since this weekend, I seem to be developing a sore neck…it is fine when I get up but at the end of the day it gets very uncomfortable.
it is the muscle on the right side of the neck that runs from the shoulder into the neck itself.
it gets worse when playing the flute/ whistle for a while.
I cannot see what I am doing wrong regarding posture or maybe I grasp the flute or whistle too tight…have checked a few times and consciously try to relax etc
does anyone have advice how I can find out what’s wrong and how do I fix this.
Hi, I suggest trying out a few Alexander technique lessons. Its basically a technique that allows one to relax and release the tension many of us lock in our bodies without realising it. It has become increasing popular among musicians. Its also worth noting that blindly ensuring that your body conforms to what is commonly acknowledged as good posture might actually add more tension than anything else.
I have previously had problems with aching back, neck and shoulders from playing the flute. I couldn’t play more than 2 minutes a shot maximum, and my embouchure was in turn affected by all the discomfort my body was experiencing. I sought out a local Alexander technique teacher and it helped a lot. There’s quite a bit of information about what the technique is about online, a google search will turn up a bunch of good links if you’re interested.
Oddly enough, I’ve sometimes found it useful to play while lying flat on my back. It seems to release the tension and shift some kind of physical paradigm I manage to lock myself into … It’s good for the diaphragm muscles, too. (One piece of advice, though – clear all pets, mischievous toddlers, and mildly-amorous significant others from work area first ).
(edited once for potentially misleading bad grammar)
get a deep tissue massage (neck, shoulders, upper back), with some assisted stretching to release any fascial restrictions and chronic muscle tension associated with any chronic postural dysfunction (asymmetry). maybe get a chiropractic adjustment if your facet joints are locked up on one side of your neck which fluteplayers are prone to experience without knowing it.
learn self-care: stretch and strengthen; yes, get in shape.
learn proper biomechanics and fluteplaying playing posture (for you - specific to your body).
rotate and stretch the neck to the opposite side after playing.
One might expect the flute-playing aspect to make the no-nonsense nature of the scene sufficiently clear. However, I suppose some confusion could result if one happened to be lying on the floor playing the flute in the altogether, as it were …
I had very bad neck problems last year, wich I associated directly to flute playing. My pain was at the very top of the neck, at the base of the head.
I found out I played (flute and whistle) with my chin constantly pushing back (like when you speak to someone with bad breath! ). I simply concentrated to play with my head pushing forward a little bit and this problem is now over!
I have the same problem (flutist’s karma…). Did you see my post about straight flute? I’ve seen John Hackett playing that instrument. You may check it online, here: http://www.stevehackett.com/NewsItems/Hungary.html (scroll down a little, first sample in Real).
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