Difference between revisions of "Injury"

Revision as of 23:39, 22 December 2015

This page details physical injuries related to guitar playing. Most are related to muscles, the skeleton, and nerve compression, which can be avoided with care to warming up and good posture.

Repetitive Stress Disorder (RSD)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. There are numerous ways this can happen, but it is commonly associated with repetitive, low impact movements of the wrist and fingers, such as working on computers or playing guitar.

The best way to combat CTS is by stretching the muscles and tendons surrounding the wrist as described in the stretching warm-up page.

For more information, see Wikipedia.

Saturday Night Wrist (Radial Nerve Compression)

Dave Mustaine suffered this injury and basically had to relearn how to play guitar for several weeks before regaining his former technical ability. It is caused by a nerve compression in the armpit, which basically causes paralysis of the wrist and finger muscles. The "Saturday Night" portion of the name is due to it being associated with getting drunk/wasted and passing out in a chair, with one's arm draped over the backrest.

Bulging/Herniated Disks

A bulging or herniated disk is a condition where the lining that surrounds a spinal disk (ring of cartilage that keeps the vertebrae from touching each other) is torn, allowing some of the disk's internal tissue to press against the spinal cord, causing debilitating pain. Often a severe injury cannot heal and requires surgery.

Guitarists face this injury mostly in the form of lifting heavy equipment with poor technique. Never round your lower back when performing heavy lifts - try to stick your butt out like a girl in a rap video. Bend your knees, and use your legs and butt muscles, not your lower back. While you are carrying heavy equipment, try to keep your back straight - don't hunch to one side. Try to hold things in front of you with both hands, not off to one hip or hanging by one arm.

This risk is increased by maintaining poor posture while playing or doing studio work. Set up your studio with ergonomic chairs and well-arranged equipment. You don't want the piece of gear you most constantly tweak or view on or just off the floor. Put it on your desk - get it at elbow height or higher. Be aware that sitting puts considerable pressure on the back, and be sure to get up and move around every hour or so.