DRUMMER CAFE

How long have you been playing?

Have you had any formal training yet?

You should not have these problems so young.

I actually feel better AFTER I play drums anymore.

Man, I crackle all over. It's mostly my fingers and wrists that crack. But I can also crack my elbows. Then again I'm 33 and I've been playing for a long time. Cracking isn't as big of an issue as any pain you're experiencing.

Drumming is a very unnatural thing for the body to do. Evolution didn't take into account bodies that would have a fulcrum at the butt in a seated position while all the extremeties go flailing every which way. So your body is adjusting to this in a bad way, since it's not used to it. Thing is, the drumming position leads to all sorts of physical issues, mostly having to do with back problems.

For me, it didn't start becoming a problem until I was 22. I started getting significant back troubles so I took a yoga class in college. I got way into it and it not only solved my back troubles, but also helped my drumming in some key areas, particularly balance, physical stamina and mental focus.

So here's the California hippy dude again advising Drummer Cafe folks to get into yoga. Find a hatha or birkram yoga center and take a few classes. They usually give discounts for beginners. If you're having real health issues, like chronic pain, look into iyangar yoga. Don't worry, you don't have to change your religion or anything.

I agree with some of the guys here as regards getting your technique looked at because you hav'nt been playing long but it also might be worth going to the doctor to ask their advice if the problem persists.

Do you get this type of pain if you are not drumming and you are doing something else with your hands ?

How is you finger dexterity on things like zippers/can openeners and nobs.....do you get a weakness in your grip or pins and kneedles in the tips of your fingers ?

When you drum, do you play heel up as this can sometimes cause lower back pain if you havnt been used to this technique ?

I take it when you strike the drums you play matched grip.....do you feel the impact in your wrists(heavy impact) ?

If these symtoms stay with you away from the kit something could be wrong....get it checked out by the Doc....if it only happens at the kit then, yes, it could be a technique problem.

straight back, loose shoulders

I put my throne a few centimeters further away from my set, and I kinda sit on the edge my throne (my teacher tought me that), so I automatically have to sit straight, or balance problems will issue pretty fast. it isnt really comfortable, but its a good trick to make you sit straight

with this "trick" its kinda difficult to play heel up, because you are already sitting on "half" throne, so you get unbalanced pretty quick (im a heel down player btw).

anyway this works for me (and a bunch of other people as well).

as for the wrists..I think thats a technique issue, I think most starting drummers had that problem

I strongly encourage you to deal with the poor posture immediately!

Get with your instructor and spend an entire lesson on the subject.

Also ....
The drum throne is the most important part of a drumkit.

Do yourself a favor and invest in a good drum throne immediately! Also start warming up BEFORE you play or practice.

Would an athlete participate in his/her sport without first warming up? Absolutely not! The drums are the most physical instrument on the planet ... you need to warm-up and stretch your muscles so you don't hurt yourself ... and so that you train them to respond the way you want them to ... while in a relaxed state. You can't do that if you are cold, stiff and/or tight.

I wear Well's Lamont work gloves when I play.

Well guys, to keep you all update, my back and wrists are feeling much better now, I have come to the conclusion that the drums were not the only reason I was having problems...

Firstly, my back:

• My posture has basically gone up the creek over the past couple of years, and I was getting to the point where I would be 10-15 cm taller when I stood up straight.
• Plus, I do weight training at the gym and some of that involves my back muscles...
• I attacked this problem by consciously making sure that I kept my back straight all day the other day, and that has now caused me to subconciously keep it straight more often
• I still have my bar stool as my throne because I cannot afford a proper drum stool at the moment, but when I am sitting on there I make sure my back is straight.
• I do a lot more streching throughout the day to keep my back muscles warm and loose.

As for my wrists:

• I took your advice Bart, and now do warmups and warmdowns when I play, this has dramatically reduced the clicking in my wrists and they do not hurt at all now.
• What could have also been affecting them was that it has been bloody cold here the last week or so and my hands get very stiff, plus, I have been really busy at school writing wise and all that repetitive wrist movement would have made it worse

Also, on a side note, I have found a great pair of headphones which I use as ear protection. They are a pair of Sennheiser over-the-ear type and work wonderfully, so my ears will not get hurt either!

All in all, I feel much better now, so thank you guys sooooo much for all your help!!!!
James