Frequent jaw pain when playing tuba

[Cthuba]

Hello Tubenet,

I have been having issues with my jaw when I play the instrument for long periods of time.


Any advice?

[Dan Schultz]

Only if I have not played in a while. I would guess that overuse or underuse could cause problems.

I met a fellow at The Outer Banks Tuba Retreat last year who specializes in musician medical conditions. Here is the link to his You Tube video..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfLmaq1wgPo" target="_blank" target="_blank

Dr. Cox is also well-versed in problems like TMJ and focal dystonia as related to musicians. He's retired now, very approachable, and seems quite willing to help when he can.

[bisontuba]

HI-
While I am certainly no Doctor, have it checked out--could be wisdom teeth, TMJ, etc. If it persists, go to a dentist for X-Rays. If teeth are fine, go to an ENT Doc for possible TMJ problem(s).
mark

[Chriss2760]

What mouthpiece(s) are you using?

[Cthuba]

Pt-88+

I am getting my wisdom teeth taken out in march.

[MartyNeilan]

My guess is you are pushing too hard, especially on the lower half of your mouth.
You could be experiencing the early signs of TMJ.
Just a best guess; you need to consult a local teacher and / or a doctor.

[aqualung]

Most people have a slight overbite. So we slide our jaw forward to line up our teeth when we play a brass instrument.
So we experience muscle fatigue when when play a lot, or not often enough.

[tclements]

DEFINITELY go see a doctor and a dentist. There should be NO pain while playing. Either you are doing something really wrong while you are playing (tenseness, etc) or there is something organically wrong with your mechanism. PLEASE don't wait. It won't get better by itself. You need to adress this immediately so it doesn't worsen and maybe become irreversible. GOOD LUCK!!!

[Rick Denney]

Most people have a slight overbite. So we slide our jaw forward to line up our teeth when we play a brass instrument.
So we experience muscle fatigue when when play a lot, or not often enough.

This is certainly the case with me. I need to alter a couple of leadpipes to allow even contact with my lips or do something about that unwanted protruberance at belt level that is pushing the bottom of the instrument away from me.

Rick "who has this problem particularly after a period of little or no playing" Denney

[Wu299]

I have this problem too, I think its because I push my jaw forward - I have deeper and better tone this way. Any ideas?

[DevilDog-2013]

I have this problem too if I've been playing for long periods of time. And it's worse if I have been playing in the mid-upper range. But its goes away after a break. If it's anything like I have, I would take breaks when ever it gets too bad. And make sure to warm up and down alot. Hope this helps x]

Erica

[JB]

DEFINITELY go see a doctor and a dentist. There should be NO pain while playing. Either you are doing something really wrong while you are playing (tenseness, etc) or there is something organically wrong with your mechanism. PLEASE don't wait. It won't get better by itself. You need to adress this immediately so it doesn't worsen and maybe become irreversible. GOOD LUCK!!!

+1

I agree with Mr Clements.

DEFINITELY go see a doctor AND a dentist. ==> and ensure you tell them that you are a brass playing musician, as there are related & known potential "cause/affect" possibilities. Mention the TMJ possibility, as it is a strong possibility and should be investigated.

Been there, have had students there..., and it is not the kind of thing you want to be trying to solve via the internet. Good luck, and keep us posted.

[Cthuba]

Problem solved, my studio professor pointed out in my lesson that I should play on the mouthpiece with a tilt as oppose to to straight which forced my lower jaw to move forward.