Does Deep Breathing Ease Back Pain?
I may have solved my back problems today. Before I screwed my knee and lost 2 weeks of practice, I was getting frequent back pain from sitting in the same position for so many hours. I assumed it was my posture, but I couldn't find the source; I sit up straight in a relaxed, balanced position with minimal tension. I wound up switching positions (guitar on left leg vs. right leg) or standing every few minutes in order to manage the discomfort.
I got an info packet from LAMA on practice techniques today. There's not much I haven't already read on the topic, but I took note of their mention that a good posture shouldn't inhibit breathing. I used to swim avidly, and my lungs still seem abnormally efficient; I only require shallow, infrequent breaths while inactive. So I focused on drawing deep breaths while playing, and voila! Instant comfort. Time will tell whether this was a fluke, but I was already getting those old pains in my back in the last few days, and I saw a marked improvement today.
IG (15 May 2008 at 1:17pm)
I try to focus on deep breathing using the diaphragm, as well as being aware of my shoulders to make sure they're not tense and squeezed. But then I also combine that with a straight posture, shoulders set back. That usually sets me in the right direction in terms of getting relaxed. You should also think about stretching some before you play, especially if you'll be playing for long periods of time. I did a post on this a while back if you care to check it out:
http://igblog.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/steal-this-tip-from-bass-players%e2%80%a6/
IG
Joe (16 May 2008 at 10:11am)
Good call. And good article. I stretch out once in a while, but I ought to make it a habit. Core strength is good too; I'll get back to those exercises once my knee can handle it again.
Stratoblogster (26 May 2008 at 11:57pm)
First of all, sorry about your Gramps.
Yeah, deep breathing is great. A few years ago I read an interview in a guitar mag of a guitar teacher who also teaches yoga. In addition to breathing, he recommended pressing your hands together as if praying, at chest level, with arms & elbows horizontal. Doing this along with breathing helps to decompress the chest and shoulders.
I also have a big exercise ball which I lay on to arch my back. I also roll forward and back in this position-- stretches the back and neck out really well. But again, this works best if I'm also deep breathing. Walking a lot is good too.
Meg (12 Jul 2008 at 5:54am)
I also get lower back discomfort, usually from sitting in front of the computer all day. I'll try the deep breathing, thanks for the tip; I've also found stretching exercises and a cream called Joint Medic do the trick.