DunnDrum Says Re: Any drummers here that have had cervical fusion?

Submitted On: Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 - 10:00 PM

I had 4 vertibrae fused in my lower lumbar on Aug.1 2007. I was off from work for 3 months. The last thing I wanted to think about was whether I'd be able to play again. When I finally get up the nerve to sit behind my kit like 6 months later it felt great, I think that was a huge boost in my recovery. I have been actively playing for a year now, feeling better than ever. Even after loading in and out.

Good luck Chris, stay strong.

cb122 Says Thanks Guys!

Submitted On: Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 - 10:09 PM

I am on my way to getting better

After a small setback with my back (lumbar area) I have finally got to play my set.

My 6 year old took this picture of her daddy looking for his groove.

cb122 Says Re: Any drummers here that have had cervical fusion?

Submitted On: Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 - 10:06 PM

I would say I am trying to find my groove and take it easy. Now I need to barter with someone for a presonus fire box for a website. lol

cb122 Says Re: Any drummers here that have had cervical fusion?

Submitted On: Monday, Mar 1, 2010 - 11:25 PM

Well An update.

I went and played a few sets this weekend and found that I am still able to play after the fusion. Here it is almost 3 months and I was able to play for about 20 mins.

and on top of that I have ordered a new DTXpressIV kit.

Heres to getting my groove back!!

cb122 Says Re: Any drummers here that have had cervical fusion?

Submitted On: Thursday, Feb 18, 2010 - 11:13 PM

Well I have good days and bad days, I may be getting a set soon so I will get to see just how bad it is. I know that I have no energy anymore. I am hoping that will change when I get to doing things. All I do now is work and rest.

cowboyplayindrummer Says Re: Any drummers here that have had cervical fusion?

Submitted On: Thursday, Feb 18, 2010 - 10:23 PM

I have rheumatoid arthritis and a vitamin B-12 defiencency that causes some problems with my upper extremities. I get cortisone injections but they seem useless. I have seen more than 20+ specialists in different medical disciplines and they still well after 5 years cannot come to a single, agreeable conclusion as to my health status. So I certainly sympathize. I can still play but not with the constitution I used to. I can probably play 3/4 of a 4 hour show

drummer3934 Says Chris, I recentely had a

Submitted On: Thursday, Feb 18, 2010 - 2:43 PM

Chris, I recentely had a fusion in my lower back. I have to avoid bending and twisting for about 4 months. This experience caused me to re-think my setup. I completely changed the way my drums are setup to avoid all twisting and other uncomfortable movements. I posted the experience under "Ergonomic Drumset Configuration." There, you will see pics of the new setup. In short, I moved my remote hihat to the twelve o'clock position of the snare, which split my rack toms from my floor toms. As a resul, I can hit every drum and cymbal without moving my elbows away from my sides. Check out the pics and tell me what you think.

drummer3934 Says Re: Any drummers here that have had cervical fusion?

Submitted On: Thursday, Feb 18, 2010 - 2:42 PM

Chris, I recentely had a fusion in my lower back. I have to avoid bending and twisting for about 4 months. This experience caused me to re-think my setup. I completely changed the way my drums are setup to avoid all twisting and other uncomfortable movements. I posted the experience under "Ergonomic Drumset Configuration." There, you will see pics of the new setup. In short, I moved my remote hihat to the twelve o'clock position of the snare, which split my rack toms from my floor toms. As a resul, I can hit every drum and cymbal without moving my elbows away from my sides. Check out the pics and tell me what you think.

drumfreak Says Re: Any drummers here that have had cervical fusion?

Submitted On: Saturday, Jan 30, 2010 - 4:48 PM

How did it turn out? You ok from this?

Jason_ Says Re: Any drummers here that have had cervical fusion?

Submitted On: Sunday, Dec 20, 2009 - 10:02 AM

Should be another week or so and you'll be going out more. Sorry to hear the numbness is still there, I hope it is do to swelling as well. Does it subside with anti-inflammatories? And remember, when it's all said and done you'll be ready to go again and with so many fresh new ideas, it may take you months to go through them all. Even down time can make you a better drummer. Take it easy and listen to your Doc. I hope the time passes quickly for you.

King Says Re: Any drummers here that have had cervical fusion?

Submitted On: Tuesday, Dec 8, 2009 - 9:38 AM

WOW! That can't be fun. Take care of yourself and you'll be in my prayers. o more headbanging for a while though. Take it easy during the recovery process.

Jason_ Says Re: Any drummers here that have had cervical fusion?

Submitted On: Saturday, Dec 5, 2009 - 12:19 PM

I've never had it done, but did work in a health care clinic that had TONS of C-fuse patients. The answer is, it all depends on you. Some patients would take up to 8 weeks to fully recover, while others were living their normal lives in a matter of 2-3 weeks. Now since playing the drums is what's in question, I would say hold off on really hitting them until you POSITIVELY are 100%. You cannot rush this healing process and 1 boo boo can cost you all your progress. I will not lie to you. It IS going to be rough, but in the end. Your arms won't be falling asleep on you anymore. The feeling of constant fatigue in your shoulders and arms will be relieved, and no more local pain neither. Listen to your DR. and do what he says. TAKE IT EASY and you'll be back before you know it, and probably with killer new ideas you had brewing the whole time. Hope this hlps and keep us up to date.