Miscellaneous Inflamed ribs from playing the sax?

[GiGi]

Well, my ribs are killing, only on the right side, but it seemed to come on after practicing the sax, then it subsided, had a two hour practice yesterday, and it's aggravated again, so never practiced today. Anyhow who can relate to that? Any tips? It's frustrating as hell...

 

[Lesley]

Well, my ribs are killing, only on the right side, but it seemed to come on after practicing the sax, then it subsided, had a two hour practice yesterday, and it's aggravated again, so never practiced today. Anyhow who can relate to that? Any tips? It's frustrating as hell...

Are you sure its the sax you playing 🙂

 

[Jez Watson]

i once bruised my ribs playing with a very loud rock band and i was blowing that hard it physically hurt after(ribs) only time its done it

 

[Tenor Viol]

You may have strained/torn an intercostal muscle. Is 2 hours significantly more than you usually do? You may have just pushed it too far. If it is that, it will need rest.

If it persists, see a doctor as it may be something else entirely.

 

[GiGi]

yes, definitely the sax, and the two hours, yes, to that, too, as I only started again at New Year and took time to built up stamina somehow. Jez, that makes sense, I just feel that's what I've done, and what you say, too, tenorvil. It definitely seems muscular, rather than gallbladder, liver, kidney.. all similar, but yes, pretty sure it's a mechanical thing.

 

[Tenor Viol]

If you had a chest infection, pleurisy would also be an option, but sounds like the strain/tear option is likeliest (I speak from experience of pleurisy...)

 

[Alice]

Wow GiGi.... I hope it's nothing serious!
I haven't experienced this myself though I did almost faint during one of my early lessons after playing long tones on the lowest notes.

 

[Targa]

It definitely seems muscular, rather than gallbladder, liver, kidney.. all similar, but yes, pretty sure it's a mechanical thing.

You're supposed to be playing the sax not giving an organ recital.

 

[Alice]

Gosh I now have visions of all those organs lying in collective Petri dishes... Thanks to Targa!
😉
Whilst an insane church organist plays the diminished fifth

 

[GiGi]

If you had a chest infection, pleurisy would also be an option, but sounds like the strain/tear option is likeliest (I speak from experience of pleurisy...)

I've had pleurisy, horrid, isn't it. Nope, lower right ribs, hence the 'organ recital'.. front to back. I did cross the floating once over each other when pregnant, so I think they might be a bit to flexible.. don't know. Pain though.

 

[Alice]

Oh that's awful 🙁 I'm really sorry to hear that.

 

[GiGi]

You're supposed to be playing the sax not giving an organ recital.

Gosh I now have visions of all those organs lying in collective Petri dishes... Thanks to Targa!
😉
Whilst an insane church organist plays the diminished fifth

Yes, same vision, but I did it mentally, poked them about a bit with a sharp instrument and had a look and all ok

 

[Alice]

Yes, same vision, but I did it mentally, poked them about a bit with a sharp instrument and had a look and all ok

🙂 awwww good!

 

[Alc.]

Damn, how hard are you blowing? Check your mpc and reduce the reed-strength. Maybe the mpc cover got wedged up into the receiver.

 

[GiGi]

Damn, how hard are you blowing? Check your mpc and reduce the reed-strength. Maybe the mpc cover got wedged up into the receiver.

I think it's after I sat down with it, as my teacher says in an orchestra I'd need to sit down, to get used to it. Think I twisted a bit, looking at the music, you know? And I did catch myself squeezing the reed to hard with my lip as I got tired, in a fruitless attempt to squeeze the last bit of breath out. Not good, I know. Paying for it now.

 

[jimmylh]

I used to get dizzy when I first started playing but that's about it. I've tried playing sitting down, but I find it hard to do. Standing up is the only way I can play. I'm never going to be playing in an orchestra, or any band for that matter, so it's ok. I hope you get feeling better.

 

[kevgermany]

Be safe, check with your doc. Also stop playing for a few days, and if the proble's still there when you start again, lay off for longer. Assuming it's sax caused, not sax playing aggravating/responding to something else you've done, check out the Alexander technique.

 

[chadders]

Following on from Kev's post re Alexandra technique, do check your posture and muscle tension. Try practising in front of a mirror or even videoing yourself so that you can see the shape of your posture when you are engrossed in playing. Its very easy to slouch or lean to one side without noticing which could cause a strain.

Is your strap supporting the weight of the sax ok?

It also very easy to overtense muscles when playing. Relax,,,, :0)

 

[Saxmole]

I agree with chadders. I've had similar pains in the lower ribs on the right-hand side. I suspect they're caused by posture and tension. I've reduced the problem by relaxing my right arm from time to time as I think I tense up when concentrating. Playing in front of a mirror I discovered that when reading music I tend to lean forward slightly. Could this be what imparts some strain on the intercostal muscles on the right side? Possibly changing the height of the music stand and a stronger glasses prescription would help me!!

 

[MMM]

Playing sitting down does tend to twist your back, unless you play soprano which you can rest in front of you, hence I avoid it with my back problems. I suggest light practice, maybe with just mouthpiece/neck and stretches if you know some good stretches!