The Effects Of Poor Posture For Musicians

Poor posture can lead to back problems in later life.

Musicians, especially those dedicating significant amounts of time to practice, are more susceptible to musculoskeletal problems, according to the "International Journal of Music Education." These problems are exacerbated by poor posture, which must be identified early in a musician's playing career to prevent it becoming ingrained and damaging. A good teacher will advise on establishing a good playing posture, but it is up to the musician to maintain it during the hours spent practicing.

Neck and Shoulder Injuries

Violinists are frequently guilty of lowering or turning their heads to one side to hold their instruments. Cellists also may look down for long periods to help them place their fingers on the fingerboard. Holding the head in these unnatural positions may result in strain and tension injuries in the neck and shoulder muscles. Excessively constricted muscles result in obstructed blood flow and compression of the surrounding nerves that extend down the arm.

Compromised Lung Capacity

When playing woodwind and brass instruments while seated, posture directly affects the musician's immediate performance. Slouching in the seat, where the spine is curved, causes compression of the anterior rib cage. The result is that the lungs are restricted in their ability to take in air. With the lungs only operating at 60 percent to 70 percent of their normal capacity, the player is restricted in his ability to produce strong, unwavering notes.

Decreased Movement

When standing, feet should be flat on the floor and about a shoulder width apart to ensure proper weight distribution. Musicians should stand tall and keep their backs straight. Leaning against a wall or chair back prevents free movement of the torso, which causes undue pressure on the arms, shoulders and wrists as they strain to accommodate the movement inherent in playing. Allowing the body to move freely while playing ensures that the musician is able to fully express herself.

Spinal Problems

The majority of musicians practice while seated, but many fail to seat themselves so that their upper body is vertical, with their hips tipped slightly forward and the thighs sloping downward. Slouching results in excessive curvature of the lower spine, which can compress nerves and result in localized back pain. Excessive curvature further up the spine also causes back pain and also may result in frontal chest pain.

Tags: back pain, while seated