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Topic: Getting in shape?! |
Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2009 9:34 pm |
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For some months after getting my pedal steel, I had a hard time sitting at it for lack of proper seat adjustment. Now that I finally have that right, I can play the thing forever. But my left side back muscles complain mightily afterwards. So bad sometimes I can't sleep. I'm guessing it's the pedal work. Is there a solution to this other than working into it slowly in order to let your body adjust? What a drag. If it's not one thing, it's another.
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Amor vincit omnia |
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Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
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Posted 21 Sep 2009 12:04 am
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Edward,Don't know what to tell you buddy.Each day when I get up a different body part hurts[that I did'nt even know I had].at least don't have any plumbing problems yet.I just ignore the pain,put on a Bobbe Seymour CD,That gets me in the mood to pick a little.Mind over matter.[IF YOU DON'T MIND IT WON'T MATTER.] YOU BETCHA, DYK?BC.
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Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
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Bryan Daste
From:
Portland, Oregon, USA
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Posted 21 Sep 2009 2:06 am
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Just in general, try to align yourself so that you're getting the maximum effect from every movement. Waste no energy! Larry Behm has a video on this called The Mechanical Advantage - http://www.aracnet.com/~lcbehm/.
If you think the pedals are the problem, try lowering the pedals by extending the pedal rods a few turns. You won't end up working quite as hard. |
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Nic du Toit
From:
Milnerton, Cape, South Africa
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Posted 21 Sep 2009 2:55 am
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I used to get lower back pain after sitting behind the steel for an hour, or so. Got myself one of those heavy duty drum thrones that you adjust the height by turning the seat and locking it in position. I raised the seat level quite a bit, and it made all the difference......no more back pain.
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1970 P/P Emmons D10 flatback 8x5, BJS Bar, J F picks, Peavey Session 500, Telonics pedal. Boss GX700 effects.
Skype : nidutoit |
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Dennis Lee
From:
Forest Grove, Oregon, USA
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Posted 21 Sep 2009 6:07 am back and neck pain
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Edward,
I would go see a physical therapist, just to learn some exercises that you can do to strengthen these areas. I have a big hard foam log I lie on and roll around. You can't believe what it does for your neck and lower back. Thanks to my local PT professional. |
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Austin Tripp
From:
Westminster SC
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Posted 21 Sep 2009 8:39 am
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Edward, I had the same problem. Try a steelers choice pac-a-seat with a back rest on it and lean against the rest when your playing, Trust me, it works.
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"Hotrod"
Steel guitarist for Cody Jinks
Member CMA |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 21 Sep 2009 10:44 am
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Edward,
If you have a medical problem you should be consulting a medical professional. And if your back if flared up, you will not be able to do much until you get it to settle down, which may mean not playing for awhile.
It you still want the opinions of non-medical types, it would be helpful if we could see your posture as you play, and how you actually sit at your steel. I suggest you have someone take photos of you while actually playing (not just posing for the camera) and post them. I would particularly want to see the view from the sides.
It should not hurt to play steel guitar.
Paul |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 22 Sep 2009 10:37 am
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Well, I know that my posture has been atrocious since I was a teenager. I'm going to look at the video. And maybe consulting an Alexander technique guy might not be such a bad idea either. Is there any place where I can actually sit on one of these pack a seats? I'm sure I can find a drum throne in a local store.
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Amor vincit omnia |
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Barry Hyman
From:
upstate New York, USA
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Posted 22 Sep 2009 5:42 pm
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When I was young I used to get stiff and sore after playing steel for a while. But that was because I was tense because it usually didn't sound very good, so I was always on the verge of frustration.
Now that I know how to play it, and most of the time I have "contol" of it (meaning it makes the sound I want when I want it) it doesn't hurt at all, ever! I can play four, five, six hours at a time with no stiffness, no pain, no tiredness, because I am RELAXED! When I was constantly living in fear that my intonation would be bad, or that I would pick the wrong string, I was tense and all twisted up physically. But now that the mistakes are fewer and I can recover from them more quickly, I'm loose, and nothing hurts.
So what counts is not how well you play, but how relaxed you are while playing? Something to think about...
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I give music lessons on several different instruments in Cambridge, NY (between Bennington, VT and Albany, NY). But my true love is pedal steel. I've been obsessed with steel since 1972; don't know anything I'd rather talk about... www.barryhyman.com |
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Kevin Greenberg
From:
Lakewood, CA
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Posted 22 Sep 2009 7:10 pm back pain
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| If you are balancing on your butt while playing with both feet, it can strain your back. |
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b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
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Twayn Williams
From:
Portland, OR
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Posted 23 Sep 2009 12:49 pm Re: Getting in shape?!
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| Edward Meisse wrote: |
| But my left side back muscles complain mightily afterwards. So bad sometimes I can't sleep. I'm guessing it's the pedal work. |
Do NOT ignore the pain, or try to "play through it"!!!!!
I've had the same problem, and I've gone to the doctor for muscle relaxants. It's helps with the initial pulling on the back muscles, but is NOT a fix. See a physical therapist and let them work closely with you.
I beleive (IMO) that the actual problem is the lower abdominal muscles (generally speaking!) When you keep your leg lifted or tensed for long periods, the abs stay in a tensed position to help lift the leg. This tensing pulls on the back muscles which then tear.
Again, see a physical therapist, probably someone who specializes in sports medicine.
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Primitive Utility Steel |
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Danny Bates
From:
Fresno, CA. USA
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Posted 24 Sep 2009 1:14 am
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Edward Meisse said:
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I'm sure I can find a drum throne in a local store.
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Do not buy a drum throne! You need seat that does not swivel. Believe me, I've suffered much pain from a drum throne.
If portable is what you're after, get a keyboard bench seat.
The one pictured below is inexpensive.
http://www.jr.com/casio/pe/CAS_PBENCH/
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 24 Sep 2009 8:02 am
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| There's no substitute for lower-back and abdominal exercises and daily stretching. |
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Posted 24 Sep 2009 8:28 am
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The more weight you have on your belly, the more problems you'll have with your back. Your back is constantly carrying around that weight. The key to a good back is a strong core, with little excess fat in your midsection. Easier said than done, though. I've been battling those extra 10-15 pounds for a while now. But I do find that when I'm exercising my core, my back never gives me trouble. This helps with moving gear as well.
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Jackson Steel Guitars
Web: www.chrisledrew.com |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 25 Sep 2009 11:54 pm
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Well, it's true that I'm very tense. I'm having trouble moving from pedal/lever to pedal/lever in good time, though I'm beginning to find that I actually move faster and more smoothly if I try to relax.
You're right about not trying to play through it. I was fortunate enough not to injur myself. But I got VERY sore muscles.
Seat height? My back hurts no matter where the seat is. I have put it where I feel the most comfortable while actually playing. I haven't seen any specific guidelines. Any suggestions?
I am a vigorous Tai Chi practitioner. Tai Chi is all about core muscles, especially in the back and belly. I did find a stretch that helped alot.
I'm thinking that when the pain has comletely subsided I will try to play for 15 minutes a day for one week. Then 20 the next, etc. Maybe I can work into this. If not then perhaps a posture specialist. And then perhaps a PT. But this doesn't happen with lap steel, even when it's a console model. Only with pedals. For now, I'm going to cross my fingers and hope that Barry was right. I obviously won't be able to play a pedal guitar unless I can solve this.
Thanks to everyone for your comments.
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Amor vincit omnia |
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Danny Bates
From:
Fresno, CA. USA
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Posted 26 Sep 2009 2:35 am
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My suggestion is a padded office chair that has adjustable arms on it. I have one and it's great. When I have back problems I grab that chair. This adds painless hours to my practice sessions because I'm getting support for my back and arms.
Usually I sit on an adjustable piano bench. It conveniently slides just under my knee levers and looks great with my Emmons D-10.
Mine looks like this but the arms remove all the way for playing a guitar or bass.
This is what my piano bench looks like...
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b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
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Danny Bates
From:
Fresno, CA. USA
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Posted 26 Sep 2009 10:18 am
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b0b,
My wife bought mine for $200 a few years back.
Here's one I came across when I did a google search. It looks like a good deal... http://tinyurl.com/ye7txwd
If you click the box in the bottom right corner, you can save $20 until Sept. 30th. That's $159 shipped.  |
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Rick Collins
From:
Claremont , CA USA
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Posted 26 Sep 2009 11:36 am
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This thought just came to mind:
Has anyone ever tried a 10-speed bicycle seat mounted on a low tripod __ or even four legs? 
No kidding __ it seems most of the pressure sitting, is on the back of your legs,
just below your butt. |
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Danny Bates
From:
Fresno, CA. USA
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Posted 26 Sep 2009 4:50 pm
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I also thought... What if the pedal action is not adjusted properly?
If the action is too light. maybe you're holding your left foot up too long and somehow causing pain that way.
If it is too heavy, maybe it's taking additional muscles to press the pedals.
Just a guess. |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 11 Dec 2009 11:03 am Problem Solved!!
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I was sitting too high. I talked to somebody who studied ergonomics. When seated for long periods of time, you need to have your knees either level with or higher than your hips. I lowered my sitting position by about 4 inches. No more back pain. But now I'm reaching up a little to get to the neck. I may need to lower the guitar. Thanks for all your replies.
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Amor vincit omnia |
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