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AAEM minimonograph #43: neuromuscular problems in the performing arts
1Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio.
Muscle & Nerve
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Playing-related health issues are common in musicians, with musculoskeletal disorders affecting 64%. Early diagnosis and treatment can help most instrumentalists return to pain-free playing.
Area of Science:
- Performing arts medicine
- Musculoskeletal health
- Neurology
Background:
- Growing interest in performing artist health over the last 10-15 years.
- Instrumental musicians face unique playing-related health challenges.
- Understanding these disorders is crucial for maintaining artistic careers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major playing-related disorders in instrumental musicians.
- To identify common diagnoses, their prevalence, and affected demographics.
- To discuss diagnostic methods and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of health problems in 672 instrumentalists.
- Categorization of diagnoses into musculoskeletal, peripheral nerve, and focal dystonia.
- Analysis of demographic data (age, sex) and instrument-specific symptom patterns.
Main Results:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (64%) were most common, followed by peripheral nerve problems (22.5%) and focal dystonia (7%).
- Overuse syndrome was the most frequent musculoskeletal issue; thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ulnar neuropathy were common nerve problems.
- Females comprised 60% of musicians, though males were more prevalent in focal dystonia cases. Average age was 32.
Conclusions:
- Instrumental musicians experience a range of playing-related disorders, primarily musculoskeletal and neurological.
- Electrodiagnostic studies are vital for accurate diagnosis.
- While treatment is effective for many conditions, success rates vary, being lower for focal dystonia.