Anyone here use a back brace while playing guitar?

[Vics53]

I'm one of the old guys here (71) and need some help. Long story short, I injured my back at work way back in '96. Went to physical therapy for 3 months to help straighten me out and have been fine for years with a few flare ups here and there.

One thing that's getting harder to do is standing for semi-long periods while playing guitar. I get a lot of pressure in my lower back which extends to some degree to the right. It doesn't flatten me out for the count but it starts getting a bit stiff and painful after a while.

I do have a back brace but it's old and I'm sure there's some newer ones out there that could be of a huge help. Any recommendations?

FWIW, I'm not overweight (165 lbs) and I'm on my treadmill for a few miles at a time at least 5 days a week. I do other exercises as well including core strengthening. So it's not like I'm sitting around all day and as long as I'm moving I'm fine. But standing still especially with a guitar strapped on is getting rather cumbersome.

Thanks gang!

 

[Tollywood]

Matt Heafy from Trivium wears two straps, one over each shoulder. Maybe that would help you?

I'm having trouble posting a picture but I’ll keep trying. It’s not giving me the option to add one the usual way.

 

[Tollywood]

https://images.app.goo.gl/ZhwciGQXf16tTjLK9

 

[Vics53]

Never saw that kind of a strap system before but it might be a possibility. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Tollywood]

Never saw that kind of a strap system before but it might be a possibility. Thanks for the suggestion!

You’re welcome. It looks like something he rigged up himself. I’ve been considering doing the same thing. I’m 55 but I’m starting to notice the weight of a ten pound Les Paul more than I used to.

 

[dwagar]

When you find something that works, please let us other old guys know.

I have a Quiklok Musicians chair on stage so I can sit when I have to, and I have to forgo any of my guitars that are over 7 pounds at a gig.

 

[jb_abides]

Not sure how you move or how high you wear the geet but a wider strap e.g. 3" that distributes weight is the first step... then, a neoprene strap or equivalent that 'gives' is crucial.

If you stand and don't stride around too much... instead of a back brace, consider a standing chair for support to transfer weight.

Some models you can grab with one hand and reposition fairly easily, while others pivot and swivel on a sturdy base.

 

[Vics53]

You’re welcome. It looks like something he rigged up himself. I’ve been considering doing the same thing. I’m 55 but I’m starting to notice the weight of a ten pound Les Paul more than I used to.

The odd thing is, I was standing while playing my SG and within 15 minutes I had to take 2 Aleve's and put my old back brace on! Must have been one of my off days for that to happen. Last week I was standing and playing my LP for about half an hour with no problem. Getting old sucks!

Later on today I'm going to do some looking online to see what brace might be best for me. I will let you know if I find something.

Thanks again!

 

[c_wester]

I am not a medical Doctor but buy a light SG.
I have hade some killer ones that were around or under 3 kilos.

There is all the tone you want out there under 3 kilos.
And a use a widestrap.

Take care of that back!

 

[Vics53]

I am not a medical Doctor but buy a light SG.
I have hade some killer ones that were around or under 3 kilos.

There is all the tone you want out there under 3 kilos.
And a use a widestrap.

Take care of that back!

Perhaps you overlooked it, but I was using my SG! Actually it's my Epiphone SG Pro I was using. My dream Gibson SG Special is in for a bit of work right now. Should have it back sometimes this coming week. (Can't wait!!). As far as a strap I am using a 3" wide leather strap.

My back is rather pissed right now. Just got back in from shoveling snow before the next round comes in tonight. (Hey, someone's gotta do it!).
Had my back brace on and just did little bit's at a time. I'm not in agony but it's just enough to annoy me. Got songs for church I'm gonna get back on now, but no more standing today with the guitar strapped on. Chair time!

 

[c_wester]

Perhaps you overlooked it, but I was using my SG! Actually it's my Epiphone SG Pro I was using. My dream Gibson SG Special is in for a bit of work right now. Should have it back sometimes this coming week. (Can't wait!!). As far as a strap I am using a 3" wide leather strap.

My back is rather pissed right now. Just got back in from shoveling snow before the next round comes in tonight. (Hey, someone's gotta do it!).
Had my back brace on and just did little bit's at a time. I'm not in agony but it's just enough to annoy me. Got songs for church I'm gonna get back on now, but no more standing today with the guitar strapped on. Chair time!

You are correct I missed you already played a lighter guitar.

 

[deytookerjaabs]

What about just a performance stand?

 

[gibboboy]

How about one of these, waist strap

Leather Hip Strap Guitar or Bass Strap

Remove the heavy shoulder weight of your guitar or bass with this leather ergonomic guitar strap that removes all of the weight off of your shoulder. Click here to learn more!

slingerstraps.com

Or a two shoulder strap

Harness Strap | Double Guitar or Bass Strap

An ergonomic guitar strap that reduces and balances the weight of your heavy guitar or bass between both shoulders to help calm the shoulder, neck and back pain a traditional guitar strap can cause. Click here to learn more!

slingerstraps.com

 

[Vics53]

What about just a performance stand?

Don't know if I'd want to go that route but I do appreciated the suggestion. Thank you!

 

[Vics53]

Not sure how you move or how high you wear the geet but a wider strap e.g. 3" that distributes weight is the first step... then, a neoprene strap or equivalent that 'gives' is crucial.

If you stand and don't stride around too much... instead of a back brace, consider a standing chair for support to transfer weight.

Some models you can grab with one hand and reposition fairly easily, while others pivot and swivel on a sturdy base.

That's interesting! Offhand I can see the benefit of something like that. Thank you!

 

[Vics53]

How about one of these, waist strap

Leather Hip Strap Guitar or Bass Strap

Remove the heavy shoulder weight of your guitar or bass with this leather ergonomic guitar strap that removes all of the weight off of your shoulder. Click here to learn more!

slingerstraps.com

Or a two shoulder strap

Harness Strap | Double Guitar or Bass Strap

An ergonomic guitar strap that reduces and balances the weight of your heavy guitar or bass between both shoulders to help calm the shoulder, neck and back pain a traditional guitar strap can cause. Click here to learn more!

slingerstraps.com

That two shoulder strap looks useful! I'll have to investigate that one. Thank you!

 

[jb_abides]

What about just a performance stand?

 

[Dave P]

I broke my back in 1995, so I get it. Between long term residual pain from that , as well as osteoarthritis that has spread everywhere, I highly doubt I could play 3 sets now. I can barely stand in one place for a half hour without a guitar. I had to turn down an offer recently from a good friend who wanted me to do gigs with him. Hope you can find something that will give you relief.