Musicians are prone to injury from repeating a motion countless times when practicing. A better understanding of music injuries is vital for musicians' health.

Common symptoms of a musician repetitive strain injury are similar to computer-related and speech-related injuries:

Numb fingers, arms, wrist, jaw, neck, shoulders and back
Shooting pain up the arms, shoulder and back
Cramping muscles or stiffness
Dull ache experienced in the fingers, arms, back, jaw, throat, wrist, shoulders and back
Hoarseness

If left unchecked, can become chronic conditions. They can potentially lead to long-term disability or end one’s musical career.

Common Types of Music Injuries

Common music-related injuries include:

Bursitis: inflammation of a bursa (fluid-filled sac which lubricates the movements of tendons, muscles and bones at joints)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: inflamed or irritated hand flexor tendons
Larynx Contact Ulcers: raw sores on the mucous membranes covering the cartilage attached to the vocal chords
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: inflamed or irritated tendons affecting the inner side of the forearm and the pinky side of the hand
Laryngitis: inflammation of the larynx
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: inflammation of the tendons on the side of the wrist beginning at the base of the thumb.
Tendinitis: inflammation of the tendons
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: compression of the thoracic outlet, the nerve pathway and/or blood vessels between the base of the neck and the armpit
Trigger Finger: inflammation of the index finger tendons
Vocal Nodules & Polyps: small, inflammatory or fibrous growth on the vocal cords of people who strain their voices.

How Music Injuries are Caused

Overuse: Advanced musicians practice between one to ten hours a day.
Repetitive Strain: Musicians repeat a technical exercise or section of music countless times until it comes together.
Improper Posture: Some musicians slouch, sit too close or too far from their instrument and remain in the same position for long periods of time.
Non-Ergonomic Technique: Some musicians hold their body and/or instrument in an uncomfortable position, don’t move their hand and/or body in the direction that their fingers are moving, push their fingers or vocal chords beyond what they can comfortably do.

How to Prevent Music Injuries

Do Your Research: Find out more about the various types of music-related injuries.

Assess Your Instrument: Is your instrument the right size, shape, weight and height for you? Would an adjustable chair, footstool, strap or cushion make you more comfortable?

Know Your Body: Choose pieces that are reasonable for your body to play. If you have small fingers, playing repertoire that requires you to stretch beyond your finger span is a recipe for disaster. However, if you really want to learn a particular piece (or you need to learn it), make adjustments to make it easier to play. If you are a student, let your teacher know right away whether a piece or technical exercise is causing you pain.

Appraise Your Playing Technique: Is your body relaxed? Are your hands, arms, neck, head and core positioned to allow for fluid and comfortable playing or singing? Are you moving with the music? Are you using excess movements? Is your fingering logical and comfortable? Videotaping yourself is a valuable method to assess your playing technique.

Evaluate Your Non-Musical Activities: Desk and computer work, sports, dancing, carrying heavy objects (or dependents) and hobbies can adversely affect your body.

Do Warm-Up Exercises and Stretches: Musicians are sometimes called “small muscle athletes”. Stretching exercises and gentle warm-ups result in increased range of motion, strength, coordination and flexibility.

Take Breaks: One’s muscles, ears and vocal chords need regular breaks to return to their relaxed state. Not doing so tricks the body into thinking that “tense” is the “relaxed state”, resulting in chronic pain and stress.

Engage in Active Sitting: Most musicians remain in a seated position for extended periods of time. Active seating helps ease chronic back pain, promotes correct posture and maintains general health.

Seek Professional Advice: Speak to a doctor, chiropractor, massage therapist, Alexander Technique specialist, music instructor, otolaryngologist or ergonomic specialist for further information or treatment.

Be Proactive in Maintaining Musician Health

With an increased understanding of the types, causes and prevention of music injuries, musicians can be more proactive in maintaining their first instrument: the body. Musicians dedicated to maintaining musician health can look forward to many years of pain and injury-free music-making.