[Pathologies of the musculo-skeletal system in musicians]

Musculoskeletal problems are very frequent amongst musicians. The most frequent ones are tendinitis, professional cramps and dystonias, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, overuse syndrome and back pain. Preventive measures should included information to students about potential problems, body awareness, good physical condition, proper technique and early management of arising problems. In many cases, musicians consult only at an advance stage of their disease and a prolonged rest of the instrument is then mandatory but not easily accepted.