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Gecko -> Posture - A Word of Advice (Jul. 27 2006 12:02:33)
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This is mostly for us "older" players, but all should pay attention to their playing posture as it does have some long term consequences.
I have been playing classical and flamenco for a little over two years now, usually 2-3 hours daily. Over that time, particularly the past 6-8 months or so I let my playing posture degenerate badly to the point that I slumped over the guitar with a bowed back, shoulders rounded and head down. About 2 months ago I began developing some pain in my upper back which, over a two week period became excruciating, particular during the evenings and at night. It got to the point that it was radiating both down my back and right arm into my hand and prevented me from even lying down. I was having to sleep (what little I could get) in a recliner at about a 45 degree angle. Sleeping pills, pain pills, even those with a narcotic in them did nothing to relieve this pain. X-Rays and an MRI showed a slight deterioration in a couple of disks, some moderate bone spurs and slight arthritis in my neck. However, nothing much more than normal for someone of my age.
My Dr. recommended Physical Therapy at that time rather than surgery. During the Physical Therapy evaluation I mentioned playing flamenco 2-3 hours daily and was asked to show the therapist my playing position. The therapist took one look at this posture and said, "My God, no wonder you've got back problems, sitting like that for 2-3 hours everyday." Well, to make a long story, ever longer, [:)] she started me on a 6 week exercise regimen to strengthen and stretch my back a neck muscles and develop a proper posture, both for sitting, standing and playing. That was a little over two weeks ago and now I'm practically pain free, though my playing has been reduced to about 1.5 hours per day until I get those muscles strengthened.
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