Miscellaneous Inflamed ribs from playing the sax?

Tenor Viol · Jan 30, 2016

As I said earlier, I would recommend getting your doc to confirm/check...

It is very easy to acquire poor posture / stance without being aware of it, this is why teachers are important for beginners. It took a new cello teacher to determine that I sat tilted slightly to one side.

Another common problem is people having music stands too low - you should be looking straight ahead and your head centred over your spine. With using screens all the time, we tend to lean our heads forward, which means the tendons in our necks are holding the weight of our heads, which can lead to all sorts of neck / shoulder / back issues. Remember your head weighs about the same as a ten-pin bowling ball. I have a collection of osteopath bills to thank for finding this out...

thomsax · Jan 30, 2016

I gave up straps many years ago. No good for me. I use harness on alto, tenor and baritone. My sopranos are old wo a ring for the hook. A harness is better for me. Try to move around when you 're playing. Don't stand on the same spot. I use to play standing on one leg to "stretch back". I know the harness is not popular, but I became a better player when started to use them. But see a doctor before you start with a harness!

jimmylh · Jan 30, 2016

thomsax said:
I gave up straps many years ago. No good for me. I use harness on alto, tenor and baritone. My sopranos are old wo a ring for the hook. A harness is better for me. Try to move around when you 're playing. Don't stand on the same spot. I use to play standing on one leg to "stretch back". I know the harness is not popular, but I became a better player when started to use them. But see a doctor before you start with a harness!

I use a harness when I'm at home. It takes a lot of strain off the neck, other wise I would not be able to practice for hours at a time. I only use a strap during my weekly lesson.

Alice · Jan 30, 2016

Hoping that your pain is easing up a bit GiGi xx

GiGi · Jan 30, 2016

Saxmole said:
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!!

I think you hit it on the head there, with the leaning forward, Saxmole, I think that's exactly what I've done. I should know better, I used to fix people's backs for a living, so neck stretches and postural stuff shouldn't be a problem at all, but I've obviously got carried away, not paying attention. I've been very good, did a bit of T'ai Chi, put some ice spray on, and did only a bit of practice trying out Pete's mouth pieces, standing up. And it's eased off already, also felt my ribs shift back into place while out shopping today, a few gentle clicks and clonks. No more sitting down while playing.

GiGi · Jan 30, 2016

Oh, and I use a sax holder, just couldn't cope with a neck strap.

Lesley · Jan 30, 2016

Glad you on the mend Gigi.🙂

ellinas · Jan 30, 2016

It could be a typical muscle spasm. it could be not.
Visit a doctor and double check your posture by taking a video clip while you're playing.

Many people start with a nice posture but as they play they spoil it.
I really hope it gets better soon. Pete's mojo on PPTs is the best healing. Trust me 🙂

GiGi · Feb 4, 2016

Getting a bit fed up with this I went to a good local chiropractor who I trust, turns out I've dislocated 3 ribs on my right, not as badly as could be, but sore enough. Looks like I still have really flexible ribs, hence them crossing over while I was pregnant, and some other times when I was all sore and wonky. Anyhow, for the foreseeable future he recommended I should practice in very short spurts, just a minute or so, to cause enough inflammation to thicken the ligaments, which are the problem, and build up the intercostals slowly but thoroughly. I have the lung volume of a 35 year old male athlete, according to the puff meter, so it's not lack of puff that's the problem, just being a beginner again, and overdoing it, I should probably breathe in more often while playing, too. Hohum. Only posting it in case it might help someone else who might have similar issues, and the same resulting. costochondritis. At least he didn't say 'stop it'. I can handle that. Sort of.

Jeanette · Feb 4, 2016

@GiGi Sorry to hear your news, do as you are told and hopefully all will be well in good time 🙂

Jx

ProfJames · Feb 4, 2016

I have never done as I am told!!!! get well GIGI.....

GiGi · Feb 4, 2016

I think it's going to work out ok, really, nipping into the living room from my studio or office every so often just to play for a minute or two rather than two or three big sessions a day, well, it might be a good thing. Just improvised on 'Scarborough Fair' a bit, actually quite liked what I did there, went through it twice and stopped. Hurting a bit more again, but it'll calm down and then I can do some more in an hour or so, without crippling myself. It'll be ok. 🙂 Mustn't forget the scales and such, will have to discipline those minute practices. Ooops.

Jonesy · Feb 4, 2016

GiGi said:
he recommended I should practice in very short spurts,

My eyes must be going, I read that as "very short skirts".
I'm going for a little lie-down.
Phew.

Targa · Feb 4, 2016

GiGi said:
I have the lung volume of a 35 year old male athlete, according to the puff meter,

Rather a meaningless comparison, a 35 year old athlete is probably past their best.
You should have asked him for a comparison with a lady.

GiGi · Feb 5, 2016

Targa said:
Rather a meaningless comparison, a 35 year old athlete is probably past their best
You should have asked him for a comparison with a lady.

That was written on the puff meter, don't blame the man, they are averages of lung volume. I've always known it, can dive for ages without having to take a breath, but I have to learn to take breaths more often to lessen the rib movement, basically.

kevgermany · Feb 5, 2016