Soreness and Stiffness in Upper Back

[ChainReaction]

I've lately been noticing this problem, and it often is sufficient enough to tire me out with only an hour of playing or so. It extends generally from the base of my neck out into my shoulder blades...I am, however, uncertain as to exactly why this occurs. My posture is perhaps not ideal, but is far from terrible; I practice with a mirror and I very rarely slouch. This leads me to think that something is wrong with technique, the way I'm holding the sticks or something...

any suggestions would be appreciated; this detriment is proving to be counter productive

[crazyguy832]

All right, let's assume your posture is perfect.

Technique... the only thing I can think of is if your drums or cymbals are positioned far too high or low to be comfortable and/or safe and you're straining your shoulder and upper back reaching them. Or too far left or right.

[DxRocker]

^It's funny because "posture" also includes what you said :lol:

What kind of throne do you have Chain?
A friend of mine use to have this problem as well, but he sat on a wooden chair. You'ld get back pains in that thing from just sitting in it for 10 minutes without even playing a kit.

[oliv_da_skinmasher]

Indeed. A good throne can make all the difference. I swiched froma stock CB stool which gave me all kinds of pains to a Roc N Soc which is amazingly comfortable

[Mr Pink]

You might just need to build up those muscles.. Think about it you are more or less holding your arms out in front of you while moving their weight about for that hour or more you play. Look at anyone who has been playing for a while..their backs are wide and "thick" from being built up over time. Drumming is physical.

[Talos]

This is from slouching over the drums, I used to get it. You need sit straight.
Sometimes I slouch, even after being told not to, but I played for about 3 years like it and then last year someone told me to sit up straight, you just have to get used to it.

[ChainReaction]

^It's funny because "posture" also includes what you said :lol:

What kind of throne do you have Chain?
A friend of mine use to have this problem as well, but he sat on a wooden chair. You'ld get back pains in that thing from just sitting in it for 10 minutes without even playing a kit.

I've got a pork pie, which isn't as good as its hyped up to be, but I don't think its the throne.

Thanks for all your suggestions; I'll keep them in mind.

[DxRocker]

Never forget chain, at the end of the ride, there is also always the medical reason to consider. Always leave the option open that the drums actually have nothing to do with it and might just enhance another condition. Seeing a doctor is adviced in those cases.

To make a ridiculous comparision... if you have a broken foot, obviously it will hurt when hitting the bassdrum. That has nothing to do with bassdrum technique! :)

[dairyairman]

it's possible you might be playing with some tension. i've caught myself doing that sometimes. i'll tense up some muscles not necessarily involved with drumming, like my jaw muscles. next time you play, pay attention to what you're doing with your upper back. if you feel it tensing up, then relax it. concentrate on relaxing in general while you play. nothing should be tense.

[Sunshine]

^This sounds about like my problem.
Even my arms themselves'll get all tired, but then I realize how tense I am and relax.
Suddenly, bam, easy to play.

[joe_04_04]

all I need is my roadster, extra padded kind, its amazing for me, and i never have any problems, sturdy like no other,

[We_Love_Lime]

Your neck muscles might not be quite up to slack.

[Lafirin]

when i first got my drumset, I thought my muscles would build up, but its been about a year now and i still have that same problem that you have chain, my throne is kinda hard, its a drum stool, but its still kinda hard, i was thinking of getting one of this bigger thrones there called rock'em sock'em or something?

[crazyguy832]

Heh, many of us know of the woes of crappy thrones.

Roc 'n' Soc's, you're thinking of. Very sexy thones. AAA quality.

[Lafirin]

you betcha, kinda pricy though, but if your back aches, theres no remidy for that when your older so..

[M@xwell]

My back aches a bitch off my stool, it aint my playing cos i tested it out while just browsing the net lol....

Spending my next paycheque on a roc n soc? Definately! :P

[M@xwell]

ok i didnt realise how old this thread was..oops lol

[metalhead72]

The strain is probably occurring because either you lift your shoulders when you play or because you stick your elbows out on each side of your torso.

[M@xwell]

Well I do lift my shoulders slightly and I've just noticed that im doing it right now even though im just typing..wtf!

[Bone]

I've lately been noticing this problem, and it often is sufficient enough to tire me out with only an hour of playing or so. It extends generally from the base of my neck out into my shoulder blades...I am, however, uncertain as to exactly why this occurs. My posture is perhaps not ideal, but is far from terrible; I practice with a mirror and I very rarely slouch. This leads me to think that something is wrong with technique, the way I'm holding the sticks or something...

any suggestions would be appreciated; this detriment is proving to be counter productive


My sont you need to lower your cymbals!