Guide to getting and playing better gigs

Health

Many musicians have heard of repetitive injuries, but aren't really sure what they are, how they're caused, or if they should worry about them or not. Don't neglect your body’s signal that something's wrong. It may be your only chance to correct a serious condition. Neglect may cost you your career. (The old saying, "No Pain, No Gain" is bollocks!)

The most common complaints in musicians are hand, forearm, and arm pain. This is due to the repetitive hand and arm movements involved with playing music. Repetitive bending of the fingers (for example, to play repeated notes on the fretboard of a guitar) can lead to inflammation and micro-tearing of the tendons. The muscles in the forearm can fatigue, strain, and weaken from injuries due to continuous playing. If you begin to experience any of the following warning signs, seek chiropractic or medical attention immediately.

Tingling, numbing or burning sensations in the extremities
Difficulty grasping objects
Weakness of the hands
Pain during or after playing or practicing
An increased feeling of clumsiness with your hands
Neck pain that seems to travel down to the arm
Constantly sore arm and forearm muscles.
Pain upon moving your shoulder, elbow, wrist, or fingers
Feelings of depression due to pain or potential loss of job.
Pain upon lifting hand-held instruments.
Pain upon carrying instruments to and from gig.
Coldness in the fingers while playing (more than usual) .
Hands turn blue or flush erratically.
Restricted motion (stiffness) of the neck or arm.

Be aware of your playing environment and prepare your body before playing. Cold temperatures increase the risk of repetitive injury, due to decreased blood flow to the extremities. Just as an athlete stretches, warms up, and prepares for an athletic event, the musician needs to do the same. Below are just some of the ailments that can strike if you ever start thinking you're immortal.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Hernias
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Tendinitis/Bursitis
Tinnitus
Trigger Finger

Although not injuries as such, other health issues you should be aware of are Sexually Transmitted Diseases

For more information of these and other ailments: Health Help

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