The human neuromusculoskeletal system is comprised of the nervous system, the muscular
system, and the skeletal system. Together, these systems support the body鈥檚 physical
structure and enable movement. Good health and healthy behaviors are important to
all musicians, regardless of instrument and area of specialization. A basic understanding
of vocal health is essential for all musicians, as all musicians use their voice in
speaking, and many are considered professional voice users in their roles as conductors,
coaches, teachers, etc.
The various neuromusculoskeletal and vocal disorders that affect musicians have many
varied contributing factors. Some may be genetic in nature or result from an infection.
Others may be the result of trauma or injury. Still others are related to certain
behaviors, either in isolation or those that are repeated over time.
Musicians coping with or developing certain neuromusculoskeletal conditions, complications,
or disorders may find that they have a negative impact on their ability to play, sing,
and practice music. Preventative measures need to be taken by individual musicians
and institutions where musicians study and work.
There are several factors that put musicians at a higher risk for injury: Rest (days
off) is relatively rare, and practice routines are often physically demanding and
time-intensive. Decisions about practice and performance play an important part in
the neuromusculoskeletal health of musicians, but numerous factors contribute to an
individual鈥檚 neuromusculoskeletal fitness.
The causes and contributing factors of neuromusculoskeletal disorders vary, but they
generally fall into the one of the following categories: (1) genetic or related to
a pre-existing medical condition, (2) trauma鈥 or injury-related, (3) behavior-related.
Common symptoms of neuromusculoskeletal disorders include pain, stiffness, aching,
throbbing, cramping, and muscle weakness. Some symptoms or disorders may be permanent,
while others may be temporary. Those disorders that are temporary may respond well
to rest and/or behavior modification. Sustained behavior modification may lead to
the elimination or reduction of certain symptoms or disorders.
Overuse, Misuse and Abuse
The human body has certain physical limits. Exceeding these limits can often lead
to injury. In the arts-medicine arena, overuse is defined as a practice or activity
in which anatomically normal structures are used in a so-called normal manner, but
to a degree that has exceeds their biological limits. Such overuse produces certain
physical changes, often accompanied by corresponding symptoms or complaints. The degree
of excessive activity needed to produce these results varies from person to person
and seems to be related to a person鈥檚 individual anatomy and physiology.
Misuse is defined as a practice in which anatomically normal structures are used in
an abnormal manner and/or to an excessive degree, sufficient to produce specific symptoms.
Such improper use of these structures places certain bodily structures under stress.
Abuse should be considered as a causative or contributing factor when an activity
is performed not only excessively (overuse) or improperly (misuse), but also in a
conscious, willful manner. Such self-imposed abuse often produces deleterious physical
effects. Under certain circumstances, both overuse and misuse can turn into abuse.
A common example of abuse is 鈥減laying through the pain.鈥 This abuse involves persisting
in long intervals of practice or performance in the face of pain without appropriate
rest breaks or activity modification. Some examples of vocal abuse in singers include
repeated instances of singing too loudly or singing out of range. Abuse may also be
the use of dangerous substances. Pain serves an important psychological function by
letting one know there is something wrong. Ignoring or masking the pain with analgesics
(Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.) does not eliminate the problem, and can actually make the
situation worse by taking away important indicators.
Genetic Factors
Hypermobility
For instrumentalists, the most common genetic factor influencing behavior-related
neuromusculoskeletal disorders is hypermobility. It is also known as joint hyperlaxity
or the trait of being 鈥渄ouble jointed.鈥 Such instability of certain joints may predispose
an individual to muscle pain syndromes and/or tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon.
Hypermobile joints possess a greater than normal range of motion. Individuals with
hypermobile joints have the tendency to compensate for the instability of the joint
by using more muscle tension when completing movements or tasks involving the joint.
While this extra muscle tension allows for better control over certain movements,
such tension can actually increase one鈥檚 risk of damaging or straining a muscle. Individuals
with hypermobile joints are generally advised to monitor and actively reduce the amount
of tension that they carry in their muscles. Specific strengthening exercises can
also help, and in some instances, people with hypermobile joints may be well served
by external methods of joint support, such as small ring splints or tape.
Intrinsic Factors
Certain intrinsic factors, such as a person鈥檚 specific anatomy (height, hand size,
lung capacity, joint hypermobility, vocal range/tessitura/timbre, etc.) cannot be
modified. It is important to take one鈥檚 anatomy into account when developing technique.
Other intrinsic factors, such as stress/psychological health and motivation/effort
can be modified. Musicians, like anyone else, are more susceptible to injuries, pain,
etc. when under stress and/or depressed. Many of the neuromusculoskeletal problems
for which musicians are at risk can, if they become chronic, contribute to a situation
that may lead to depression. It is important for musicians to recognize the importance
of their psychological health as a part of their overall physical health. Improving
one鈥檚 muscle strength and endurance depends on motivation and consistent effort. Exercise
and conditioning are important. In some instances, musicians may need to seek expert
guidance from a physical therapist, vocal coach, or other specialist.
Extrinsic Factors
Extrinsic factors that may not be changed include assigned musical repertoire, venue,
and instrument. Extrinsic factors within one鈥檚 control include time spent playing
or singing (practice time, frequency and nature of rest during practice sessions,
practice time related to building stamina, and approach to practice for technically
demanding passages) and non-related music activities (e.g. fitness activities that
can place excessive demands on the neuromusculoskeletal system, loud social events,
physical or vocally demanding places of employment, etc).
For more on neuromusculoskeletal issues affecting the body (muscle pain, Neuropathis,
and Dystonia), please see the document from NASM, p. II-14.
Special Considerations for Marching Band*
Marching music is an important part of many colleges and universities. The marching
musician must not only be able to play an instrument at a high level of skill, but
do it while moving along a street or across an athletic field, often at rapid rates
and with irregular movement patterns. Additional physical capabilities are necessary
for this to be accomplished without danger. Marching musicians require high levels
of physical conditioning, strength, and endurance; they must be in good general health
and physically fit.
Additionally, training in marching music produces an additional litany of activity-related
physical disorders that must be considered in any school鈥檚 health program. Problems
unique to marching music include lower extremity injuries such as sprained ankles,
toe contusions and knee strains. Carrying heavy instruments places a great physical
demand on the neck, torso, lower back and legs. Training usually occurs outside during
the summer, sometimes in high heat and high humidity. Sunburn and dehydration can
occur all too easily in the absence of preventative measures. Finally, marching units
are usually much larger than most indoor ensembles, and their sound levels often exceed
recommended levels, especially during long rehearsals. Times of rest and rehydration
are vital for marching units.
Neuromusculoskeletal Issues Affecting the Voice
Phonatory Instability
Phonation is the process by which air pressure generated by the lungs is converted
into audible vibrations. Phonation (audible speaking or singing) occurs when air from
the lungs passes through the vocal folds, which are located at the base of the larynx,
causing them to vibrate. Production of a tonal, pleasant voice with smooth changes
in loudness and pitch depends upon the symmetrical shape and movement of the vocal
folds. Phonatory instability occurs when there is asymmetrical or irregular motion
of the vocal folds that is superimposed on the vocal fold vibration. Phonatory instability
often manifests itself as an unsteadiness, hoarseness, or roughness of voice. The
condition can be short or long term. Short-term causes of phonatory instability include
fatigue, certain medications, drug use, and anxiety. These problems tend to resolve
rapidly with removal of the cause, but remain if the causative agent fails to be eliminated.
Over-the-counter allergy medications, antidepressants, and high-caffeine drinks, which
stimulate the nervous system, can cause vocal tremors, a form of phonatory instability.
Vocal Strain and Vocal Fold Injury
Misuse or overuse of the voice, whether by singing or speaking, can produce vocal
strain or injury. Voice misuse includes, but is not limited to: speaking/singing at
the extremes of the vocal range, speaking/singing at extreme dynamic levels (both
soft and loud), attempting repertoire that is beyond the individual鈥檚 stage of vocal
maturity and development, and improper technique, especially as it relates to certain
vocal styles such as belting. Prolonged misuse and overuse can lead to vocal fold
injury and may require specialized treatment and rehabilitation.