A little issue with pain

[Fr3qu3ncy]

Hi guys, I've been playing for about a year and some odd months, mainly self-taught. I've been searching the forums for a while now, but mainly as a guest, but I figure it was finally time to join the community. So anyways, on to my dilemma:
For about maybe a month now, I've been experiencing back pain, like its cramping, on the lower left side of my back, mainly when I'm playing Latin rhythms and SOMETIMES jazz at faster tempos.
But I also feel it tense up when I do a roll on the toms (again, only at faster tempos). My drum teacher noticed that I do have tendency to have my right shoulder higher than my left at times, so I'm not sure if its a balancing issue, posture, or just poor technique on my part.
I've tried relaxing, but then I see my back hunching. It's hard to keep my back straight and upright and be relaxed.
Would any of you guys have any solutions to this problem? It really hinders my practice time, with my back telling me to get off the set and all. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks a bunch guys.

[That Guy]

I struggled with that same issue. Along with the back cramps I was getting cramps in my hips, where my thighs met my hip. They were so painful that I would have to stop playing.

I have 2 suggestions. #1, force yourself into a straighter posture. Don't hunch over and keep your back straight. You might have to make a kit adjustment along with this. When you straighten your posture your kit naturally gets further from you. So, a kit adjust may be needed.

#2, get a throne that has a back rest. Thats what I did. I learned to trust in the back rest to keep my posture up and it worked wonders. Now, when I play I don't feel any pain in my back or hips, and I find myself being able to throw down longer than ever.

Also, there are racks that lean your kit upward & back that allow for maximized comfort, but I don't know if your willing to go that far. I played on one for a bit and I have to say... they are awsome. They take some getting used to, but they are killer. I want one.

I hope you find a cure.

[Fr3qu3ncy]

Ahh thanks for the info. I'll just go with the posture for now, because I just bought a new throne, money doesn't grow on trees. I'll try it out on my practice kit for now.

[harryconway]

I was having some real serious pain several years ago. And then one day, I had that little "moment of clairity" and I thought, gee, the throne is adjustable (seat height). I was sitting fairly high, so my drummer buds noticed, and all I did was drop the seat about an inch, and no more pain. So you might want to try that, either up or down.

[That Guy]

I was having some real serious pain several years ago. And then one day, I had that little "moment of clairity" and I thought, gee, the throne is adjustable (seat height). I was sitting fairly high, so my drummer buds noticed, and all I did was drop the seat about an inch, and no more pain. So you might want to try that, either up or down.

Yes.. and along with that, most drummers like to keep thier thighs parallel to the floor. So, a throne adjustment may be all you need.

[Fr3qu3ncy]

I think my seat is at its lowest, I'll see if my thighs are parallel. I've been trying to stay upright, but whenever I get into the music, I keep noticing myself slouch slowly, but surely.I guess with time it'll become natural, eh?

[That Guy]

I've been trying to stay upright, but whenever I get into the music, I keep noticing myself slouch slowly, but surely.I guess with time it'll become natural, eh?

Thats why I went with a throne that has a backrest. As long as I felt that backrest on my lower back I knew I was sitting straight. Yes, it will come in time. Like I said.. you may need to adjust your kit a little and bring it toward you.

EDIT: I just saw this on another thread, it might be helpful.

3. Use good posture when standing or sitting
This was one thing that I did not do when I was young and I wish I had. Bad posture (leaning over, bending your neck, hunching your shoulders etc.) almost guarantees back and neck problems later on in life. You do not want to go there! Watch yourself in a mirror or have someone video tape you when you practice. You may be surprised to see Quasimodo staring back at you. Sit and stand up straight If an instrument is uncomfortable for you to play rearrange the instrument, not your body. If a mallet instrument is too low put it up on blocks. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen students set up their drum sets in the most uncomfortable of ways just to get another tom, cymbal, or bass drum pedal in there. Arrange your drum set so that everything is within easy reach. You never should have to lunge to reach a cymbal or tom. I like to sit on the drum stool so that my legs are parallel (straight) in relation to the floor. Try this: put your drum throne out in the middle of the room with no drums close by. Now sit down and put your feet where you feel the pedals would be most comfortable. Now go sit down at the kit. There is probably quite a difference in the comfortable way you were sitting out in the middle of the room and the way you are now sitting at your drums. Try and move your bass drum and hihat pedal’s so that they are in this comfortable position.

[grue]

cramping is usually a sign of dehydration. avoid movements that cause you to cramp, is your body trying to tell you something? if it hurts dont do it, find another way. unless your idea of fast jazz is at 320 bpm you are either out of shape, eldlerly, missing a limb or two or going about things the wrong way. ill be first too say im probably guilty of at least a couple.