Phil Collins

Earlier this year, startling reports surfaced that Phil Collins had lost the ability to play the drums because of dislocated vertebrae in his neck that required surgery.  Physical Therapist, Dr. Evan Johnson from the Spine Center talks about the unique challenges that musicians and performing artists like Phil Collins face.

As a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Special Section on Performing Arts, Dr. Johnson says, “Musicians and other performing artists have unique needs when it comes to spinal care and rehabilitation. The pursuit of their craft often demands many hours of repetitive motions in difficult postures that may place heavy loads on spinal structures.

After many years of such activities the body is susceptible to breaking down. Working with a physical therapist who has a background in the special needs of performing artists can often help the injured artist find a way to practice and perform while minimizing stress on injured tissues.”

One of the ways they do this at the Spine Center is by carefully evaluating the artist’s posture.  Collins himself reportedly told the Daily Mirror, “My vertebrae have been crushing my spinal cord because of the position I drum in.”  Applying the principles of ergonomics and good posture can go a long way toward preventing or lessening injury.  (To learn more about these principles see the Spine Center’s page on Posture and Workstation Tips.)

Dr. Johnson goes on to say, “At the Spine Center, we have been able to help classical string players with neck injuries (violinists are especially vulnerable to neck injuries), rock drummers with lower back conditions and many professional dancers recover from injuries through prescriptive exercise, manual therapy and neuromuscular reeducation.” (See the Spine Center’s Exercise Videos.  Especially the Sitting Exercises.)

Unfortunately, many artist’s don’t seek help until their symptoms begin to significantly impact their craft. By then, they may be suffering from a condition that requires more than postural correction and physical therapy.  They may require surgery.

This is often the case with a condition called cervical myelopathy, where the nerves in the neck or even the spinal cord itself become increasingly damaged and cause significant weakness in the hands.

Among the many types of surgical treatments for this kind of problem are Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion/Fixation and Artificial Disc Replacement.

Dr. Johnson says, “The chances for minimizing loss of strength and function are greatest when the patient acts quickly in the presence of worsening neurological spinal conditions.”

He also says, “When it comes to something as important as the use of your hands, it is important that patients seek out a highly qualified spine surgeon.”