Back problems from guitar?!

[AcousticAl]

I've been playing guitar quite a bit lately- mostly my Martin.
Problem is I've been having a pain in my back at/under my right shoulder blade!

Wondering if anyone else has had this and what you do to stop it?

Weird that it would just start out of nowhere.. I'm thinking reaching over the full-sized dreadnought body is messing with me somehow.

Thoughts?

[willem]

YeS Al,,i know and have the same problem,,it is to long in a bad position,,,you can train this muscle at the Gym,,,but give it a rest too,,,i go and see on YT which training machine you need for this muscle,,if i can find it,,it is a kind of making a half circle back and fort with some weight(while sitting),,,it helps me and not alone for playing guitar..

[neverfoundthetime]

As you were writing your post Al, I was putting a lumbar-roll behind the small of my back as I have lower back pain from sitting at the computer too much lately.
I have to take great care of my lower back due to a degenerative disc problem which shows up every now and again... sitting and leaning over something is the worst possible thing for your back. But your problem sounds like you have pulled a muscle behind your shoulder blade and this will bug you for a day or three probably when you lift something or extend your right arm. Warmth and/or a little massage from the missus would help . The problem will probably solve itself by Saturday/Sunday.

I use a foot rest when I'm sitting at the computer and guitar to relieve the lower back and I stand up to play often too. I notice that my back will get tired after long spells of playing.

[AcousticAl]

Thanks for your replies Willem & Chris.
I've had lower back issues for over 10 years (herniated disc). But this is different.

I went by my local guitar shop and talked to my guy. He said the combination of how I hold my guitar and the body depth has caught up to me. I think he's right- as I don't have issues with my GS Mini. He asked if I could change how I hold my guitar to a more classical position. Don't know if that's gonna happen.
Exercise is certainly what I need, and a foot stool is something I hadn't thought of.

Will definitely keep an eye on it, as it certainly makes playing less enjoyable.

[Lavallee]

Hi Al, a guitar strap will allow you to sit straighter not hurting your back as much.

Marc

[Hydroman52]

Try not to play in the same position for more than six hours! Actually, I change chairs occasionally, go for a walk, or just take a long break (hours or even days if I overdo) for back fatigue. I'm sure that my extremely bad posture wouldn't have anything to do with this (I do that lumbar thing, too). I'm forever telling myself to sit up straight only to realize I am slouching two minutes later. Also, have had temporary pain in other parts of the body. So far, everything has healed satisfactorily and I've been able to make adjustments so it doesn't happen again. Occasionally, I will mix a baby-boomer cocktail (Tylenol and a glass of water) for temporary relief if needed. Never had these problems when I was younger . . seems to be getting more frequent as I get older (what's that all about?).

I can't remember ever having any pain under the right shoulder blade from playing guitar. Other things, yes . . . . guitar, no.

Hope you figure it out,

Hydroman52

[dennisg]

One of the best things I've done for my playing is to use a little foot rest. Aside from making the guitar more comfortable to hold, it brings it up a little higher, making it a bit easier on your fretting hand.

[haoli25]

I have had the same problem, Al. I was looking to find a foot-rest, but I opted for a large book that is about 3.5 inches thick. I just rest my right foot on it and it works. I can play for a long time now with no pain.


Bill

[neverfoundthetime]

I was wondering if you may have lower back issues. My Sister in Ottawa is a physio who specialises in back issues and recommends the McKenzie approach to treating your own back. So do I ! Here's the link.... http://www.mckenziemdt.org/approach.cfm?section=int

[thereshopeyet]

Thanks