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Hey folks,
Hope everyone here is well. I scheduled a doctor's appt. for next week however, I wanted to ask the members of this forum about this. I've been playing tambores now for two and a half years and I've always paid attention to good technique and good posture when I'm playing and even at work when I'm in front of my computer. Lately, I've been getting this pain in the muscle that runs up to my neck, the trapezius muscle, on the left side only. It feels like the muscle is tensing up and causes a 'ripped muscle' sort of pain. I even get a tingling sensation in that area after a while. It's always in the same spot and usually happens a few minutes into my practicing. I've noticed the pain coming on while at work in front of my computer at times but it's mostly when I'm practicing on my drums. Has anyone here experienced this kind of pain and if so, did you seek medical attention? What was the end result? Thanks again!

afrocubarico

Hi afrocubarico,
I had a really similar problem with a muscle on the left side of my neck about 8 years ago.
I think, looking back on it, it was to do with tension, not necessarily to do with music but work stress and other things.
I went many times to a massage therapist and she did a lot of work on it, really getting into the muscle and 'breaking it up'.
It helped a lot and I haven't really had any more problem with it. You could try a doctor first or maybe a chiropractor, it really depends on the what's causing the problem.
For my money I think a really competent masseuse can work wonders!
cheers
pavlo

Afrocubarico.

I have been getting the same pain over the past 2 months.
I think it maybe as I have progressed in my ability that now everything is like a coiled spring tense . I have started to video and watch myself play in a mirror . the first things I observed was how tense i look , no matter how hard i try to relax before and during practice it still tenses up .
So know I am working on relaxing my body more and am finding new ability , even though i am fully aware that a player should be relaxed to get the best out of any Instrument , during some intense practice when you push yourself is when its tough to relax.
Also I may pay some visits to a local physio therapist who works with sports injuries and is very good . I found when I cut my practice time down after a few days the pain eases .
Its very hard to keep away from these Islas at the moment though .

Ill be interested in how you go , keep us informed with your solutions .

marco

That is cause by been in an awkward position during bed aerobics. Schedule a visit to a quiropractor , eventhough we try to seat straight the spinal column gets out of aligment causing all those unwanted pains ect. Remember all the nervs that control every part of the body runs thru the spinal canal so if it not straight you get those aches. Also after 40 years age ......................is down hill

along with stretching you may want to try some neck strengthening exercises that have helped me a lot. Lay flat on the ground on your back and raise your head off the ground and rotate clockwise for about 20 seconds or so the reverse the rotation for another 20 then to the side of your head to each shoulder going back and forth for another 20 or so seconds then finally clasp your hands behind your head and pull your head so that your chin is touching your chest. Ive been doing them since i started practicing Brazilian jiu jitsu and it has done wonders for me. I feel so much better although sometimes i still do get some discomfort but hey i am getting close to 40 lol so i'm feeling it.

Guys,
Thank you so much for your feedback on this. It's enlightening to know that I'm not the only one who has experienced this particular problem. I'm going to look up a good chiropractor in my area after my visit with my doctor. And I'll also try getting some deep tissue massages. Vinnie, thanks for the excercise tip. I'll try this out too. Thanks again guys!

afrocubarico

For me relaxed body and to keep right body balance sitting or stadning solved the problem,...

I would suggest you to visit a good terapist for sport injuries. They are the best!

Hope you'll get everything right,..

J