Upright Bass Injuries. Double Bass Injuries. Dr. Lou – Portland, Maine “Rock Doc” discusses.
Over the decades of specializing in the health and injuries of musicians, I have encountered a number of upright bass players with a variety of issues. Bass players are necessary. We can’t have them dropping like flies for injuries that are easily treatable without the use of drugs and surgery. Like most other instrumentalists, upright bass players are prone to several common injuries, primarily due to the physical demands and repetitive nature of playing the instrument. Here are the most frequently reported injuries, most of which are classified as Playing Related Musculoskeletal Disorders or PRMD’s: 1. Shoulder Impingement Shoulder impingement is a prevalent injury among upright bass players, particularly affecting the shoulder of the upper hand. This condition is caused by repetitive stress and the compromised position of the shoulder while navigating the neck of the bass. Symptoms include severe pain, difficulty lifting the arm, and restricted movement[1]. The pain is often on the outside or front of the shoulder, and lifting your arm out and above your head will often trigger it. 2. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) RSI is common in both the picking and fretting hands of upright bass players. It results from repetitive movements that cause...
read moreTMJ And Neck Pain In Vocalists. Can Your Voice Change?
Both temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and tight neck muscles can significantly affect one’s singing voice. Impact of the TMJ on Singing 1. Jaw Movement and Mouth Opening: TMJ disorders can restrict the ability to open the mouth fully, which is crucial for proper vocalization. Limited jaw movement can make it difficult to form clear vowels and achieve the desired vocal tone[1][5][13]. Chiropractors are trained to adjust the TMJ with various techniques thereby reducing restriction and limited jaw movement. 2. Muscle Tension and Pain: TMJ can cause muscle tension around the jaw, neck, and shoulders, leading to pain and discomfort. This tension can interfere with the control and flexibility needed for singing[1][5][13]. Muscle tension and pain are issues that are commonly corrected in chiropractic offices worldwide. 3. Voice Control and Resonance: TMJ disorders can affect the positioning and movement of the larynx, which is essential for voice control and resonance. A tense jaw can prevent the larynx from moving freely, impacting vocal quality and range[5][15]. 4. Associated Symptoms: Symptoms like tinnitus, headaches, and neck pain, which are often associated with TMJ, can further complicate singing by causing distractions and discomfort[1][5][13]. At our office in Portland, Maine, we see patients...
read moreWhat is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.?
The leading cause of disability in the U.S. isn’t even fatal. ….but it will often feel like it’s ruined your life. The leading causes of disability in the United States are diverse and include both physical and mental health conditions. Here are the primary conditions identified as leading causes of disability: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders: These are the most common causes of long-term disability, making up a significant portion of all disability cases. Conditions like bad backs, bone issues, and hip problems are prevalent[1]. Chiropractors like Dr. Lou exclusively work worth the leading causes of disability. Not mentioned here are neurological disorders like sciatica, MS, ALS and others that are also cared for by doctors like Dr. Lou. What’s equally important to remember, is that many of these musculoskeletal disorders are preventable, managed bye, even fixed by non surgical means like chiropractic. What’s the value of being able to play with your grandkids when you are in your 60’s? Walk yourself to the bathroom when you are 75? Play golf, or jam on your instrument with friends? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and a pound of cure is worth a fortune if you...
read moreWhat percentage of golfers have back pain after every round?
What percentage of golfers have back pain after every round? The percentage of golfers experiencing back pain varies across different studies and sources: – It is estimated that up to 35% of amateur golfers endure lower back injuries[2]. – Lower back pain from golf accounts for between 18% and 54% of all documented ailments[3][4]. – More than half of all golf-related injuries in men and more than a third in women are low back injuries[5]. – Based on data from over 31,000 golfers, 28.1% of all players deal with lower back pain after every round[6]. These figures indicate that a significant proportion of golfers, both amateur and professional, experience some form of back pain, highlighting it as a common issue within the sport. Dr. Lou Jacobs has been a chiropractor and acupuncturist in Portland, Maine for over 22 years. He has worked with golfers of all levels, and reminds you that over 75% of professional golfers use chiropractors to improve their performance and how they feel before and after they play. Citations: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647075/ [2] https://www.golfwrx.com/576478/6-reasons-why-golfers-struggle-with-back-pain-part-1/ [3] https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/back-pain-golf-injury-tips [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4335481/ [5] https://www.spine.md/insights/articles/back-pain-from-golf-and-how-to-avoid-it [6] https://www.mytpi.com/articles/health/the-most-important-considerations-for-treating-golfers-with-lower-back-pain [7] https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/9/1/e001504 [8]...
read moreHow common are pelvic pain and hip pain during pregnancy?
How common are pelvic pain and hip pain during pregnancy? The percentage of pregnant mothers experiencing pelvic pain varies across different studies and populations. Here are some reported percentages: – About 30% of all pregnant women experience pelvic pain, usually starting around pregnancy week 18[2]. – The reported prevalence of pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP) and/or pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is 34%[3]. – Approximately 50% of pregnant women experience symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, which can include pelvic pain[5]. – The prevalence of PGP and/or LBP during pregnancy is estimated to be 50%, with 20% experiencing PGP that significantly impacts their daily activities[6]. – Up to 80% of pregnant women experience low back or pelvic pain[7]. These figures indicate that pelvic pain is a common issue during pregnancy, affecting a significant proportion of pregnant women. Pelvic misalignment or “pelvic distortion” often lead to difficult and prolonged labor, also known as dystocia. Seeing a board certified perinatal chiropractor will ensure that you have the best chance of getting the perinatal and postnatal care you need. Gentle, safe chiropractic adjustments of the pelvis will help to improve function and often relieve pain. Dr. Lou Jacobs is a board certified perinatal and...
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