My back is hurting - Advice on DJing posture required :)

[yourdj]

I have had the problem for some time and at the moment I am on holiday at the top of a mountain and am struggling to walk to the friggin village! It took me ages and really hurt!

It's mainly down to my DJ posture as it goes away when I am not working.

It's in the lower back and verging on syatica as my bum, legs and back hurt.
I had a massage today and only my bum hurts which is a step in the right direction. I am hoping it will go in the week so I can go walking/climbing.

OK

Apart from sitting down what do you guys do. I have a flight case which makes me lean forward which is not good. I also have put weight on one leg more than the other. i have thought about using a roady but it does not get rid of the performance issue.

This video at 1.20 mins shows the problem perfectly!

‪Your DJ - FUNCTION ROOM NIGHT CLUB - MAKEOVER! The New Forest‬‏ - YouTube

Any advice useful. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Squeeze your buttocks together (front and back if you know what I mean) and this helps, certainly when you are carrying gear.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Bloody Hell Toby! Enjoy your holiday and have a rest mate rather than using it as an excuse to post another video.

You're with your woman in the sun and on holiday....surely there are better things you could be doing than posting on here?

Now, clear off and get some booze down your neck!

[WWDJ]

Well is the problem that you are concentrating on the screen and dipping your head?
you can certainly reach the controls so do you need to
... Move the laptop closer
... Increase the font
... Get a bigger screen
... Get your eyes tested as your are knocking on a bit now! :D

I run a 13" on Traktor and I don't get this problem and I have REALLY bad eyesight and finding songs can be a problem I have to look close, but in mixing, Traktor sync sorts the beatmatch mixing out and I can manage the output faders. the rest of the time I'm dancing to be honest as. I like to bust a move or two.

[sleah]

At 6'1"ish I find tables and deck stands typically too low, so raise up the mixer/laptop where possible. That way I don't have to lean as far forward:)

My way of raising the mixer is to put the lid under it:D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I would say just make the platform on which your controller and laptop are placed a little bit higher. I have always suffered with a bad back (I think most DJ's have in reality), ever since I fell down the stairs carrying 2 boxes of 12" vinyl back in the day. I don't get problems with my Ultimax at all because I make sure everything is at the right height.

It's easy Toby....there is no 'DJ Posture' as far as I know (unless it's actually someone's alias out there!?).

[MikeW]

Squeeze your buttocks together (front and back if you know what I mean) and this helps, certainly when you are carrying gear.

Neutral spine position :)

I have a back problem that is not going away. Had a disc removed many years ago, also Doesn't help carrying 20kg of mackie speaker. I also seem to get a problem with putting more weight on one leg than the other.
I would suggest standing as close as you can to the mixer, rather than leaning forward.
Anti inflammatory tablets work really well for me.

[Digital Jack]

Pay a visit to a reputable chiropractic clinic.

[chrisj]

Raise your system to a higher position so you can stand up straight.

I suffer from arthrits in both hips and dodgy lower back after lifting big cabs ( 32 kg mid tops, 36kg bass and 46kg subs)on my own for many years. Not so bad with RCF725 at just under 20kg now but I still find after standing for 2 hours I get back and hip ache. This is eased when I stand more upright and push my hips forward though.

Off the a therapist at the surgery tomorrow so I will tell of any advice I may be given.

[DAVESOUNDS SERVICES]

Get a chair and sit on it!!!
Works for me every time! D

[DJ Jules]

Laptop stand to bring the laptop up over the controller instead of behind it?

Failing that, a 19" rack mounted keyboard shelf and a USB keyboard and Mouse so that the keyboard/mouse are in front of the mixer, not behind - that way you won't have to lean over the controller to get to your laptop?

Julian

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Get a chair and sit on it!!!
Works for me every time! D

While DJing? I don't think so.........

[Excalibur]

While DJing? I don't think so.........

Don't knock it mate. ;) Since I got my fully tricked out zimmer frame, I've been a lot comfier at gigs.

[Shaun]

Raising your playout higher seems the most logical solution. Do you perhaps have a spare flightcase lid you can place under it?

[Jiggles]

Something as simple as a bit of carpet when standing on a hard floor can stop bad backs!

[DJ Paulie]

there is no 'DJ Posture' as far as I know

I know him, very popular in the clubs frequented by the medical profession ! :daft:














:coat:

[Jonny Boy]

I suffer with my back from time to time as well. I've had my back go into spasm mid-performance before now, which is not pleasant.


Pay a visit to a reputable chiropractic clinic.

Agreed - or an Osteopath, which tends to be a bit gentler in some ways, treats the muscle groups also and (as I understand) takes a more holistic approach. Chiropracters are also more likely to push for a course of treatments (k-k-k-kerching) whereas osteopaths don't (so much) and one treatment should set you right for a while.


Get a chair and sit on it!!!
Works for me every time! D

+1. Didn't get time to see the video, but depending on booth height, a folding barstool from ikea might do the job. Would also give the appearance you're standing.


I'm going to throw a curve-ball out here as well.... my Mrs bought me a "torso control" t-shirt from Asda of all places. It's basically like a very tight ribbed t-shirt/vest you wear under shirts - designed to have a corset effect on one's gut.
(Gut? what gut? this is the V8 engine for a love machine, baby!)

Now I KNOW yourDJ is somewhat more...svelt..., but I always found that the pressure of the vest made me stand differently too and helped my back... feels like a hand pressed against your spine all night.
Just a thought - although it's a bit of a band-aid for a deeper problem.

[MikeW]

Or you could try the good old NHS physio. Not sure about England, but I was able to self refer via my Doctor. Waiting times are really short here. I was seen in approx two weeks.

[Shaun]

Or you could try the good old NHS physio. Not sure about England, but I was able to self refer via my Doctor. Waiting times are really short here. I was seen in approx two weeks.

As opposed to my (almost) 3 month wait for the same sevice here in Sunny Fife. I got tired of waiting and went private. :eek:

[MikeW]

As opposed to my (almost) 3 month wait for the same sevice here in Sunny Fife. I got tired of waiting and went private. :eek:

Waiting times for physio here have changed a lot. It used to be about 3 months. Good to see some improvements.

[Corabar Steve]

Maybe a case like this one would help as opposed to the one you have now

http://www.udmdj.co.uk/road-ready-rrltws4-laptop-4u-slant-rack-combo-case

[funkymook]

Maybe a case like this one would help as opposed to the one you have now

http://www.udmdj.co.uk/road-ready-rrltws4-laptop-4u-slant-rack-combo-case

Swings and roundabouts - that weighs 75lbs without any gear in it!

[Corabar Steve]

Swings and roundabouts - that weighs 75lbs without any gear in it!
But it would certainly improve his posture whilst performing if the video is anything to go by.

[funkymook]

But it would certainly improve his posture whilst performing if the video is anything to go by.

Very true - and would also save Toby a fortune with gym membership.

I had to use a venue's table a few months ago (extremely limited space plus a terrible load in meant my stand stayed at home). By the end of the night my back was killing me due to leaning over a low table. It can ruin your enjoyment of playing so definitely worth taking some time to get your gear set-up to suit you.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Having been there, done that, got the T-Shirt, etc with back problems- including operations, physio, posture training, etc, prevention is the best way forward (once you've done something serious, it's impossible to 'cure' - it can only be a 'bodge' job at best).

Looking at the video, my comments would be:

1. Sort out your general posture
2. Strengthen your core muscles (Darren sort of touched on this one with the tightening your buttocks because that does have a knock on effect of slightly flexing your pelvic floor muscles, but it would be even better if you could learn to isolate the pelvic floor muscles to strengthen them and use them and your other core muscles continually.
3. You don't need to do exercises all the time, but use the exercises to learn how to control the relevant muscles - then use them continually all day, every day to control you posture and movement. Here's the first site I found talking about core muscles (but there are probably better ones, and certainly plenty of them!):- http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/corestability.php
4. Probably the most specific to your situation.... I noticed that when you are using the laptop you are having to reach forward to the point where you are talking your left leg off the ground and sticking it out behind you. This is quite possibly the cause of your problems (Check out the video at 1:35 - just before the cut in the video). GET YOURSELF A MORE ERGONOMIC SET UP WITH EVERYTHING WITHIN EASY REACH! (I'm guessing that this is what Steve was getting at suggesting the other case.)

[Paul The Party Dj]

I have to agree with everyone who says get your controller and laptop higher - or take 3 inches off your legs.

I also think good shoes are an essential - especially now I'm an old git. I wear Dr Marten shoes (no, not boots and no steel toe caps) all the time for DJ'ing. Being on your feet for three to six hours can be a killer - especially in a marquee where the ground may not be flat and you get a cold back by the end of the night.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I have to say that I don't think height is any where near as much of a problem, as having the laptop nearer.

It's not as if he needs to bend to reach those items in front of him - that appears to be just habit, but he does appear to need to stretch to reach the laptop.

Toby: just stand up wherever you are and work out what your comfortable reach is in all directions, then try and configure your kit within those parameters.

[Corabar Entertainment]

As a PS to this: you could also consider anti-fatigue matting which will help with general comfort (but only if you sort out your posture).

It's something I looking at doing for all our rigs / DJs shortly.

[Shaun]

As a PS to this: you could also consider anti-fatigue matting which will help with general comfort (but only if you sort out your posture).

It's something I looking at doing for all our rigs / DJs shortly.

It's worked a treat for me. I no longer go home with aching feet.

I stupidly left behind the anti-fatigue mat I bought at a venue, so I replaced it with a standard rubber mat ...the likes you would put outside a door. It works just as great as the anti fatigue one at a fraction of the price.

[katman]

I take it three pairs of insoles wouldnt work then ;)

Do you have a link for the anti-fatigue matting please ?

[Corabar Entertainment]

You can get straight-forward anti-fatigues mats (some of which are quite expensive) but what I'm looking at are the interlocking tiles which will be more flexible (use as much or as little as required) and therefore better for us.

Here you go: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Interlocking-Gym-Garage-Anti-Fatigue-Floor-Play-Mats-D-/140540284719?pt=UK_Flooring&var=&hash=item66731a459e

PS. I have some of the carpeted tiles already, and they are very nice underfoot.

[STEVE HANLEY]

Mary has had the same problems as Angela. They compared scars in Reflex last year. They're identical and in the exact same place.

However our decks are just over waist height so no bending over you're always stood up straight. Hence very few back aches;)

[katman]

Thanks Angela

[Corabar Entertainment]

You're welcome :D

BTW, Toby... are you reading any of these replies or are we all just talking amongst ourselves? (You haven't posted since your OP) :confused:

:daft: :daft:

[Excalibur]

You're welcome :D

BTW, Toby... are you reading any of these replies or are we all just talking amongst ourselves? (You haven't posted since your OP) :confused:

:daft: :daft:

Don't be silly Angela, of course he isn't. He's still stuck up a mountain! :D :D :D :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

Forgot that (seeing as he has been on the forum generally).

[yourdj]

Bloody Hell Toby! Enjoy your holiday

Don't be silly Angela, of course he isn't. He's still stuck up a mountain! :D :D :D :D

Yes I have been traveling looking at castles on the East coast.
I thought I would take the advice and not post until now.

i have come up with some solutions:

1: raise the laptop above/over the controller with an uberstand or something?
2: aniinflamitory pills one hour before loading and during
3: a gym type back support (and do core strengthening exercises during the week)
4: get a better bed (i was driving around spain and had no issues in the hotels as they have nice hard mattresses).
5: Sod the chiropracter I would rather use common sense. Every-time i have seen one they have not really come up with much and its cost me a fortune. I will have a good sport massage once a week as I had one in Spain and it was really good!
6: drink less coffee and alcohol (well the first one may be possible at least).
7: do some cardio (i am buying a drum kit) - thats the excuse anyway.

Thanks for all the replys!!

This picture below shows the problem perfectly! One foot off the floor and leaning forward.

[ppentertainments]

My main suggestion is to always ensure you arrive at the venue early and have a walk about BEFORE unloading anything. Sitting driving is one of the worst positions for back pain. I have seen a back specialist privately and this piece of advice has probably been the best received. I always allow about half an hour between arriving and unloading. Even just wandering in to the venue to introduce yourself etc helps.

I also try to walk about quite a bit during the night as well - quite hard as normally in a small space but again it does help.

[yourdj]

My main suggestion is to always ensure you arrive at the venue early and have a walk about BEFORE unloading anything. Sitting driving is one of the worst positions for back pain. I have seen a back specialist privately and this piece of advice has probably been the best received. I always allow about half an hour between arriving and unloading. Even just wandering in to the venue to introduce yourself etc helps.

I also try to walk about quite a bit during the night as well - quite hard as normally in a small space but again it does help.

Cheers for that :) I will do that.

I have been sitting and driving for four days and it got better, but I know what you mean. Sleeping and exercise (lack of) I think is my problem mainly in this case and the Djing posture just makes it worse.