Back pain is two words that can make you recoil as a performer in the entertainment industry. There are a variety of reasons performers and entertainers suffer back pain and injury, especially in the adult industries. Arguably, the most serious issue for adult entertainers is lower back pain caused by performance routines and repetitive movements, these movements performed can cause muscle strain and lead to back complaints.
In adult entertainment, whether it be exotic dance, stripping, motion pictures or pole dancing back pain is a common thing. This is why it is very important to understand the cause, ways to recover and most importantly, preventative measures.
Estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics during 2017 – 2018 National Health estimated that approximately 16% of Australia’s population have back problems, (that’s around 4 million people) and 70 – 90% of Australians will suffer from lower back pain in some form at some time in their lives.
How does back pain affect you as a performer in the entertainment industry?
As an adult entertainer that falls within the Australian statistic of 16% of the population suffering and living with chronic back pain, the experience can be debilitating. Some people may not categorise the adult entertainment industry as one of manual labour, but the back pain experienced as a result of performing can be crippling. The more stiffness you experience, the more you are limited with your movement, and the lower the quality of work you can perform. For many entertainers and performers back pain and injury result directly in time off of work and a lower, if not complete loss of income.
What are the common causes of back pain in performing?
Over the years the adult entertainment industry has become a highly participated occupation with its own unique set of injuries, thanks to the launch of platforms such as Only Fans, the expansion of male and female revue shows and the demand for topless waiters and entertainers at events. Pole dancing has also become a big movement for both men and women, in the form of entertainment and fitness. Chiropractors across the country are seeing more and more dancers and entertainers in clinics, primarily for lower back complaints.
Some of the most common causes of lower back injuries in performers are.
- Inexperience
- Poor fitness
- Incorrect form
- Fatigue
- Age
- Genetics
- Frequency in performances
- Overexertion
- Performance duration
- Equipment used (Such as high heels)
- Repetitive movements
- Heavy lifting
- Environment
Again, each sector of the adult industry’s performance categories will carry its own very unique set of causes when it comes to back pain. Back pain can present itself as a form of minor discomfort to debilitating pain. Whatever the cause may be, back pain can limit your movement and prevent you from performing. For a tailored chiropractic care plan book a consultation with Toorak Chiropractor.
How to prevent back pain and injury when performing?
There are some simple steps you can take to avoid and prevent back pain as a performer at work and at rehearsals. Here are our top tips when it comes to preventing back injuries at work.
- Always lift properly.
For many adult entertainers, lifting is all part of the gig! You could be lifting yourself up as a pole dancer, it could be lifting another person as a male stripper, or you could be lifting props or other objects that also bear significant weight. No matter what the case is when lifting a heavy object, always make sure you are doing it using the correct technique. This means the correct loading of the spine, lifting safely will protect your spine.
Get close, bend at the knees, engage your core and use your leg muscles to support your body as you stand up. Avoid twisting when you are lifting and do your best to maintain the natural curve of your back. The correct lifting technique is generally taught to us as young children, as part of our strength and fitness training in physical education at school.
- Stretching.
A regular stretch routine and stretching before or after performing helps protect your back against injuries and pain by increasing your range of motion, also increasing joint nutrition and lubrication. Stretching will also release and reduce tension in the muscles that support your spine.
- Maintaining Spinal Hygiene.
Maintaining spinal hygiene prevents performing injuries. Spinal hygiene is important for performers to maintain, it ensures you have free movement and optimal range of motion. You can do this by keeping the structures around your spine healthy and strong through fitness, exercise and a balanced diet. Regular check-ups and spinal adjustments by a chiropractor ensure correct joint health and loading is occurring.
Chiropractic care for entertainers is the perfect, long-lasting solution.
Taking medications, have its place in alleviating injury and superficial pain temporarily. Toorak Chiropractor will find the underlying cause of your performance injury, whether it be back, wrist, neck, hips, pelvis, ankles, knees or even toes! Pain does not have to be a part of your performance, a tailored, drug-free, chiropractic care plan with regular assessments can protect muscles and tissue before a painful injury develops. Helping you spend more time on the stage and less time in clinics.
