#1689639 - 11/06/06 06:57 PM
Bad backs and performing
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Jeff Klopmeyer
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Registered: 10/13/00
Posts: 16802
Loc: Redondo Beach,CA,UNITED STATES
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I know I'm not the oldest guy here by a long shot... I'm still a couple of years out from 40. Maybe some of you fellow geezers (or soon-to-be-geezers) can chime in with soe advice.
Recently, I had a back injury that basically negated the possibility of my strapping on a guitar and rocking out. In fact, for awhile, I couldn't have even picked up a guitar at all.
I've had some physical therapy and am getting better, but am still leery about picking up and axe while standing up (I've been practicing seated since I've been recovering). Have any of you had to deal with a bad back while gigging? I can tell you right now, moving amps and PA and such is out of the question. I'm just looking to hold a guitar and play, without looking like a statue.
- Jeff
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#1689640 - 11/07/06 04:17 PM
Re: Bad backs and performing
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randy clay
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Registered: 06/03/02
Posts: 336
Loc: Waikoloa, HI, UNITED STATES
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Maybe one of those back braces you see some truckers and delivery guys wearing.
Hope you find something workable.
Do a lot of stretching.
_________________________
I'm trying to think but nuthin' happens....
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#1689641 - 11/08/06 03:23 PM
Re: Bad backs and performing
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fingertalkin
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Registered: 11/14/05
Posts: 552
Loc: Dumfries VA
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I am not a geezer, although today is my birthday. I can't give any advice other than those back braces do help, BUT, they make your back weaker by not having to use those muscles. I tend to throw my back out once or twice a year. I have a physicist that decided that the big red octagon that says STOP on it to thank for that. I did throw my back out about 2 months ago and endured it while at a gig. Your injury sounds a little more severe than my typical back issues.
My point is don't rely on those braces forever, as this does not help in healing.
Shane
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#1689642 - 11/09/06 04:19 PM
Re: Bad backs and performing
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Jeff Klopmeyer
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Registered: 10/13/00
Posts: 16802
Loc: Redondo Beach,CA,UNITED STATES
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I will not turn to a back brace, specifically for the reasons Fingertalkin states. Once your body starts relying on these, it's all the harder to develop the musculature to actually allow your body to act as its own brace.
I've had more rounds of PT, and it is helping. Still, I'm not ready to even try being a rock guitar player just yet.
My band is being very cool about it. I told them that if they had a gig lined up to go ahead and use a fill-in player until I'm able to return. So far, they haven't managed to get any gigs, so the point is moot. 
- Jeff
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#1689643 - 11/09/06 04:22 PM
Re: Bad backs and performing
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Jeff Klopmeyer
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Loc: Redondo Beach,CA,UNITED STATES
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Forgot to mention: I'm religiously doing my exercises, which involve a lot of stretching of that muscle group. Soon enough, I'll be moving on to tone my abs and obliques, even though I generally detest any workouts in that direction.
But you need to form a sheath of muscle around your entire midsection to avoid these back injuries, and that muscle needs to be balanced on all sides. That's the only way to avoid this happening again.. and again... and again.
- Jeff
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#1689644 - 11/09/06 04:49 PM
Re: Bad backs and performing
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fingertalkin
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Registered: 11/14/05
Posts: 552
Loc: Dumfries VA
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Originally posted by Jeff Klopmeyer:
But you need to form a sheath of muscle around your entire midsection to avoid these back injuries, and that muscle needs to be balanced on all sides. That's the only way to avoid this happening again.. and again... and again.
- Jeff
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