Should I be scared?

derekthor · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 12:52 pm Post subject: Should I be scared?

I was just in the practice room when I felt this pain on the right side of my neck, towards the back near my shoulder. Just breathing normally and free buzzing, I don't feel anything, but when I go to play the horn, it's almost like a pinching sensation. I know that getting medical advice on an internet forum isn't a particularly smart idea (understatement of the year), but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced something like this, and if you went for medical help, what kind of practitioner you saw (massage therapist, physio etc).

Thanks for any and all advice!

TrumpetMD · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 1:34 pm Post subject: Re: Should I be scared?

derekthor · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 1:42 pm Post subject: Re: Should I be scared?

TrumpetMD · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:04 pm Post subject:

I probably read too much in the word "medical" as well.

Of course, it could easily be a pulled muscle or something like this. But if you're not sure what the cause is, and the pain is significant enough, or unusual enough, then an MD is probably the way to go.

Mike
_________________
Bach Stradivarius 43* Trumpet (1974), Bach 6C Mouthpiece.
Bach Stradivarius 184 Cornet (1988), Yamaha 13E4 Mouthpiece
Olds L-12 Flugelhorn (1969), Yamaha 13F4 Mouthpiece.
Plus a few other Bach, Getzen, Olds, Carol, HN White, and Besson horns.

Richard III · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 4:24 pm Post subject:

Does it go away when you contract and relax the muscles in the area?
Does posture change it?
Have you had it before?
How old are you?
What is your history of injuries and physical activities?
In the last 72 hours did you do anything unusual or more stressful?
How would you characterize the pain? Is it localized or does it refer to any other areas?

Just a few of the questions I would ask if you came into my office.
_________________
Richard

King 1130 Flugabone
King 12C mouthpiece

jungledoc · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 6:33 pm Post subject: Re: Should I be scared?

derekthor · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 8:19 pm Post subject:

That's all a relief to hear! I panicked a bit initially because of stories I've heard about trumpeters careers ending prematurely due to nerve damage or other issues, but I think I'll be fine. I rested for about an hour, then went back to practicing, playing softly, trying to be as relaxed as possible etc. and there wasn't any more pain. There may have been a little tightness in the area, but I don't know if that's more of a mental thing. I'll definitely keep an eye on it, and if it keeps coming back, I'll get in touch with a doctor (my family doctor is in Canada, I'm in the US for school).

If there's a bright side to this, it's motivating me to explore ways to further reduce tension and stress in my playing. I'm going to look into some of Pops' books, and maybe do some work with an Alexander specialist as well.

jungledoc · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 11:02 pm Post subject:

JoshMizruchi · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 2:34 pm Post subject:

It's hard to say from what you've described. It could be a symptom of something wrong, but it could also just be a daily vicissitude of playing trumpet that will go away in a day or two with some correct practice.

Being on the safe side and looking at it as something that should be addressed, have you been doing anything different from what you've been doing when playing felt good? I think it's a good idea to write down what you were playing when things feel good, and also how it felt.

As far as neck muscles, you're right that it's important to be careful with your neck. If you feel like you're straining your neck at all, try to avoid straining at all costs and consult with a good teacher.

By the way, the Reinhardt forum has a wealth of knowledge regarding neck issues of all kinds, from puffing to simple sore muscles. Check it out here and do a forum search on "neck puffing" or just the word "neck" in general.
_________________
Josh Mizruchi
http://www.joshmizruchi.com

cheiden · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 3:48 pm Post subject:

I think a lot of trumpet players get periodic pain in their upper back and neck. It's not trivial to hold that big piece of brass in front of you. I'd revisit your posture, head position, how you're holding your horn, even the seat/bench you're sitting on. I've developed a playing/holding arrangement that minimizes the strain but it still sets in sometime. Anything that alters my normal playing arrangement can cause strain to set in fairly quickly.
_________________
"I'm an engineer, which means I think I know a whole bunch of stuff I really don't."
Charles J Heiden/So Cal
Bach Strad 180ML43*/43 Bb/Yamaha 731 Flugel/Benge 1X C/Kanstul 920 Picc/Conn 80A Cornet
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babet · Regular Member Joined: 09 Aug 2013 Posts: 59

Didgeridoo! I TOLD YOU!

also stretching your neck and trap muscles.