When someone describes dangerous jobs, the first thoughts that come to mind are construction workers, mechanics, or maybe a welder. No one ever really thinks about how painful the music industry can be. When we go to a concert, we enjoy the music, the lights, and the performance of the band. We don't often realize what musicians go through to put on such a great show. Musicians put their heart and soul into their performance on the stage, and no matter their position, that means injuries are bound to happen. The longer a musician continues to perform, the worse those injuries might get.
Being on the stage might look like an easy job, but musicians have to be in great physical condition to put on an energetic show. Long hours of practice and unpredictable hours can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. Cuts and bruises from moving heavy equipment can cause minor aches and pains, but dehydration is a bigger hazard. Musicians burn a lot of energy and sweat out a lot of their fluids. Dehydration can lead to cramps and illness. Many musicians take supplements like Potassium to prevent the effects of hydration like cramps. More serious injuries can occur over a long period of time. When first learning to play, guitarists have to toughen the skin on their fingertips. Until they develop callouses, they often get blisters and bruises. Because of the constant movement and strain on their hands, they also often suffer from arthritis after years of playing. Drummers will experience sore muscles and wrist strain when first learning to play. After years in a band, drummers may develop carpal tunnel syndrome from the constant repetitive motion of drumming. Vocalists have to take better care of themselves throughout their careers. When a vocalist gets sick with a cold or the flu, the show can't go on. Vocalists may experience long term voice strain and increased throat related illnesses due to the long periods of voice strain they subject themselves to.
Being on the stage might look like an easy job, but musicians have to be in great physical condition to put on an energetic show. Long hours of practice and unpredictable hours can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. Cuts and bruises from moving heavy equipment can cause minor aches and pains, but dehydration is a bigger hazard. Musicians burn a lot of energy and sweat out a lot of their fluids. Dehydration can lead to cramps and illness. Many musicians take supplements like Potassium to prevent the effects of hydration like cramps. More serious injuries can occur over a long period of time. When first learning to play, guitarists have to toughen the skin on their fingertips. Until they develop callouses, they often get blisters and bruises. Because of the constant movement and strain on their hands, they also often suffer from arthritis after years of playing. Drummers will experience sore muscles and wrist strain when first learning to play. After years in a band, drummers may develop carpal tunnel syndrome from the constant repetitive motion of drumming. Vocalists have to take better care of themselves throughout their careers. When a vocalist gets sick with a cold or the flu, the show can't go on. Vocalists may experience long term voice strain and increased throat related illnesses due to the long periods of voice strain they subject themselves to.
Not all career related injuries for musicians can be avoided, but musicians should take some precautions to stay in the best health possible. Getting plenty of rest before a show will help avoid fatigue and exhaustion. Try to load vans and do any other heavy preparations the day before the show so the day of the show can be dedicated to rest. Drink a lot of water the day before and the day of each show. Musicians will lose a lot of fluids during the performance, so pre-hydrating will help avoid cramps and keep bodies functioning optimally. Just like any athlete, musicians need to stretch before a performance. If musicians make stretching a habit before performances and practice, their muscles will be better prepared, and they may help avoid some of the ailments listed above.
Musicians sacrifice a lot more than just their time and energy to provide our entertainment. Many musicians experience pain of some sort every time they perform. Taking proper precautions will help alleviate some of the pain, but some amount of pain just can't be avoided. Next time you go to a concert, or listen to the radio, take a minute to consider what that musician is putting their body through to give you a good show.
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