If you or a family member or friend play a musical instrument, correct posture should not be overlooked in this area. As chiropractors, we stress the importance of posture frequently. Whether amateur or professional, assessing the posture and understanding potential problems and how to avoid them can make the experience more pleasant overall. 

Chiropractors assess posture not only visually through observation but sometimes with x-rays. Understanding your posture and your daily activities will help in your overall chiropractic care. Like sport, playing an instrument carries the integral element of fitness with warming up and cooling down incorporated to the practice or playing of the instrument. 

If pain or uncomfortableness is experienced when playing, then listen to your body and ask yourself: 

• How long have I been playing? 

• Do I need a break? 
• Did I warm up properly? 

Look in the mirror if possible and see if you look comfortable, relaxed or are you tense and forcing things? If you’re not sure or don’t have access to a mirror, ask someone to observe you. If you have an instrument teacher, they would be best to assess this. 

Try to keep tension from building by moving around and slightly stretching during the actual practice or playing when appropriate. For example, dangle your arms, shrug your shoulders or bring your arms over your head to loosen upper body and neck. Don’t wait until your body is too exhausted to stop. By moving around even a little bit when you play, the position becomes dynamic rather than static. This is similar advice to sitting too long at a desk in front of a computer. Too long has a greater potential to create problems. 

When you come into our chiropractic office, we will be able to determine if the posture you are adapting to is aggravating your complaint. Then with chiropractic adjustments to the appropriate areas we will help free the nerves, align the joints and allow the muscle tension to release. 

Common injuries include: 

• Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) 
• Including but not limited to: 
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 
• Bursitis 

• Tendonitis  
• Neck Pain 
• Headaches 
• Wrist and Hand Pain 
• Shoulder Pain 

• Back Pain – upper, mid, lower 
• Calluses 

Each instrument is different of course. Playing and practicing for lengths of time requires lots of repetitive motion. 

Preventing Possible Injuries: 

• Having and maintaining good posture 

• Warm up properly; stretch before and after playing 
• Maintain strength and good fitness levels paying special attention to the arms, wrist and hands 
• Maintain healthy strong core muscles and diaphragm 
• Take breaks and allow adequate rest 

To ensure your maximum benefit, be sure to let us know if you play an instrument and you would like some specific tips for assisting in your overall chiropractic care plan. Alternatively, you may have a friend or family member that may benefit from this information regarding posture when playing instruments and chiropractic care. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask