Subject: [Harp-L] Neck Injury

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

There could be a bit of a connection in the way you hold the harp--i.e. if  
you grip very hard unconsciously while playing/holding your head and neck 
in a  stiff, unnatural position. The only way to really tell is to take your  
instrument to your Doctor's office and have him/her evaluate you while you  
play.
 
 
 
I have long since had severe cervical disk problems (not caused by playing  
but aggravated by) so am precluded from playing 'properly' - another reason 
I'm  quite content remaining an amateur after returning to harmonica 
playing as a  grown adult and also have a severe TMJ dysfunction problem --the 
re-onset of  which my doctor has attributed to my renewed chromatic playing. So 
have to pace  myself since I won't give up my music.
 
 
 
Do you play harp-in-a-rack? Not so good for bad necks. Most cervical  disk 
problems are unrelated, but what we do aggravates the underlying  
degenerative disk problems--even working at the computer. You can liken it to  
sciatica, impingement of the nerves leading down to the toes: those in the neck  
lead to the fingers. There ARE newer alternatives to harp racks than  jutting 
one's head forward, but using a brace of some kind or adjusting your  stance 
and grip --having continuous PT or massage will probably help. Playing  
while looking into a mirror will show you when you're tense and falling back  
into old habits. I know I tense up in front of an audience, so my neck always 
 hurts afterwards, which segues into yet another Migraine. Sigh. Getting 
older  can stink. ;)
 
 
Hope this helps a wee bit. You're certainly not alone.:)
 
Best, Elizabeth
PS: If you've just been through or about to have an EMG to get these  
results I truly feel for you. Been there, done that several times. NOT  fun!
 
"Message: 10
Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 18:23:50 -0700
From: Connie  Andersen <c.andersen22@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] Neck Injury
To:  harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx

Hi, I have a question just wondering if anyone's had or  can comment on
repetitive problems/strains on the neck due to many years of  playing trills
etc.

I'm having trouble with my hand, arm, doc said it  was coming from my
C6 vertebrae. I don't know if it's a repetitive strain, or  something else
yet...waiting for xray results.

Looking forward to  hearing any comments on this interesting topic.

Thank you in  advance
Connie