Schmerz. 1991 Dec;5(4):202-7.
[The artist as a pain patient. An investigation on pain in the musculoskeletal system in musicians and their expectations regarding pain therapy.]
Wehling P, Molsberger A, Klein J.
Forschungsgruppe Neuroorthopädie Orthopädische Klinik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, W-4000, Düsseldorf 1, Bundesrepublik Deutschland.
74 pop/rock/jazz musicians and 100 classical musicians were investigated by means of a specially designed questionnaire. Several social, musical, pain-, and health-related questions were asked. Pain of the musculoskeletal system was the main complaint of musicians in both group (75% classical; 64% rock-pop-jazz). Classical musicians suffer most from neck pain (35%) and the other group mostly from shoulder pain (30%). Specific instruments showed specific muscolosceletal pain patterns. 55% of the musicians in the classical field were treated by an orthopedic surgeon, whereas 43% of rock-pop-jazz musicians chose no therapy, although they suffered from pain. Only 32% of the classical musicians showed good compliance; 64% believe that medical therapy is not adjusted to the needs of musicians. 98% of the classical musicians and 89% of rock-pop-jazz musicians wish to have a doctor who is specially trained to deal with the needs of musicians.