AND, I'll have to sit. I cannot stand any longer for 3/4 sets.
I feel that my woes are not so common at my age. Anyone else out there with similar issues or are you "fit as a fiddle" in your 60s?

A friend of mine who is a fantastic bass player that I've looked up to for 20 years went the acoustic route. His band does acoustic versions of 80s songs and does pretty well. They sit the entire show. It's actually better than listening to the original versions of the songs imo because a lot of those songs had the cheesy gated reverb on drums and typical 80s delay Guitar lead tones. They've even arranged a lot of the keyboard parts for acoustic guitar . I'm a big fan of acoustic rock. Everything from the grunge era mtv unplugged stuff to newer albums like Sevendusts acoustic albums. I've played a few acoustic gigs for special Christmas or valentines weekend shows. Definitely a direction I can see my self going as I get older.

 

[Fat Freddy]

So, at almost 63, I suffer from lower and mid back pain(2 herniated discs) along with bad shoulders(rotator cuff surgery).
I cannot take the gigs I'd like and really am not self sufficient to move my own equipment.
I feel my days as a player are limited or certainly restricted.
I'll have to seek out an acoustic/semi acoustic gig that requires no more than 1 bass and a small, lightweight combo.
AND, I'll have to sit. I cannot stand any longer for 3/4 sets.
I feel that my woes are not so common at my age. Anyone else out there with similar issues or are you "fit as a fiddle" in your 60s?

At 62....I'm knackered....

Apart from a past heart attack which leaves me short of breath, I've just recently had shoulder surgery which basically solved none of the problems that I'd been having....

My rheumatologist was outraged by this and ordered a second MRI scan which shows that I still have....

Osteoarthritis....

Joint effusion....

Tendinosis....

Bursitis....

And...last but not least....rotator cuff and labrum tears....

Everyone seems somewhat nonplussed that I could still have all of this stuff going on AFTER surgery!...

Discussions are ongoing between medical types as to what to do about everything.....

Meanwhile.....OUCH!....

 

[SJan3]

Hey I'm sure (hopefully) other band members wouldn't mind helping you carry some of your gear ! as for playing standing up that shouldn't be an issue as Anthony Jackson has always played sitting down and nobody complains!

Yes, Anthony can play lying on his back, he's such a wonderful player! I'd be happy to polish Anthony's shoes.

 

[Peteyboy]

Just wondering: how much of these back issues does everyone attribute to a lifetime of hauling bass amps & cabs around? As bass players, we have the heaviest gear in the band.

 

[SJan3]

A friend of mine who is a fantastic bass player that I've looked up to for 20 years went the acoustic route. His band does acoustic versions of 80s songs and does pretty well. They sit the entire show. It's actually better than listening to the original versions of the songs imo because a lot of those songs had the cheesy gated reverb on drums and typical 80s delay Guitar lead tones. They've even arranged a lot of the keyboard parts for acoustic guitar . I'm a big fan of acoustic rock. Everything from the grunge era mtv unplugged stuff to newer albums like Sevendusts acoustic albums. I've played a few acoustic gigs for special Christmas or valentines weekend shows. Definitely a direction I can see my self going as I get older.

Yep, I'm done with loud music. This I know and it has nothing to do with my back.

 

[SJan3]

At 62....I'm knackered....

Apart from a past heart attack which leaves me short of breath, I've just recently had shoulder surgery which basically solved none of the problems that I'd been having....

My rheumatologist was outraged by this and ordered a second MRI scan which shows that I still have....

Osteoarthritis....

Joint effusion....

Tendinosis....

Bursitis....

And...last but not least....rotator cuff and labrum tears....

Everyone seems somewhat nonplussed that I could still have all of this stuff going on AFTER surgery!...

Discussions are ongoing between medical types as to what to do about everything.....

Meanwhile.....OUCH!....

I feel your pain and hope you can carry on. I'm vested in ibuprofen.

 

[SJan3]

Just wondering: how much of these back issues does everyone attribute to a lifetime of hauling bass amps & cabs around? As bass players, we have the heaviest gear in the band.

For me, I can trace my issues to sports injuries.

 

[SJan3]

I feel you, I'm 57 I was in a bad motorcycle accident in May 2015, which took my whole left side out including a lower left leg amputation and a shoulder repair surgery that was only 75% successful and what's left of my knee has limited motion I can't bend it more than .45 degrees. I have to be careful I don't reinjure my shoulder. I'm back to gigging again but I've had to lighten my gear, I now use Mesa Subway cabs and small heads except for the Mpulse 600 which is sort of heavy, I place a stool on stage with me because I sit and stand thru out the gig, I can pretty much shlep my own gear if long stairways are not included, if that's the case the guys in the band do it for me, I'm gonna play as long as I can handle it, I love it too much..

You are an inspiration! Glad you're able to carry on..

 

[gregbackstrom]

So, at almost 63, I suffer from lower and mid back pain(2 herniated discs) along with bad shoulders(rotator cuff surgery).
I cannot take the gigs I'd like and really am not self sufficient to move my own equipment.
I feel my days as a player are limited or certainly restricted.
I'll have to seek out an acoustic/semi acoustic gig that requires no more than 1 bass and a small, lightweight combo.
AND, I'll have to sit. I cannot stand any longer for 3/4 sets.
I feel that my woes are not so common at my age. Anyone else out there with similar issues or are you "fit as a fiddle" in your 60s?

Yep, I'm right there with you. I managed to fix three herniated disks (one ruptured) and totally alleviate my spinal stenosis with an inversion table. That device gave me my mobility back. I could barely climb stairs, and had to sit for all playing. Now I have complete control of my legs and my back is solid and reliable.

I'm doing PT on my left shoulder and neck. I bought a short scale bass and a DuoStrap to reduce discomfort. Lots of curcumin, MSM, fish oil and occasionally a regimen of Naproxen if I have a busy weekend. But I'm still alive, and I can still play!

 

[SJan3]

Yep, I'm right there with you. I managed to fix three herniated disks (one ruptured) and totally alleviate my spinal stenosis with an inversion table. That device gave me my mobility back. I could barely climb stairs, and had to sit for all playing. Now I have complete control of my legs and my back is solid and reliable.

I'm doing PT on my left shoulder and neck. I bought a short scale bass and a DuoStrap to reduce discomfort. Lots of curcumin, MSM, fish oil and occasionally a regimen of Naproxen if I have a busy weekend. But I'm still alive, and I can still play!

Are you talking about a Teeter chair? Always wondered if they did any good.
Glad you're still playing!

 

[Giffro]

Two heart attacks, but still percolating at 64! Not in a gigging band anymore, but still enjoy jams with friends. There are plenty of wineries and micro-breweries around that have small groups for three hour afternoon or 6-9 type gigs. Using a musician's stool is not a crime, as I can't stand the whole time.

Similar to your situation Linnin although a few differences. I had a cholesterol blockage angina in 2013 and had that cleared with a stent but that is nothing compared to my lower back and neck issues. Of course your daily job over the years may come into play as a source of those injuries too. I was a bricklayer for 15 years and then a postman on an Aussie motorbike for 20 years. Both jobs not much good on the lower back. I had a lower back disc rupture and operation to relieve it in 2004 and then had a laminectomy of the neck about 2005 and i'm convinced the neck issues were all caused by wearing heavy basses for over 50 years of gigging. Im 67 in May 2018. As similar to Linnin I dont gig much anymore as much as I would dearly love to and have jams with friends with similar problems. We dont get a lot done musically for the first hour of get-to-gethers as we compare health notes and a bunch of laughter. In a way its comforting to know I'm not alone with these issues and all you other guys have similar problems. Bass gear has been heavy over the years and of course has likely contributed to our health issues as we have aged. The days of lugging heavy amp are long gone for me as Linnin will testify to the fact that we both use Fender Rumble amps which are quite powerful and more important Lightweight.
Two heart attacks Linnin my friend...you take care and dont go overdoing it. We need your expertise in the Rumble club lol. The same warning applies to all you guys with health issues as they seem to be really a problem in a persons 50's and 60's onwards. Having said that my back issues started in my late 20's.
I agree SJan3 that being overweight doesnt help either but once again that seems to creep on towards 40, 50, 60 years of age as a natural aging progression and can get easily out of hand...but hey i'm lazy and the weight has come on because of lack of exercise.
I have ordered 2 Fender style stools ( a 30" and a 24") for my use at home and gigs so that will make life more bearable.
As bad as I feel some days the fact that I have been given a God given talent enabling me to make beautiful music, keeps me travelling forward against all health problems. I know people with similar health issues who cant play a musical instrument at all. I have nothing to complain about when looking at things that way. I'm a musician. Healthy or Unhealthy, nothing can take that away. I am a musician. End Of Story.

 

[SJan3]

I'm going on 68, and been using this bass stand for almost a decade, on standing and sitting gigs.
View attachment 3000476
Its a cymbal stand with an attachment made for a bass.
View attachment 3000477
View attachment 3000478
I also use a chair made for bass players, that almost gives the appearance one is standing.
Got it from Gollihur
View attachment 3000472

By the way, that is an interesting instrument you have! Fretless upper register. Very clever!

 

[JimK]

Yes, but look at the bonuses:

*Half-off for the entire table Monday night at the IHOP.

*Used to be a jerk...now I'm just eccentric.

*Some AARP discounts are "hidden"...you just have to ask.

*Poetic justice: take a gander at some of the girls who dissed you in high school. Gravity is a cruel mistress.

Riis

All I would trade for 3-0.

 

[gregbackstrom]

Are you talking about a Teeter chair? Always wondered if they did any good.
Glad you're still playing!

Yes, it's a Teeters table. I use it every day, generally for ten minutes per session. It's my only truly indispensable piece of gear!

 

[baileyboy]

Anyone else out there with similar issues or are you "fit as a fiddle" in your 60s?

I'm in my early 50s and have endured lower back issues since the mid 80s. And so over the years I have switched to lighter basses, amps, cabs, etc. All is good for now. One day, I may have to adapt again, who knows? It probably helps that I've been a runner since the early 80s, take supplements, don't drink, don't smoke, don't take drugs, do light lifting daily, and such. It's all about making the necessary changes to stay in the game. I hope the very best for you.