I have recently been diagnosed with this condition. I play a number of instruments but am finding that playing the piano causes me the most pain, mostly in my neck and shoulders. I limit my practise periods to half an hour and try to sit with my head held high and my shoulders relaxed. Has anyone got any advice for me?

Alexander technique might help, since that is aimed at getting back to a relaxed posture with a free neck.

Chris

Thanks. I have enrolled on a one day course in Alexander Technique at The City Lit (London) on 16th July.

My brother suffers from a form of spondylitis - anchilising, I think. It mainly affects his knees and hips and he has been advised to exercise.

I had something similar affecting my neck, shoulders and arms. I was in agony for weeks. I tried Alexander but it didn't help much. Then, oddly enough, I shook hands with one of my daughter's teachers. He has a vice like grip and I thought I was going to faint but a few hours later I felt something twang across my shoulders and I had no more pain so I wonder if the source of your problem is in your hands.

That's interesting. I am seeing an osteopath next week and I will ask him. I'll report back!

Ouch, poor you.
I hope your appointment goes well. If it's not a success then I know a fantastic osteopath - who specialises in musicians and the problems encountered either because of playing/singing posture or the playing/singing problems that come out of posture/alignment problems. He's in the South West, but also does some work in London. Where are you based? PM me if you would like his details.
Good luck with it.

How are you getting on? Any improvement?

My brother-in-law has had ankylosing spondylitis fir some years in his back. He tried all sorts, but generally is well controlled with his medication, justs get the odd bad twinge which last a couple of days and then recovers

Thanks for asking!
After three sessions at the osteopath (massage,manipulation etc etc) I am now much better. A massage once a month or so should keep me almost free from pain. I now need to sort out my posture which should be improved after the Alexander Technique course on 16th July.

I'll report back after I have been

I'm glad it is working out for you.

I have lost count of the number of young musicians I have been told about recently who have had to stop playing for a while because of RSI and other painful conditions. I wish more teachers would take this into account.

A wise observation, Mazie. Young teachers are sometimes advised not to teach beginners whan they first start out and partly for this very reason. If bad habits are not spotted and are allowed to develop they can create long term physical problems. Posture and relaxation are so important whether playing an instrument or singing.