Today I’ve got something a little different, I’m going to look at the back pain that we can often encounter as working bass players and I’m going to give you my top 4 tips for keeping your back in tip top shape.
Tip #1: Visit A Doctor
Visit a doctor at the first sign of prolonged back pain. Don’t wait.
Tip #2: Back Stretches (Yoga/Pilates)
Back stretches are an essential part of back maintenance. Yoga and Pilates help to develop flexibility in the spine and strengthen the core. Cobra Pose was the key to my own back recovery and the stabilisation of my disc herniation.
Tip #3: The McKenzie Method
Robin McKenzie was an acclaimed physiotherapist from New Zealand who developed his own method for self treatment of back problems. The McKenzie Method is documented in the book “Treat Your Own Back”
Tip #4: Lumbar Rolls
Lumbar Rolls are cushions created with the sole purpose of retaining the correct curve in our lower spine while seated. Many people (most) tend to relax into bad posture while seated because of the lack of lower back support in sofas and chairs. This can cause problems over time, especially when you have other back issues and damage.
Really good advice.
Excellent video. Any strap recommendations?
Minotaur straps are well made and cheaper than some of the expensive leather options
Hi Mark, I have 2 Quick questions!
Q1 – I have just purchased my first Bass Guitar and it came with a thin strap when I try to play the Bass it feels like I am getting no support from the strap and the guitar is a dead weight. I’m in Australia can you recommend a decent but reasonably priced strap that would work a lot better?
Q2 – I am very interested in learning to read sheet music, I have some mates that have decided to start a band more for just family entertainment and parties than professional gigs (until we get better), can you recommend any websites that have a good selection of sheet music for beginners (Bass Only) both recent hits and older music ( 60s,70s &80s).
Your help and advise would be greatly appreciated,
I really love your training material makes it easy to start learning properly.
Mark, I am a physical therapist now learning to play the Bass Guitar. I was intrigued when I saw this video, because I was actually ready to watch all the “bad information” that is usually online. You stated in a 12 minute video what I see in my clinic daily. Your information is accurate and encompasses many of the patient stories that are told to me. It should be noted, that the McKenzie Method is a highly researched method for not only dealing with back pain, but other joint pain as well. Thank you for posting this video with “CORRECT” information! I would understand if you deleted the following, but a great patient resource is http://www.mckenzieinstitute.org/patients/what-is-the-mckenzie-method/. Once again thank you for your videos.
Hi Mark, I currently play a Fender American Elite P-Bass which weighs about 8.5lbs. I noticed you talked about selecting lighter gear. I have a hard time finding anything close to a precision bass tone in other brands. Do you have any particular models say in ibanez, which are known for their lighter instruments that might be a versatile replacement? Thanks!
Great advice. I already see a chiropractor due to back issues from a dislocation years ago so I take a careful approach. A great example is heavy metal band Trivium’s front man Matt, he uses epiphone les Paul’s with 2 straps, (one for each shoulder), almost like a backpack. Something I’m not at all opposed to.
Thank you, it was really helpful.
Great info to know as preventative maintenance. Thanks
Hi you mentioned a chair in the above, but didn’t expand, is their some particular make or are you referring to the back roll.