How to Prevent Lower Back Pain From Drumming

Lower back pain is a common injury among drummers because we remain in a seated position while moving our upper bodies for long periods of time. Left untreated, lower back pain can keep you from your kit longer than you’d like.

You can avoid lower back pain and injuries or get back to drumming as soon as possible if you experience lower back pain by following a few preventative steps and treatment methods both while you’re playing and in between sessions:

• Maintain good posture while drumming. Adjust your seat to a height that allows you to maintain the curvature of your lower back. Sit tall and keep your core tight. Avoid slouching and bending forward as much as possible, as doing so places stress on the back tissues. Good posture will also help prevent neck injuries. 
• Keep your back and abdominal muscles well conditioned. Incorporate lower back and abdominal exercises into your regular workout routines or into your daily routine. Keeping your lower back and ab muscles strong will help you maintain good posture. 
• Stretch your glute muscles, hamstrings, and lower back. Perform these stretches alone and/or after exercising or try a few yoga exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the lower back. You can also perform these stretches to treat lower back pain but may want to seek help from a professional to avoid further injuring your lower back. 
• Treat lower back pain right away. As soon as you feel pain, stop playing and ice the area. Rest for a day or two but get moving as soon as possible. Stretching and going for short walks can prevent deconditioning and help ease pain. If your lower back pain doesn’t improve within a few days of self-treatment, seek professional health care.

How do you prevent or treat lower back pain caused by drumming? Let us know in the comments below!