Here’s an exercise I got from a physician. I’m not sure I can describe it accurately without pictures.
Tuck your chin in as far as you can while hanging your head forward as far as it wants to go. Now, keep your chin tucked while swinging your head slowly to one side as far as you can without straining. Slowly lift your chin so that you’re looking level to the side. At this point, your head should be turned as far as it goes to the side. Hold that posture for a few seconds, then slowly reverse the process and repeat it in the other direction. Don’t force it. You should feel muscles stretching, but not straining. A few rounds of this every day can help relieve and prevent stiffness and pain.
Alot of times neck pain can come from tense shoulders and back, make sure to stretch your arms, back and shoulders and neck before and after playing for long amouns of time. Not only will this help prevent injury but it will help you be more relaxed when you play, which will make you sound better.
Do you use a shoulder rest? In addition, you could try experimenting with different styles of chinrests. Ideally, you should have a position between the two that allows you to play freely and keeps your neck on it's normall vertical and lateral planes. The book "The athletic musician" addresses this as well as other related topics. Good luck!
You express doubt that it comes from fiddle playing. One thing about stiffness that I have learned is that it the source or the crux of the issue is lower down than you think. Check out some yoga. There is a stretch called the cobra, when it is done with other stretches is brilliant for back and neck relief.
Also, it is good to make alternate movements to the ones that you normally make. Try this: web the fingers of both hands together; raise your hands straigth above your head; now look up at your hands. This helps to loosen your shoulders and neck. Do this stretch thoughout the day and it will release tension, especially if you work in the horizontal platform in front of you.
A visit to a chiropracter can also help align the vertebrae properly. However, it doesn't address the cause of the neck problems, posture during playing. Best Wishes.
"Fiddler's Neck"
"Fiddler's Neck"
Anyone know any good exercises to relieve a stiff neck? I think It's from the fiddle as i have been playing more lately.
Any suggestions how I could prevent it?
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by richrua
Re: "Fiddler's Neck"
Here’s an exercise I got from a physician. I’m not sure I can describe it accurately without pictures.
Tuck your chin in as far as you can while hanging your head forward as far as it wants to go. Now, keep your chin tucked while swinging your head slowly to one side as far as you can without straining. Slowly lift your chin so that you’re looking level to the side. At this point, your head should be turned as far as it goes to the side. Hold that posture for a few seconds, then slowly reverse the process and repeat it in the other direction. Don’t force it. You should feel muscles stretching, but not straining. A few rounds of this every day can help relieve and prevent stiffness and pain.
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by Bob himself
Re: "Fiddler's Neck"
Alot of times neck pain can come from tense shoulders and back, make sure to stretch your arms, back and shoulders and neck before and after playing for long amouns of time. Not only will this help prevent injury but it will help you be more relaxed when you play, which will make you sound better.
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by banana512
Re: "Fiddler's Neck"
Do you use a shoulder rest? In addition, you could try experimenting with different styles of chinrests. Ideally, you should have a position between the two that allows you to play freely and keeps your neck on it's normall vertical and lateral planes. The book "The athletic musician" addresses this as well as other related topics. Good luck!
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by meemtp
Re: "Fiddler's Neck"
In addition to this advice, I've got some stuff on my site relating to this :
http://www.worldfiddlemusic.co.uk/ , under 'general good form'.
Hope it helps.
Jim
# Posted on March 5th 2005 by Worldfiddler
Re: "Fiddler's Neck"
You express doubt that it comes from fiddle playing. One thing about stiffness that I have learned is that it the source or the crux of the issue is lower down than you think. Check out some yoga. There is a stretch called the cobra, when it is done with other stretches is brilliant for back and neck relief.
Also, it is good to make alternate movements to the ones that you normally make. Try this: web the fingers of both hands together; raise your hands straigth above your head; now look up at your hands. This helps to loosen your shoulders and neck. Do this stretch thoughout the day and it will release tension, especially if you work in the horizontal platform in front of you.
# Posted on March 5th 2005 by Jode
Re: "Fiddler's Neck"
I think that the best id to learn Alexander's Technique. It really helped me!!!! Look at: http://www.alexandertechniqueconsultants.com/atfm/achievement.html for example to look what is it.
# Posted on March 5th 2005 by anaís
Re: "Fiddler's Neck"
A visit to a chiropracter can also help align the vertebrae properly. However, it doesn't address the cause of the neck problems, posture during playing. Best Wishes.
# Posted on March 5th 2005 by CeolCairdeas