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Drumming Health Risks and How to Avoid Them

Drumming Health Risks

By: Steve C. Bell (used with permission)

1) Hearing Loss

Hearing problems are caused by exposure to excessive sound decibel levels (dB).  Short term exposure to 110 – 120 dB, which occur during indoor marching rehearsals and contests, can cause temporary ringing in the ears, or might even cause a momentary loss of hearing.  This brief shift will usually subside within a half hour after leaving the loud environment; however, long term exposure to that same dB level without any preventative measures can cause permanent injury.  Please note that once damaged, it is medically impossible to recover normal hearing.

2) Muscle Cramps and Spasms

Muscle soreness during or after a hard workout is normal; it is an indication that the muscles are becoming stronger.  However, the saying, “No Pain, No Gain”, though a cute play on words, is also a misleading and potentially dangerous philosophy.  During heavy workouts, muscles need to be warm, relaxed, and have plenty of oxygen, hydration, electrolytes, and other fuels.  If the muscles are overtaxed, or deprived of the necessities listed above, they will begin to cramp and become spasmodic.  Fortunately, permanent muscle damage from over exertion, though possible, is rare; however, anyone who has experienced the pain of muscle cramps and spasms can attest that they will always knock you out of commission for a short period of time.

3) Joint Inflammation

Cartilage protects the joint by absorbing shock and allowing for smooth movement.  Joint Inflammation, commonly known as Arthritis, develops when the Cartilage breaks down, thus creating pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint.  For drummers, Joint Inflammation is caused mainly by a long-term repetitive movement that puts stress on the wrist and fingers.  Most often, refraining from using the affected joint for a few weeks or months will allow the inflammation to subside, and no serious damage will occur.  However, if one chooses to continue ‘working through the pain’, chronic Arthritis might set in along with permanent Cartilage destruction.

4) Tendonitis and / or Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Tendons are the strings that connect muscles to the joints.  They travel to the fingers and thumb by running through small tubes in the wrist called Carpel Tunnels.  Tendonitis develops when the tendons running through those tubes become aggravated; Carpel Tunnel Syndrome develops when the nerves running through those same tubes become irritated.  Both conditions are caused from over taxing the wrist and/or fingers from long term misuse, a sudden lengthening of practice time, or a sudden change to Kevlar® type head tension.  Symptoms include numbness or a tingling feeling in the hand, wrist, fingers, or thumb that usually develops into excruciating pain over time.  If caught in the first few weeks, and with proper treatment, chances of full recovery are good; however, if left untreated, permanent damage can occur.

5) Torn Knee Ligaments and Broken Hip Joints

The only drummers who need to concern themselves with the issue of torn knee ligaments, or broken hips, are those who march.  The knee joints are not designed to move side to side; therefore the hips must rotate to accommodate the “crab’.  While marching, a sudden and sharp direction change, or an over extension of the knee, can result in a torn knee ligament.  It is easily identifiable.  A popping sound will be heard coming from the knee followed by severe and debilitating pain.  A torn ligament will not heal naturally; therefore, it must be repaired by a specialist.  Once fully recovered from the repair, a person will usually return to normal activities; however, that person will probably always feel some instability in the joint.  A broken hip, though rare, can occur during a fall when one trips while marching.  However, many of those who experience a broken hip never recover fully enough to ever march again.

Avoidance and Prevention

There are many excellent companies providing quality hearing protection for musicians, but if possible, stay away from the common foam type ear plugs.  Foam plugs will end up costing you a lot of money; for they cannot be cleaned for reuse, and if they are reused, they can carry all sorts of micro-bugs.  I personally use Doc’s Vented Pro Plugs.  They are made of a rubber material, which can be cleaned easily, and are reasonably priced ($8 plus shipping).  They come in various sizes to fit perfectly in the ears, and reduce the noise level about 20dB; yet they are also designed to give the musician the ability to hear other instruments and verbally communicate with other musicians.  Doc’s Vented Pro Plugs can be purchased at the following web-site: www.proplugs.com.  Also, even if you are using proper ear plugs, make sure to get your hearing checked by a professional at least once a year.

To help prevent the other physical problems from occurring: 1) Drink plenty of water.  A good rule here is that if you are thirsty, you have waited to long to hydrate yourself.  Also, eat a banana before you begin a rehearsal.  It is a great source for potassium, which is an electrolyte that is needed for muscular function.  Sports drinks are rarely needed, unless the workouts are extremely intense.  2) Always breathe properly.  3) Begin each playing cycle with various physical exercises targeting specific groups of joints and muscles.  4) Move on to simple playing exercises that gradually become more and more complex.  Proper grip, stroke, and relaxed playing are vital here.  Implement multi-stroke techniques that combine finger, wrist, and arm movement, and avoid prolonged repetitive wrist and finger action.  If the playing cycle lasts longer than one hour (i.e. a full day at camp), a few minutes rest once an hour is required.  5) Do not just quit playing suddenly.   Incorporate into the rehearsal a cool down phase in which you gradually wind down before disbanding.  6) Lastly, and let me make this perfectly clear: Only those who are well versed in the proper implementation of the “crab” should ever teach this step; no exceptions.

In conclusion, if you seriously think that you have developed any of the health issues described above, by all means, err on the side of caution and see a doctor.  Please realize that your long-term health is more important than your short-term drumming.  Too many musicians have ruined their careers by ignoring their physical condition, so try not to join them.  Drum smart, and you shall drum for most all of your life.

Further research on all medical conditions mentioned herein can be found at:

www.medlineplus.gov