One cleared by doctor, get on a regular exercise plan and stick to it. Bass is a very demanding exercise physically, and for me it helps to work on core strength as well as upper body.
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Help my back
- Thread starter Coach Rich
- Start date
Yes, tall stool with a back. Has to have a back. That is what I use. I’ll sit some and stand some. Needs to be tall so you can easily stand up on your fav songs. Keep going to Chiro, stretching, etc. Also while sitting on stool, face the crowd.
Agree with this. I work with neurologists. The stories I have heard of nerve damage from chiropractic “adjustments”…
Talk to your doctor, maybe get some imaging done to figure out what’s going on, and make a plan of action.
There's a bunch of solid advice here. I will add that going to see a Physical Therapist might not be a bad idea. A good PT should be able to identify trouble spots and give you some tools to address them. I have nerve issues from an old neck injury and I worked with a PT on my bass posture and technique. I got a few funny looks walking into the office with a gig bag, but it helped a lot. Best of luck!
I have a number of things going on including spinal stenosis and every day begins with a little pain assessment session.
So I can figure out what my needs will be that day and take as few meds as possible to manage the situation.
I can tell you that some prescription pain meds will mess with your time, which nobody wants.
I work on my time as part of regular practicing and don't want it being tampered with.
I have a barstool that allows me to rest my butt on the front edge when I'm playing. So I'm somewhere between standing and sitting down.
So I can figure out what my needs will be that day and take as few meds as possible to manage the situation.
I can tell you that some prescription pain meds will mess with your time, which nobody wants.
I work on my time as part of regular practicing and don't want it being tampered with.
I have a barstool that allows me to rest my butt on the front edge when I'm playing. So I'm somewhere between standing and sitting down.
These treatment options-- some Dr. (wide variety there), Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, "body work" practitioners-- has a lot to do with where you are, Who is the competent option. Around here (NE USA) a Physical Therapist has advanced degrees and experience and is who knows what kinds of mexercises to do and things to try (like a stool, back or not...) that's the least apt to be a mistake option around here. You can get a referral from your GP Dr. If this was an SNL sketch "The Californians" I'd say "Stuard, go and get some myofascial release on Ventura Bouvard"
ps, I just saw that you are a coach and just in your early 50s and already experiencing lowback pain. If you eat anything close to the typical American diet, you are starting to starve...even as the calories go up.... one thing to check is Vitamin K2. Most Americans are deficient in it and it allows cells to utilize calcium, vit c and collagen to rebuild tissues. Literally what holds us together... (back when our meat was fresh butchered, we all got plenty of Vit K2, the Japanese get it from nato, the northern tribes get it from sauerkraut and fermented cheese.
ps, I just saw that you are a coach and just in your early 50s and already experiencing lowback pain. If you eat anything close to the typical American diet, you are starting to starve...even as the calories go up.... one thing to check is Vitamin K2. Most Americans are deficient in it and it allows cells to utilize calcium, vit c and collagen to rebuild tissues. Literally what holds us together... (back when our meat was fresh butchered, we all got plenty of Vit K2, the Japanese get it from nato, the northern tribes get it from sauerkraut and fermented cheese.
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All the above is great. I would ask the chiropractor for personalized stretching exercises. When you are get treatment, are you getting a “lumbar roll” ? That is when they roll you up in a wad twist you up then push down on your hip?
A would also suggest the following: Ice or a cold pack applied to your lower back as soon as you can after your playing sessions and your Chiropractic treatment and drink a lot of water.
One other thing I personally found very effective, dropping 10-15% of my body weight (215 to 175 lbs) for the most part eliminated most of my back shoulder and knee problems. Of course, every once in a while my back still gets a case of the angries from time to time and requires one or two visits to the Chiropractor to get straightened out.
Best wishes.
Quoted for truth. Posture is a big deal and core exercises are how you save your back from injury. I'm old enough now to have gone through several cycles of hurting my back, doing core exercises to recover, not hurting my back, forgetting the core exercises, hurting my back again ... physical therapist says "... you again?" oh yeah, gotta do the core exercises ...
That said, 3 hours with a ten-pound bass on your shoulder, your shoulder's gonna hurt a bit no matter how young or in shape you are. Comes with the territory, but you can recover from that and minimize it by being young and in shape 
Also just so's we all know, ibuprofen can raise your blood pressure so don't make a habit of it.
Also just so's we all know, ibuprofen can raise your blood pressure so don't make a habit of it.Shoes and standing position can make a big difference. Some people wear shoes way past their expiration dates. Professional orthotics that are made from molds of your feet can be a start.
But really you should see a doctor for a real solution.
But really you should see a doctor for a real solution.
All the excercise/rehab suggestions above plus: Ibanez Micro bass. From what I've seen, the best "real" small sized bass around. if you like the tone, any of the Hofner Beatle Bass clones are just feather-light.
We got old. People like to say that 50 is middle aged, but if the average life span in the US is 77 (and decreasing) middle age was over a decade ago, ha.
I have also been struggling, now 55- with back, rotator cuffs, tendonitis, arthritis, spondylosis (L1-S1 is trashed).
All the good stuff has pretty much been covered here- core muscle strength, exercise, staying limber. Proper technique for your particular physique.
Was diet mentioned?
I am about to embark on a specific diet to reduce inflammation. What you eat is paramount, it'll give you the basis to do the rest with-
and lots of what is a normal, available diet can wreak havoc on joints all over the body.
And it's always the best stuff, like bacon and processed meats, extreme sweets, that are the worst.
And hydration- if you are like me, remind yourself that just because coffee has water in it doesn't mean it's a replacement for it.
Good luck, see ya at PT
I have also been struggling, now 55- with back, rotator cuffs, tendonitis, arthritis, spondylosis (L1-S1 is trashed).
All the good stuff has pretty much been covered here- core muscle strength, exercise, staying limber. Proper technique for your particular physique.
Was diet mentioned?
I am about to embark on a specific diet to reduce inflammation. What you eat is paramount, it'll give you the basis to do the rest with-
and lots of what is a normal, available diet can wreak havoc on joints all over the body.
And it's always the best stuff, like bacon and processed meats, extreme sweets, that are the worst.
And hydration- if you are like me, remind yourself that just because coffee has water in it doesn't mean it's a replacement for it.
Good luck, see ya at PT
How heavy/bulky is your rig? I switched to smaller, lighter gear and I transport it all on a folding handtruck now. Less issues for me now.
Lots of good suggestions here.
I will add a two other things that may be a last resort if none of the previous good advice works,
www.rockvilleaudio.com
This one is expensive, and I don't know if I would spend that kind of money rather than just accept being seated if needed, but here it is.
A stand that holds an instrument in playing position like the K&M Performer Walk Up Guitar Stand:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...VgPgwrbr_HVwIQ13hlHGwRLzrbNjvXokaAsdgEALw_wcB
I will add a two other things that may be a last resort if none of the previous good advice works,
RDS42
All About Your RDS42: How to set up your RDS42: Description: Rockville RDS42 Portable Performers Chair/DJ/Guitarist/Drummer/Keyboardist/Musicians Chair The Rockville RDS42 portable performers chair is suitable for DJ’s and all types of musicians. Its lightweight and features an easy...
www.rockvilleaudio.com
This one is expensive, and I don't know if I would spend that kind of money rather than just accept being seated if needed, but here it is.
A stand that holds an instrument in playing position like the K&M Performer Walk Up Guitar Stand:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...VgPgwrbr_HVwIQ13hlHGwRLzrbNjvXokaAsdgEALw_wcB
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I have had a variety of problems, but one of my doctors suggested a gent who does therapeutic massage. It's not just rubbing your back, it uses pressure points and the resistance of your own muscles. If I had chronic lower back pain (which fortunately at age 75, I don't) I would suggest it in preference to chiropractic. Although I don't have lower back pain, I do have persistent problem with my sciatic nerve which can make it almost impossible to drive a car.
In your particular case, I would suggest that you try both of these, as the therapeutic massage will train your muscles and balance your body better than chiropractic can. Please consider this - I discovered it about two years ago and it has made a big difference for me. I didn't know a darn thing about therapeutic massage, but discovered it's completely different than a "spa" massage.
And almost 20 years ago, I gave up heavy equipment. No bass that weighs over 9 pounds, and no amp or speaker over 40 pounds. I have a Genz-Benz Shuttle amp that weighs 3.75 pounds, and docked on a 12" speaker the whole thing weighs 37 pounds. I also have a Fender Rumble 100 that's 22 pounds and works for many small gigs.
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- Oct 7, 2000
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- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
My lower back went out about 15 yrs ago. I went to doctors, chiropractors, yoga instructors.... I bought a bench to hang myself upside down every day... I switched to short scale basses that weigh 6 lbs... I took all kinds of OTC painkillers and anti inflammatory meds, I stretched.... and I did pretty much anything and everything imaginable. I had back pain 24/7 regardless, and after about 6 years I threw the towel in accepting this was my new normal. It was tolerable most days, but other days it was crippling. My wife had to massage my lower back to help me get out of bed.
One day I came across this video. I watched with an open mind. He pointed to EXACTLY where my back was hurting, so I said wth, and had a go at the first exercise in the video. My back pain disappeared completely, and my trust had been won. It of course came back within about a half an hour, but I knew this guy knew what he was talking about. I started doing one of he exercises in this vid. The one where you put your leg up against a wall and do hip bends.
Within about 6 months of doing that 3 or 4 times a week, my back was healed. I don't have lower back pain anymore.
I still use light, short scale basses though cuz I like them.
If your pain is where this guy describes - listen to him! Read the comments on this page. This dude did for me what I truly thought was impossible.
One day I came across this video. I watched with an open mind. He pointed to EXACTLY where my back was hurting, so I said wth, and had a go at the first exercise in the video. My back pain disappeared completely, and my trust had been won. It of course came back within about a half an hour, but I knew this guy knew what he was talking about. I started doing one of he exercises in this vid. The one where you put your leg up against a wall and do hip bends.
Within about 6 months of doing that 3 or 4 times a week, my back was healed. I don't have lower back pain anymore.
I still use light, short scale basses though cuz I like them.
If your pain is where this guy describes - listen to him! Read the comments on this page. This dude did for me what I truly thought was impossible.
Teeter inversion tables
As a member of club seven-oh I’ve also suffered from low back pain and see many good suggestions. Under 8 lbs a nd well balance as need basses a must. Moving gear often the bigger issue, shoes snd padded mats helpful, stools also. Different mindset. Might also consider inversion therapy - starting about 200 bucks this feels better than traction snd they fold up pretty good. I’ve done it before snd looking at the new teeter inversion tables myself right now. I’m afraid to do the boots snd bar over doorway so the table seems like it’s worth a try to take pressure off discs and nerves.
As a member of club seven-oh I’ve also suffered from low back pain and see many good suggestions. Under 8 lbs a nd well balance as need basses a must. Moving gear often the bigger issue, shoes snd padded mats helpful, stools also. Different mindset. Might also consider inversion therapy - starting about 200 bucks this feels better than traction snd they fold up pretty good. I’ve done it before snd looking at the new teeter inversion tables myself right now. I’m afraid to do the boots snd bar over doorway so the table seems like it’s worth a try to take pressure off discs and nerves.
D
Leaning forward was mentioned earlier, and it reminded me that I have often played with my neck bent forward so that I could see the fingerboard. Your head is at the top end of a long lever arm so that puts a lot of stress on your back. I’m training myself out of the looking at the fingerboard habit and it’s helping. Keeping my spine straight and upright when doing anything - playing, lifting, climbing stairs - makes a big difference for me.
