When art takes its toll
Table of Contents
In fact, it is so common for pain or physical difficulties to arise while playing that a specific term is used: Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (PRMD). It refers to any pain, numbness, fatigue or loss of control that prevents the instrument from being played normally.
According to studies, around half of all musicians will suffer from this type of disorder at some point in their career. The figures vary between 32% and 87%, depending on the instrument. The most common problems are:
- Back and neck pain
- Tendinitis and inflammation
- Muscle strain
- Nerve problems in the arms and hands
There are also gender differences: women suffer from more musculoskeletal disorders in general, whereas men are more likely to develop focal dystonia, especially around the age of 40.
What is worrying is that these injuries can become so severe that up to 12% of musicians are forced to give up their careers.
Focal dystonia: a silent enemy
Among all the health problems that can affect musicians, focal dystonia deserves special mention. It is a neuromuscular condition that appears when attempting to perform a highly trained movement, such as playing an instrument. The body suddenly stops responding as it should.
Symptoms include involuntary spasms, a lack of coordination, or a loss of control over the fingers, the hand, the lips or the embouchure, depending on the instrument.
Although it is a rare disease in the general population, it is surprisingly frequent among musicians:
1 in every 100 musicians suffers from it, and among orchestral musicians, it can affect as many as 1 in 10.
- Pianists (4th and 5th fingers of the right hand)
- Guitarists (third finger)
- Violinists and cellists (thumb and wrist)
- Woodwind and brass players (embouchure)
- Harpists (second finger)
- Excessive repetition of movements
- Perfectionism and anxiety
- Certain anatomical features
- Genetic influence
Hearing also suffers: auditory problems
It is not only the hands or posture that suffer: a musician’s ears are their most delicate tool. Prolonged exposure to high-volume sounds can cause:
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus (constant ringing)
- Hyperacusis (discomfort caused by normal sounds)
- Distortions in sound perception
It is estimated that 89% of professional musicians develop some degree of hearing loss between 3 and 6 kHz. And, of course, when your job consists of listening, this is no minor issue.
In summary
Being a musician is a deeply demanding profession. It requires precision, constant practice, and both physical and mental control. Caring for the body and studying the relationship between body, mind, and emotions should be just as important as studying repertoire or technique. For this reason, conservatories in many countries now offer subjects dedicated to physical care, providing students with techniques and tools to prevent future difficulties.
Because music is played with the hands, but it is supported by the whole body. And looking after the musician is looking after the music.
