Certified Massage Therapist here. I just wanted to say everything you're saying is spot on, especially with impinged nerves and weak glutes, Arthritis in joints that deteriorate the muscle, back pain and herniated disk in the lumbar sacral region. I am also an artist at heart, and artist are always at risk of being injured through repetitive movement and terrible back posture. When I do deep tissue on my clients that sit at a desk all day their glutes are on FIRE. Their hamstrings are tight, their calves are tight, their tibialis anterior (front of lef muscles) are rock solid and its just really sad. There are several nerve that get impinge when you're drawing, the median nerves (responsible for carpal tunnel syndrome) the radial and ulnar nerve. These run up your arm flexor and some artist put pressure on these nerves when they draw. I highly believe artist need a capable massage therapist they can go to in order to sustain their life. NOT a spa. They don't care of fixing problems, but a sports massage therapist that understands the body. Artist life is lonely and sedentary, but your body will not last if you don't maintain it. I call it getting maintenance work. If anything, weekly stretching and movement will be beneficial for artist if they can't afford a massage therapist. Investing in a professional MT gun will do wonders, getting a tennis ball and lying on it for trigger points in the back will be effective, and getting glute work done. I can't tell you how many clients are shocked when their lower back pain is fixed just by glute work! Releasing the hip flexor and pelvic muscles (psoas) will do WONDERS! Artist have to strengthen the muscles they take for granted because the body will take advantage of the lack of blood flow and circulation by keeping you stuck in bad posture. Anyways, just my two cents since everything you mentioned I've helped people alleviate and work on. Hope artist actually consider massage therapy treatment. No, not those Chinese parlos (they're not actually licensed) a real MT with training. Find one you like and stick with them. It did wonders for me as artist who became a massage therapist. Fantastic video Adam!!! 👏
Well Queen, it’s very reassuring and validating that you’re standing behind my advice And you touched on many important areas that I’m also very passionate about. For instance, I made a hugely important discovery while watching PT videos at the gym (while working my glutes ironically), with relation to SI joint pain And it’s something I’ve already made steps to address - the FEET I learned WHY we get lateral tibialis anterior soreness, along with medial knee and gluteus medius soreness, leading to SI joint pain - it’s all related to over-pronation of the foot It makes total sense but I never put the puzzle together - I get localized soreness at every one of those points - which (until now) was relieved by glute med strengthening, almost right away My new pair of barefoot shoes are arriving in the mail tomorrow. I’m more of an advocate for muscle strengthening over orthopedics (although I’m not against orthopedics if necessary) I just want my body support itself before exploring other options I love how neglecting my calves led to SI joint issues - that cross-crossing kinetic chain through different articulation points - FASCINATING stuff!! I’m going on here Queen but yeah, thank you for supporting my video. I’m pinning it on top to help reassure everyone else :)
This is a great reply! I was wondering if I could get your opinion on laying on a spiky massage ball? Think tennis ball size, but stiffer plastic with sharp points. I have a spot just below my left shoulder blade that acts up, but this helps.
Should also make sure no cancer wrapped around a recurring pain spot not always a traditional pinched nerve. Lost a dear friend, misdiagnosed for 4 years, couldn’t get all of cancer because its tentacles around blood vessels not just nerves. In her case, some doctors thought sciatica and weight problem.
@@AdamDuffArtThanks for responding Adam! Absolutely, the kinetic chain connects everything. Crazy how a small SI joint can lead to pain in the feet, but it does! Flat feet also seem to irritate it so I'm glad you bought some barefoot shoes! They have great support and help realign the feet in a healthier way, hopefully that can help relieve some of that pressure from your lower back. You mentioned the calves, I remember I had a client who was this bodybuilder and he told me he had issues with his hamstrings. So I did an assessment and the issues was actually his calves which he couldn't believe. Did some trigger point of the calves and mobilization and he was shocked I didn't even touch his hamstrings lol. They became jelly because they were overcompensating because the calves were so tight,, so they turned off. Worjing that gastroc and soles muscles will make you feel like you have a new leg lol anyways it was great to geek out with you Adam. So happy you're physically doing better and have a passion of sharing this information to help artist. 👏 I'll always be watching and cheering for you!
@@HellbornPhoenixSure thing. I think spikey ball is actually a pretty good tool to use for those trigger points in your back. I would actually transition btw that and a tennis balls. The spiky ball can help get in smaller areas and the tennis ball can give that pressure you need for your muscle to relax. Under the shoulder blade can be the teres major or minor and lats. Be sure to focus on your rotator cuff muscles (infraspinatus) for relief. A good method I tell my clients when they need a release is: use a ball, lay on the sensitive area, sink into it slowly, deep breathes. Then sit there. Muscles need patience and pressure to release. Eventually you'll feel your body start to move on its own (like you're sliding) thats a good sign its releasing. Just let it do that motion then move onto another part. After that do some light shoulder stretched and you should feel better 😊
before the start of the vid, i just wanna say, going to the gym regularly was the best thing i did for myself as an artist who is sitting at home 24/7 . not only my body started to look better, my mind has improved exponentially. Deadlifting and squats helped me with my back pains, and doing bicep reps helps me manage my wrist pains too
Absolutely based. Your older video on this topic (when you were talking about your old career and how you sat all the time and had lower back issues) was what led me to work out. I also had lower back problems from sitting a lot. Now I'm in much better shape and use my own body for muscle reference. Thanks Adam! A lot more artists need to take care of themselves.
I'm so glad an a artist finally did this. I've been dealing with back, neck and shoulder pain since forever. Eventually the back pain got so bad that i started looking into flexibility and exercise and I've been working out for over 7 years years now. Best decision ever. Never gonna stop taking care of my body. I had neglected it for so long before that. Had a bout of sciatic pain too. And when you said that its a pain in the ass i laughed so hard because thats exactly what it felt like. And it got even worse with lying down and even just laying my legs flat caused shooting pain up and down my legs. I almost gave up but decided to look it and started very slowly doing exercise to heal it and when it started to feel better it made me think " well I'm never doing that again. That pain was horrible". Used to drink a shit tonne of coffee too. Getting everything balanced out has changed my quality of life so much that even words can't explain.
As a musician, singer and artists there are a few things that SAVED me: Jaw alignment technically known as : occlusal rehabilitation. The Jaw can impact all these bones muscles and tendons. Even the Tongue. Then Alexander technique followed by Pilates. And lastly but never least:I will never wear crappy shoes again and have cheap mattresses again. The pain it causes is NOT worth it. My health is worth it. Never under estimate the damage or improvement good supporting shoes (mostly walking sneakers running shoes have no walk support fyi) and what a good supporting mattress can do (never again will I get a foam mattress).
I'm a freelance animator at 31 old and have been on and off dealing with lower back pain for the last few years. Only recently have I been learning about what best to do for my conditions and overall well being. Recognizing a good few things that have helped me so far in this video. Cheers for bringing this sort of stuff up! I especially want the youngsters to pay close attention. People think being an artist can be mentally taxing? Let's hope they can avoid being an artist in pain because of art ❤❤❤
43:45 Ik you didn't make this video specifically for athletic training and what not, but this video and a few others are a large part of what's inspired me to be more active as an artist; This video, the one about burnout, and the one about reaching your full potential are insanely helpful to me right now. I watched these videos as you released them, and I'm re-watching them all now so many months later cause I'm finally getting off my ass and RUNNING. I'm also rock climbing, but running is where heart lies.
I used to have a lot of back pain when drawing to the point I was wondering if I was gonna have to give up art and fix my spine with surgery....until I started positioning my display tablet a little higher and a little further away from my body..and I never feel pain anymore. It also helped me to practice drawing with my shoulders instead of my wrist. It was such a simple change and it had a huge impact. I still have a weak ass tho haha
Adam, I'm starting to believe you have mindreading abilities. Your videos always seem to come at the best time possible. Thanks for raising awareness on this topic that can be easily ignored until the worst happens. Great video! Much love from Brazil
This vid scared the ever-loving bajeebus outta me - I am a squeamish and paranoid person who hates being reminded we are walking meat sacks 🤣 But it also made me more confident about taking care of myself. I am nowhere near the best at physical health or exercise but I'm gradually improving. Getting things EXPLAINED to me (and as you word it: "exhausting me with the truth") helps me realise why it's important to do certain things and not do certain other things, or at least understand why too much of something can lead to another. There are physical health things I have to deal with which I won't go into but all in all I'm very glad I watched this. I needed to hear this. It made me suuuuper uncomfortable when you were talking about what happens in the body, yes, but that stuff's important as heck to know. And I'm glad that you posted this; this is going to help save a lot of artists, including myself 💖
A lot of my immediate family have lower back issues. In my 20's I started experiencing it. I would go to bed feeling normal but I would wake up with my back being tight and the feeling like I had twisted it or had gotten a cramp sometime during sleep. A co-worker suggested that while I was sleeping on my sides my lower back was at a twist from my legs resting on the mattress. They suggested trying to sleep with a body pillow to elevate my legs to prevent the twisting. I thought it was a ridiculous suggestion until I tried it. Within days my back pain went away. Since then, I sleep with 2 body pillows (one for each side). I am now 50 and I haven't lower back issues since then. Anytime I sleep at a hotel or somewhere other than home, I always wake up with lower back pain.
You're right, I'm definately watching this video multiple times!! I literally had more than one moment where I went 'OOOOOOHHHH' and as someone who suffers from lombar pain due to a little accident as a child ( but not treated and not taken care of for years coz nobody realised I cracked my tailbone) this was incredibly useful! Thank you so so much for doing this video, it made me want to really dive into knowing what's going on with my back and how I can improve my wellbeing and my ability to stand for longer than 20 mins (I have brutal lombar pain if I stand still -ie: while talking to someone- and I think this might be related to my core being jelly and my pelvis/spine not being supported). Also thank you for suggesting YT channels that could help, I'll sure check them out!
Just heard the news that my favourite cartoonist, the incredible Jeff Smith is recovering after a cardiac arrest. He's 60 but has obviously spent a lifetime behind the drawing desk. Really gave me pause for thought today as I sat hunched over the Wacom full of coffee and cake.
I am a pretty active person. I work out, and often do physical labor. However, a year of sedentary stressful night shift work was all it took for my health to crumble and my back to hurt like hell. Quitting that job and going back to being active was the best decision I could have made in that situation. Never again
I've been dealing with SI joint dysfunction, piriformis syndrome, inflamed facet joints for the last 2 years. Started when I finished grad school (where I was dancing but also getting my master's in counseling) and slowly had to decrease dance time from 13 hours a week to yoga and pilates as of now and after lots of physical therapy I've been encouraged to start a lifting program. I'm not getting any younger! lol thanks for covering this.
As a lifelong member of the Artist Shrimp Posture Society, I'm starting to feel the effects of sitting crossed-legged on the chair all day and slouching. My bed isn't that good either but can't do much about it until I move out. The Voice in my head keeps telling me to go to the gym and at least do treadmill. I cannot deny the need to get off my ass. Adam hath spoken!! 🏃♀️
I just want to say thank you for all your efforts and for this video. It means a lot to me and a lot of people. I wish you health and strength, and again, thank you very much.
Great content, Adam. If you ever want to revisit other parts of the body, talking about arms, fingers, tendons etc would be incredibly useful! As a violinist, carpal tunnel is something that affected me pretty young. And its crazy how the type of pain differs from people who get carpal tunnel syndrome from computer use.
I am SO glad I watched this! I have been taking steps to take care of myself better but of course, I don't know everything I need to do or how to do them.
I have suffered for a long time with Lower Back pain and lack of of movement. Since visiting the physio therapist years ago now train 3 times a week, running and weight training. Never felt better. I now treat art like a sport. Physical training to maintain a healthy art practice.
Thank you for this amazing and in depth video Adam! More people need to be aware and take care of their bodies, and sadly most people don't start until it's too late. As an artist (especially professionals) you ARE just going to experience pain at some point in your life. The sooner you start taking care of your body the better. I've been diagnosed with hypermobility but I have a LOT of symptoms of EDS. I am basically in constant pain with all my joints, but especially my back and that SI joint you spoke about. It's been challenging to find a way to manage it. So far yoga is the most helpful, but a lot of workouts can be hit or miss for me cause I will literally dislocate something and be in dibilitating pain afterwards for weeks.
Amazing timing man! I feel as if a lot of young artists today have a lot of advice for their mental wellbeing, but very little for their physical health aside from the typical "exercise often" spiel, thanks for the really helpful video!
This is a great episode. Health is wealth, indeed. Having to take care of my body after years of chronic pain taught me a lot about what I need to do. Take care dear artists. ❤ Thank you for paying it forward. ✨
Thank you for the video. I used to think I have disc problems turned out I have a kind of spine arthritis, then came CFS and fibromyalgia. I draw in bed but get up every 30 mins.
SI joint pain is easy to diagnose if it’s inflamed. It’ll show up on imaging, as a bright spot on X-ray for instance. I had chronic SI joint pain and inflammation and eventually the SI joint became mostly fused because of it. The ROM there is tiny and the inflamed bones eventually join together. CRP and ESR is often elevated too, though they are a measure of general inflammation.
As someone wish scoliosis, I’m looking forward to binging this. Learning muscles while feeling pains in those areas and working out/stretching those spots helps both ways: learning anatomy and helping to mitigate injury and long term chronic pains. For sure take breaks and continue learning, working on your health so you can continue doing what you love. Do what’s best for your body, brain, and happiness
im glad that I did the right thing all my life by training everyday my muscles and especially my back its like magic because when I was a teen I had massive back pains and now never had since I start training
Flexion (forward bending) plus rotation (twisting) of the lumbar spine (low back) is the most damaging motion you can do. Usually you will feel nothing while micro tears are appearing until the final moment when a threshold is reached. The damage is done prior, then the moment of a tissue reach or pencil from the floor it strikes.
thanks so much @AdamDuffArt for this video. I struggle with consistency. I used to go to the gym 3 times a week before the pandemic. A lot has changed since then and I can't go anymore. There aren't affordable gyms in my area and I know that if I have to travel a lot I just won't go, so i try to stay active as best I can at home, and I walk as much as I can when I need to go out. But right now I'm only able to do yoga exercises (so a lot of stretching and isometrics), I don't have weights or anything. I'm wondering if that's enough.
It's so wonderful to hear that a fellow artist listens to the Haberman podcast! Thanks so much for this video. We all need to be aware of our physical issues and know what can be done about them. Your content is wonderful! Thank you for learning and sharing!
Absolutely solid advice. I started (unknowingly) having issues with anterior pelvic tilt at around the age of 13, roughly when I started developing scoliosis (thank you so much to my GP who told me at age 17 my spine was fine, only to be diagnosed with scoliosis and a pelvic tilt + leg length discrepancy in my mid 20's). That was all despite leading an active lifestyle but worsened as I aged and started having less and less time to just run about outside. I broke my leg last year and it was a real wake up call to start caring about my body again and schedule in time to just go for a walk and restart doing Ring Fit on the Switch to ease back into being active. The titanium in my leg hurts a lot but I know it'll hurt a lot more in the future if I don't start taking preventative measures now while I'm in my late 20's. I will definitely be including the advice from this video now too. Thank you
What an important video! Not only can I tell by watching that you're very passionate about this, but you're such a good teacher as well. Explaining everything in a way that makes it logical and understandable. Thank you so much! And I love what you said about moving your body and keeping it flexible. I worked with a physical therpist once that always said: "There is no perfect seating position. The best seating position is always the NEXT one." And I remember this every time I sit at my desk.
So I’m recently decided I want to become an artist professionally and I’ve been trying to get to a good place mentally and physically to take care of myself and I have been having health issues and this video just made me more certain to do research and get help and take care of myself to have a healthy life.
I've been sedentary for awhile and discovered my ankle mobility is so poor that I'm physically unable to go into a deep squat. Knees can't go past my toes. Jogging gives me shin splints. I started seeing a physical therapist myself and recently learned that the problem might not be my ankles, but my calves (soleus especially). My soleus muscles feel stiff as stone. Hips/glutes seem weak as well, one of my feet always turns out.
I can't thank you enough for this. I have been struggling with this and this knowledge is invaluable and can save so many people lost time and needless suffering.
Oh wow, I'm just at the beginning of this video, but boi this is an important topic. Thanks for bringing it around! THIS is 'giving back' - Thanks again. Now I watch the video ;)
Thanks so much. Good to hear all this from an artist who has tried it out themselves and understands the struggle. I want to this stuff before it becomes a problem. But every source seems to have different info on it😅.
thank you so much for making this video. this past month has been horrible with a gradual and increasing pain around the hip and also sitting bone. i barely have the will to move unless i get to do some workout video in the day. I'm just waiting to get a call from the doctor's office but in the meantime I'll definitely check out the channels you've recommended. And thank you for addressing the ergonomic chair dilema. These ads and channels started appearing after googling some concerns and it was dreadful to think about spending months of income for a chair I won't ever get to test unless I get it shipped.
One thing that helps me keep my back straight while drawing is using a long vertical pillow that is not too fluffy, that I wedge behind my back. It really helps keep me from hunching in my chair. I am still looking down with my head but my thoracic and lumbar spine stays straight and relaxed I feel no strain vs with out the pillow my back quickly gets tired. Also standing desks are very OP. I take breaks and stand up every hour or so as well so my legs don't lose circulation.
yep my experience has been that generally the more you train ( over the span of many months ) the less you get sore because you adapt and probably doing deadlifts is the best things to bulletproof lower back because it s not like you don t want it to participate in a movement just not take all of the burden , if you see people who attempt alot more on the deadlift than they can the lower back rounds out and takes over the leg part of the movement ( because a rounded back is way stronger )
Thank you so much for raising awareness! I wish i heard all this before my injuries but glad more people are spreading the importance of good ergonomics ❤️ Too many of us prioritise our art over our health.
I've struggled with chronic pain from my neck to the tip of my pinky. And such pain leaded me to quit my job as an artist and almost ended my art carrier there (actually, I'm still hesitant if I should continue tbh because it also affected my mental health terribly). For so many years I questioned if senior artist suffered from any sort of pain bc all of you seemed well put together towards art as a job. The thought drove me crazy wondering If i just screw up. Knowing that a good percentage of artist dealing with pain is high even among senior artist and getting through such painful experience to continue an art carrier... It makes me feel even worse because that makes me think of how weak I am: emotionally, physically, and psychologically. It makes me feel that i am not suited for art as a carrier and should be exploring to move on to other areas and yet, there are some other artists encouraging you to keep with it "it is a marathon, not a race". I still don't know if I should continue perusing a living out of it but I am sure I need to keep making art because it is my way to express myself and it was always a part of me. It felt wrong when I avoided it and tried to cut ties with it. Regardless my situation, i fully support spreading awareness of health issues among young artists🙌. It's very much needed and considering the terrible postures lots of young folks have is: worrisome. I think it should be a class included in any art program.
Sounds to me like you’re aggravating your ulnar nerve - it originates at your neck and travels down your arm, past the inside of your elbow down to your hand, innervating your ring and pinky finger The issue is originating from poor neck posture and/or leaning on your elbow when sitting, irritating the nerve at the elbow, so I’d definitely look there first
Thank you so much, Adam! I have suffered for a long time with ortho and nerve pain since an accident. I have a knee replacement now, but I am so appreciative of your knowledge. I am following your advice from now on. After years of physical therapy that made the pain worse and it never let up, I have hope after your video and advice. I am also an artist and architect for many years and I am so happy that you are where we can learn so much. You have helped me with my work and now my pain. You are the best!
Yeah this is an interesting video I've been feeling discomfort in my lower back and shoulder blades that's making my rear torso feel a lot more stiff and harder to bend to do stuff. I think this is a very interesting topic to levy to artists and the artist landscape needs to consider more lifestyle topics like this.
Hi Adam! Though I love you bringing attention to the importance of correct posture and consequences of incorrect posture, somewhere around 1.05 you briefly mention / suggest continual engagement of the glutes and lower abs. I might not understand correctly due to not being a native English speaker, but I felt the need to add that continual engagement, i.e. ‘tension’ in the lower abs can lead to very big problems within the pelvic floor. I’m someone who ended up with yet to be fully resolved chronic bladder issues (constant urge to urinate and bladder pain), due to chronically sucking in / holding my stomach, stemming from unadressed anxiety. This has left me unable to wear pants for the last 3 years, as any pressure triggers stabbing pains. Problems like these may arise as the diapraghm isn’t able to fully relax and open. This can, aside from my symptoms, also lead to organ prolapses and other unpleasant things. I’m sure you mean the absolute best, but I would hate anyone watching end up in a similar situation as I have put myself in. Not being able to wear pants has left me homebound for a good chunk of winter, and not being able to exercise at all. Wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy! Thanks so much for caring for us, I hope you take this comment as me caring for everyone as well. Lots of love!
Might I add that i’m currently in physiotherapy with a certified pelvic floor physiotherapist. I’m not advising anything, but she has taught me that the abdomen should be relaxed AT ALL times, aside from when intentionally exercising, lifting objects around the house, physical labour that requires core engagement, etc.
I remember back in elementary school during Gym the instructor did a thing where you stood back against the wall, they told us that your back should naturally lay flat against the wall, if you could slide your arm behind your back in the "curve" that you had bad posture. I had a nice gap between my lower back and the wall, of course, the education system failed in that they didn't give any real instructions on how to strengthen and improve this just keep doing sit ups (which as far as I am aware are actually terrible for your back)
This was so damn essential! Thank You for creating a video regarding health for artists. Exactly what I have been looking for since facing increasing back issues midst working as a digital painter.
I was waiting for this. Thank you so much. Will defanatly watch it a few times. You can throw out more of this stuff, if you want to. I´m here for it. 🥰
I was practicing drawing circles last weekend and over the weekend I drew maybe 200-300 circles, then Monday morning I awoke with my shoulder being so sore it hurt to even lift my arm. Almost like I did a workout. Take care of yourselves out there everyone, remember to take breaks and disconnect yourself for a bit periodically because I wasn't even considering that the motion of drawing a circle over and over for hours was literally just doing a shoulder workout with a lot of reps. Now I've limited it to 5-10 minutes of practice at a time lol
Thanks so much for this Adam!! Incredibly helpful video. I've been suffering from neck and shoulder aches for a long time now because of hunching over and painting. It would be great if you could cover that in a future video. Thanks for all you do. ❤
Wonderful video Adam! If there is one thing I would wish for, it's a follow up video where you demonstrate the exercises you talked about, if you're comfortable with that of course! It's great to have you point out resources here and there to check out, but to have one compact video with everything that is certified Adam Duff approved exercises would be w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l! Thank you once again Adam!
Getting a standing desk and fancy ergo chair helped but weight lifting, boxing, briefly some BJJ and knowing how to stretch properly helped more. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get up every few minutes and move and taking breaks from sitting helped my back and arms.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is another condition that can create and mimic many of these symptoms. People classically go undiagnosed for years. It can inflame bone and insertion points and ligaments all over the body especially neck, back and sacroiliac joints.
Definitely / the IT is the combined fascia of the TFL, glute mid and glute max - so addressing those is the target thing to stretch or strengthen - you can’t work the fascia directly using regular means
Hey this video really helped me understand how my works and how to avoid bad habits and fix the physical problems I face as an young artist. I wanted to ask if you could do a video about the upper back because I believe without noticing I flex those muscles on my back and have been feeling pain there for the past year and the only time I am not feeling pain there is when I massage them hard , so yeah I just wanted to ask you about ways I can prevent that pain but let’s not also forget wrist pain .
Thanks so much for the in-depth information Adam! some stuff I knew from our time together and some stuff is new to me Also... sick tattoo man!!!! that sleeve is looking awesome🤟🤟🤟🔥🔥🔥
Thank you so much for this! It was so informaiton-packed, I really should rewatch this again. Would it be possible for you to make a similar video but for hands?
It’s also worth noting there is low correlation between the symptoms and the spine issues that are found on MRI imaging. Professor Stuart McGill is probably the best in the world when it comes to spine biomechanics and rehabilitation and has several transformative books on the topic, worth checking out.
Couldn't do more that 8 reps for gluteus medius and i thought my physical shape was not terrible haha... As for the back pain, i definitely had it from tilting pelvis the wrong way while working just like you said. What helped me significantly are two exersices: cat and camel and hamstrings stretching(when you stand on one leg, putting second one on something 40-60 cm high and then bend over forward but with a sraight relaxed spine and hands, you'll feel stretching in those hams), also bought some anatomical pillows for back and for ass too, they actually do help a little bit, but the core of it is definitely is to exercise the correct way for your situation, just like you said. Thank you Adam, wish i saw this video when i was younger lol. Very in depth. Let's work on our glutes boys and gals
Hi I really loved your video. Great explanation regarding the back related pain and how to avoid them. I would also like to know if possible any advice when it comes to our eyes as well. We artist sometimes strain our eyes when we are fully focused on our detailed works so any tips on how to take care of our eyes?. Thanks 🙏
It could be related to different causes. I’d look into working in a poorly lit room, causing eye strain, you might need glasses and you’re straining to focus - it could even be environmental or allergy related Lastly, it could be neurological - I’d look into all of the above and feel out what makes most sense depending on your symptoms Oh, and take breaks. Drawing for hours will strain anyone’s eyes
@@AdamDuffArt True about taking breaks. Sometimes I get very immersed in the process and forget to take some breaks. Maybe put an alarm every hour to just go out and look some greenery 😅. So well lit room and breaks can help in general conditions. Thanks for the reply 🙏
I think this is the video of El Paso Manual Physical Therapy that Adam talks about in 1:04:16 "Sciatica Won't Get Better Unless You First Fix These 2 Problems"
@@AdamDuffArt I think it would be great. I'm not sure if a lot of artists watch fitness youtubers so I think you doing it would be a great first impression. And also relate it back to learning how anatomy works at the same time.
It's not that we don't know about health, it's more that we just don't do what needs to be done. I have a bad neck and I know I need to keep good posture but I still find myself sitting and bending over a page.
You start with the core, the bones, your posture, and analyze in which way you’re off (of course, a physio can help there), and you want to strengthen where you need support and stretch where it’s over dominant and tense
I've been doing martial arts and weight training for 10 years but my body shapes hasn't changed at all, I'm sure it's a genetic thing and I cannot do anything because I see a lot of sedentary people who work at home and have very little time to workout, but they still have a good shape. But I haven't even drawn or painted for months because I always end up envying my own characters and their beauty :(
im a sitter im a climber im a midnight toker i sure dont want to hurt my spiiiine. fr though I thought moving was the best for your back, I couldn't imagine humans evolved to sit all day, walk
Using mouse while drawing just for 30 minutes burns the pinky side of my wrist. I think it's called TFCC but i dont know anymore. I got it since 2018 but im too broke to get it checked out
That’s your ulnar nerve Are you leaning your elbow on your arm rest a lot? If you are, you might be irritating your ulnar nerve at the elbow - the ulnar nerve runs down your ulnar and innervates your pinky and ring finger (your carpal nerve innervates your thumb and two first fingers) You might also be shifting your spine to the side while doing that - something else to keep an eye out on
@@AdamDuffArt yep , seems like i rest my elbow. how do i get rid of that? i know i should exercise more in the morning and evening on the daily but college life gives me no mercy. some times i swim on the weekends and get some good stretches and that's it
as a physio, you could definitely teach me anatomy. also looking at this video cus im a shit physio and i need validation for this goddamn back pain thats killing me rn and i cant fix it lmao
This gets even more complicated and shitty when you're an artist with Ehlers Danlos syndrome. I can only draw for 30mins to an hour before my shoulder is trying to dislocate, and my neck will seize up. And I'm not even 30 yet, lmao.
Certified Massage Therapist here. I just wanted to say everything you're saying is spot on, especially with impinged nerves and weak glutes, Arthritis in joints that deteriorate the muscle, back pain and herniated disk in the lumbar sacral region. I am also an artist at heart, and artist are always at risk of being injured through repetitive movement and terrible back posture. When I do deep tissue on my clients that sit at a desk all day their glutes are on FIRE. Their hamstrings are tight, their calves are tight, their tibialis anterior (front of lef muscles) are rock solid and its just really sad. There are several nerve that get impinge when you're drawing, the median nerves (responsible for carpal tunnel syndrome) the radial and ulnar nerve. These run up your arm flexor and some artist put pressure on these nerves when they draw.
I highly believe artist need a capable massage therapist they can go to in order to sustain their life. NOT a spa. They don't care of fixing problems, but a sports massage therapist that understands the body. Artist life is lonely and sedentary, but your body will not last if you don't maintain it. I call it getting maintenance work.
If anything, weekly stretching and movement will be beneficial for artist if they can't afford a massage therapist. Investing in a professional MT gun will do wonders, getting a tennis ball and lying on it for trigger points in the back will be effective, and getting glute work done. I can't tell you how many clients are shocked when their lower back pain is fixed just by glute work! Releasing the hip flexor and pelvic muscles (psoas) will do WONDERS!
Artist have to strengthen the muscles they take for granted because the body will take advantage of the lack of blood flow and circulation by keeping you stuck in bad posture.
Anyways, just my two cents since everything you mentioned I've helped people alleviate and work on. Hope artist actually consider massage therapy treatment. No, not those Chinese parlos (they're not actually licensed) a real MT with training. Find one you like and stick with them. It did wonders for me as artist who became a massage therapist. Fantastic video Adam!!! 👏
Well Queen, it’s very reassuring and validating that you’re standing behind my advice
And you touched on many important areas that I’m also very passionate about.
For instance, I made a hugely important discovery while watching PT videos at the gym (while working my glutes ironically), with relation to SI joint pain
And it’s something I’ve already made steps to address - the FEET
I learned WHY we get lateral tibialis anterior soreness, along with medial knee and gluteus medius soreness, leading to SI joint pain - it’s all related to over-pronation of the foot
It makes total sense but I never put the puzzle together - I get localized soreness at every one of those points - which (until now) was relieved by glute med strengthening, almost right away
My new pair of barefoot shoes are arriving in the mail tomorrow. I’m more of an advocate for muscle strengthening over orthopedics (although I’m not against orthopedics if necessary) I just want my body support itself before exploring other options
I love how neglecting my calves led to SI joint issues - that cross-crossing kinetic chain through different articulation points - FASCINATING stuff!!
I’m going on here Queen but yeah, thank you for supporting my video. I’m pinning it on top to help reassure everyone else :)
This is a great reply! I was wondering if I could get your opinion on laying on a spiky massage ball? Think tennis ball size, but stiffer plastic with sharp points. I have a spot just below my left shoulder blade that acts up, but this helps.
Should also make sure no cancer wrapped around a recurring pain spot not always a traditional pinched nerve. Lost a dear friend, misdiagnosed for 4 years, couldn’t get all of cancer because its tentacles around blood vessels not just nerves. In her case, some doctors thought sciatica and weight problem.
@@AdamDuffArtThanks for responding Adam! Absolutely, the kinetic chain connects everything. Crazy how a small SI joint can lead to pain in the feet, but it does! Flat feet also seem to irritate it so I'm glad you bought some barefoot shoes! They have great support and help realign the feet in a healthier way, hopefully that can help relieve some of that pressure from your lower back.
You mentioned the calves,
I remember I had a client who was this bodybuilder and he told me he had issues with his hamstrings. So I did an assessment and the issues was actually his calves which he couldn't believe. Did some trigger point of the calves and mobilization and he was shocked I didn't even touch his hamstrings lol. They became jelly because they were overcompensating because the calves were so tight,, so they turned off. Worjing that gastroc and soles muscles will make you feel like you have a new leg lol anyways it was great to geek out with you Adam. So happy you're physically doing better and have a passion of sharing this information to help artist. 👏
I'll always be watching and cheering for you!
@@HellbornPhoenixSure thing. I think spikey ball is actually a pretty good tool to use for those trigger points in your back. I would actually transition btw that and a tennis balls. The spiky ball can help get in smaller areas and the tennis ball can give that pressure you need for your muscle to relax.
Under the shoulder blade can be the teres major or minor and lats. Be sure to focus on your rotator cuff muscles (infraspinatus) for relief. A good method I tell my clients when they need a release is: use a ball, lay on the sensitive area, sink into it slowly, deep breathes. Then sit there. Muscles need patience and pressure to release. Eventually you'll feel your body start to move on its own (like you're sliding) thats a good sign its releasing. Just let it do that motion then move onto another part. After that do some light shoulder stretched and you should feel better 😊
before the start of the vid, i just wanna say, going to the gym regularly was the best thing i did for myself as an artist who is sitting at home 24/7 . not only my body started to look better, my mind has improved exponentially. Deadlifting and squats helped me with my back pains, and doing bicep reps helps me manage my wrist pains too
Im 28 and already in pain. Here to learn and change
Absolutely based. Your older video on this topic (when you were talking about your old career and how you sat all the time and had lower back issues) was what led me to work out. I also had lower back problems from sitting a lot. Now I'm in much better shape and use my own body for muscle reference. Thanks Adam! A lot more artists need to take care of themselves.
I love hearing that Hax, thank you so much!
*Checks posture while watching this video*
I'm so glad an a artist finally did this. I've been dealing with back, neck and shoulder pain since forever. Eventually the back pain got so bad that i started looking into flexibility and exercise and I've been working out for over 7 years years now. Best decision ever. Never gonna stop taking care of my body. I had neglected it for so long before that. Had a bout of sciatic pain too. And when you said that its a pain in the ass i laughed so hard because thats exactly what it felt like. And it got even worse with lying down and even just laying my legs flat caused shooting pain up and down my legs. I almost gave up but decided to look it and started very slowly doing exercise to heal it and when it started to feel better it made me think " well I'm never doing that again. That pain was horrible". Used to drink a shit tonne of coffee too. Getting everything balanced out has changed my quality of life so much that even words can't explain.
As a musician, singer and artists there are a few things that SAVED me: Jaw alignment technically known as : occlusal rehabilitation. The Jaw can impact all these bones muscles and tendons. Even the Tongue. Then Alexander technique followed by Pilates. And lastly but never least:I will never wear crappy shoes again and have cheap mattresses again. The pain it causes is NOT worth it. My health is worth it. Never under estimate the damage or improvement good supporting shoes (mostly walking sneakers running shoes have no walk support fyi) and what a good supporting mattress can do (never again will I get a foam mattress).
I'm a freelance animator at 31 old and have been on and off dealing with lower back pain for the last few years. Only recently have I been learning about what best to do for my conditions and overall well being. Recognizing a good few things that have helped me so far in this video. Cheers for bringing this sort of stuff up! I especially want the youngsters to pay close attention. People think being an artist can be mentally taxing? Let's hope they can avoid being an artist in pain because of art ❤❤❤
43:45 Ik you didn't make this video specifically for athletic training and what not, but this video and a few others are a large part of what's inspired me to be more active as an artist; This video, the one about burnout, and the one about reaching your full potential are insanely helpful to me right now. I watched these videos as you released them, and I'm re-watching them all now so many months later cause I'm finally getting off my ass and RUNNING. I'm also rock climbing, but running is where heart lies.
I used to have a lot of back pain when drawing to the point I was wondering if I was gonna have to give up art and fix my spine with surgery....until I started positioning my display tablet a little higher and a little further away from my body..and I never feel pain anymore. It also helped me to practice drawing with my shoulders instead of my wrist. It was such a simple change and it had a huge impact.
I still have a weak ass tho haha
Adam, I'm starting to believe you have mindreading abilities. Your videos always seem to come at the best time possible.
Thanks for raising awareness on this topic that can be easily ignored until the worst happens. Great video!
Much love from Brazil
This vid scared the ever-loving bajeebus outta me - I am a squeamish and paranoid person who hates being reminded we are walking meat sacks 🤣
But it also made me more confident about taking care of myself. I am nowhere near the best at physical health or exercise but I'm gradually improving. Getting things EXPLAINED to me (and as you word it: "exhausting me with the truth") helps me realise why it's important to do certain things and not do certain other things, or at least understand why too much of something can lead to another.
There are physical health things I have to deal with which I won't go into but all in all I'm very glad I watched this. I needed to hear this. It made me suuuuper uncomfortable when you were talking about what happens in the body, yes, but that stuff's important as heck to know. And I'm glad that you posted this; this is going to help save a lot of artists, including myself 💖
As someone currently who does not have access to health care this is a God sent information and warning. Thank you need to rewatch over again
A lot of my immediate family have lower back issues. In my 20's I started experiencing it. I would go to bed feeling normal but I would wake up with my back being tight and the feeling like I had twisted it or had gotten a cramp sometime during sleep. A co-worker suggested that while I was sleeping on my sides my lower back was at a twist from my legs resting on the mattress. They suggested trying to sleep with a body pillow to elevate my legs to prevent the twisting. I thought it was a ridiculous suggestion until I tried it. Within days my back pain went away. Since then, I sleep with 2 body pillows (one for each side). I am now 50 and I haven't lower back issues since then. Anytime I sleep at a hotel or somewhere other than home, I always wake up with lower back pain.
You're right, I'm definately watching this video multiple times!! I literally had more than one moment where I went 'OOOOOOHHHH' and as someone who suffers from lombar pain due to a little accident as a child ( but not treated and not taken care of for years coz nobody realised I cracked my tailbone) this was incredibly useful! Thank you so so much for doing this video, it made me want to really dive into knowing what's going on with my back and how I can improve my wellbeing and my ability to stand for longer than 20 mins (I have brutal lombar pain if I stand still -ie: while talking to someone- and I think this might be related to my core being jelly and my pelvis/spine not being supported). Also thank you for suggesting YT channels that could help, I'll sure check them out!
Just heard the news that my favourite cartoonist, the incredible Jeff Smith is recovering after a cardiac arrest. He's 60 but has obviously spent a lifetime behind the drawing desk. Really gave me pause for thought today as I sat hunched over the Wacom full of coffee and cake.
Oh boy! That is very upsetting news - I definitely wish him a speedy recovery
I am a pretty active person. I work out, and often do physical labor. However, a year of sedentary stressful night shift work was all it took for my health to crumble and my back to hurt like hell. Quitting that job and going back to being active was the best decision I could have made in that situation. Never again
I've been dealing with SI joint dysfunction, piriformis syndrome, inflamed facet joints for the last 2 years. Started when I finished grad school (where I was dancing but also getting my master's in counseling) and slowly had to decrease dance time from 13 hours a week to yoga and pilates as of now and after lots of physical therapy I've been encouraged to start a lifting program. I'm not getting any younger! lol thanks for covering this.
As a lifelong member of the Artist Shrimp Posture Society, I'm starting to feel the effects of sitting crossed-legged on the chair all day and slouching. My bed isn't that good either but can't do much about it until I move out. The Voice in my head keeps telling me to go to the gym and at least do treadmill. I cannot deny the need to get off my ass. Adam hath spoken!! 🏃♀️
I just want to say thank you for all your efforts and for this video. It means a lot to me and a lot of people. I wish you health and strength, and again, thank you very much.
Great content, Adam.
If you ever want to revisit other parts of the body, talking about arms, fingers, tendons etc would be incredibly useful!
As a violinist, carpal tunnel is something that affected me pretty young. And its crazy how the type of pain differs from people who get carpal tunnel syndrome from computer use.
Yes absolutely
Adam this is so hugely important, i so glad you are taking a moment to highlight this. Its such a neglected topic in the art community
By far the most informative video on the subject I've ever come across, and in a way that's serious but not overly harsh or judgmental. Wonderful.
I am SO glad I watched this! I have been taking steps to take care of myself better but of course, I don't know everything I need to do or how to do them.
I have suffered for a long time with Lower Back pain and lack of of movement. Since visiting the physio therapist years ago now train 3 times a week, running and weight training. Never felt better. I now treat art like a sport. Physical training to maintain a healthy art practice.
Thank you for this amazing and in depth video Adam! More people need to be aware and take care of their bodies, and sadly most people don't start until it's too late. As an artist (especially professionals) you ARE just going to experience pain at some point in your life. The sooner you start taking care of your body the better.
I've been diagnosed with hypermobility but I have a LOT of symptoms of EDS. I am basically in constant pain with all my joints, but especially my back and that SI joint you spoke about. It's been challenging to find a way to manage it. So far yoga is the most helpful, but a lot of workouts can be hit or miss for me cause I will literally dislocate something and be in dibilitating pain afterwards for weeks.
Amazing timing man! I feel as if a lot of young artists today have a lot of advice for their mental wellbeing, but very little for their physical health aside from the typical "exercise often" spiel, thanks for the really helpful video!
This is a great episode.
Health is wealth, indeed.
Having to take care of my body after years of chronic pain taught me a lot about what I need to do.
Take care dear artists. ❤
Thank you for paying it forward. ✨
Thank you for the video. I used to think I have disc problems turned out I have a kind of spine arthritis, then came CFS and fibromyalgia. I draw in bed but get up every 30 mins.
this is such an important and underrated topic in the community, thanks Adam!
I've started daily walking, and saving up for a home treadmill. Awesome video!
SI joint pain is easy to diagnose if it’s inflamed. It’ll show up on imaging, as a bright spot on X-ray for instance. I had chronic SI joint pain and inflammation and eventually the SI joint became mostly fused because of it. The ROM there is tiny and the inflamed bones eventually join together. CRP and ESR is often elevated too, though they are a measure of general inflammation.
As someone wish scoliosis, I’m looking forward to binging this. Learning muscles while feeling pains in those areas and working out/stretching those spots helps both ways: learning anatomy and helping to mitigate injury and long term chronic pains. For sure take breaks and continue learning, working on your health so you can continue doing what you love. Do what’s best for your body, brain, and happiness
im glad that I did the right thing all my life by training everyday my muscles and especially my back its like magic because when I was a teen I had massive back pains and now never had since I start training
Flexion (forward bending) plus rotation (twisting) of the lumbar spine (low back) is the most damaging motion you can do. Usually you will feel nothing while micro tears are appearing until the final moment when a threshold is reached. The damage is done prior, then the moment of a tissue reach or pencil from the floor it strikes.
thanks so much @AdamDuffArt for this video. I struggle with consistency. I used to go to the gym 3 times a week before the pandemic. A lot has changed since then and I can't go anymore. There aren't affordable gyms in my area and I know that if I have to travel a lot I just won't go, so i try to stay active as best I can at home, and I walk as much as I can when I need to go out. But right now I'm only able to do yoga exercises (so a lot of stretching and isometrics), I don't have weights or anything. I'm wondering if that's enough.
It's so wonderful to hear that a fellow artist listens to the Haberman podcast! Thanks so much for this video. We all need to be aware of our physical issues and know what can be done about them. Your content is wonderful! Thank you for learning and sharing!
Exceptional timing! Thank you. My wrist and back have been troubling me. Looking forward to see what your experiences have been like.
I just went to get USG on my wrist, highly recommend. Doctor explained to me how to massage and pace myself to not hurt it further
@@AhriOfAstora Thank you very much. I'll look into that.
Absolutely solid advice. I started (unknowingly) having issues with anterior pelvic tilt at around the age of 13, roughly when I started developing scoliosis (thank you so much to my GP who told me at age 17 my spine was fine, only to be diagnosed with scoliosis and a pelvic tilt + leg length discrepancy in my mid 20's). That was all despite leading an active lifestyle but worsened as I aged and started having less and less time to just run about outside. I broke my leg last year and it was a real wake up call to start caring about my body again and schedule in time to just go for a walk and restart doing Ring Fit on the Switch to ease back into being active. The titanium in my leg hurts a lot but I know it'll hurt a lot more in the future if I don't start taking preventative measures now while I'm in my late 20's. I will definitely be including the advice from this video now too. Thank you
I could listen all day, lol. Thank you! I am setting up a new routine, now!
What an important video! Not only can I tell by watching that you're very passionate about this, but you're such a good teacher as well. Explaining everything in a way that makes it logical and understandable. Thank you so much!
And I love what you said about moving your body and keeping it flexible.
I worked with a physical therpist once that always said:
"There is no perfect seating position. The best seating position is always the NEXT one."
And I remember this every time I sit at my desk.
So I’m recently decided I want to become an artist professionally and I’ve been trying to get to a good place mentally and physically to take care of myself and I have been having health issues and this video just made me more certain to do research and get help and take care of myself to have a healthy life.
I've been sedentary for awhile and discovered my ankle mobility is so poor that I'm physically unable to go into a deep squat. Knees can't go past my toes. Jogging gives me shin splints. I started seeing a physical therapist myself and recently learned that the problem might not be my ankles, but my calves (soleus especially). My soleus muscles feel stiff as stone. Hips/glutes seem weak as well, one of my feet always turns out.
I can't thank you enough for this. I have been struggling with this and this knowledge is invaluable and can save so many people lost time and needless suffering.
Oh wow, I'm just at the beginning of this video, but boi this is an important topic. Thanks for bringing it around! THIS is 'giving back' - Thanks again. Now I watch the video ;)
Thanks so much. Good to hear all this from an artist who has tried it out themselves and understands the struggle. I want to this stuff before it becomes a problem. But every source seems to have different info on it😅.
thank you so much for making this video. this past month has been horrible with a gradual and increasing pain around the hip and also sitting bone. i barely have the will to move unless i get to do some workout video in the day.
I'm just waiting to get a call from the doctor's office but in the meantime I'll definitely check out the channels you've recommended.
And thank you for addressing the ergonomic chair dilema. These ads and channels started appearing after googling some concerns and it was dreadful to think about spending months of income for a chair I won't ever get to test unless I get it shipped.
One thing that helps me keep my back straight while drawing is using a long vertical pillow that is not too fluffy, that I wedge behind my back. It really helps keep me from hunching in my chair. I am still looking down with my head but my thoracic and lumbar spine stays straight and relaxed I feel no strain vs with out the pillow my back quickly gets tired. Also standing desks are very OP. I take breaks and stand up every hour or so as well so my legs don't lose circulation.
yep my experience has been that generally the more you train ( over the span of many months ) the less you get sore because you adapt and probably doing deadlifts is the best things to bulletproof lower back because it s not like you don t want it to participate in a movement just not take all of the burden , if you see people who attempt alot more on the deadlift than they can the lower back rounds out and takes over the leg part of the movement ( because a rounded back is way stronger )
Thank you so much for raising awareness! I wish i heard all this before my injuries but glad more people are spreading the importance of good ergonomics ❤️ Too many of us prioritise our art over our health.
I've struggled with chronic pain from my neck to the tip of my pinky. And such pain leaded me to quit my job as an artist and almost ended my art carrier there (actually, I'm still hesitant if I should continue tbh because it also affected my mental health terribly). For so many years I questioned if senior artist suffered from any sort of pain bc all of you seemed well put together towards art as a job. The thought drove me crazy wondering If i just screw up.
Knowing that a good percentage of artist dealing with pain is high even among senior artist and getting through such painful experience to continue an art carrier... It makes me feel even worse because that makes me think of how weak I am: emotionally, physically, and psychologically. It makes me feel that i am not suited for art as a carrier and should be exploring to move on to other areas and yet, there are some other artists encouraging you to keep with it "it is a marathon, not a race".
I still don't know if I should continue perusing a living out of it but I am sure I need to keep making art because it is my way to express myself and it was always a part of me. It felt wrong when I avoided it and tried to cut ties with it.
Regardless my situation, i fully support spreading awareness of health issues among young artists🙌. It's very much needed and considering the terrible postures lots of young folks have is: worrisome.
I think it should be a class included in any art program.
Sounds to me like you’re aggravating your ulnar nerve - it originates at your neck and travels down your arm, past the inside of your elbow down to your hand, innervating your ring and pinky finger
The issue is originating from poor neck posture and/or leaning on your elbow when sitting, irritating the nerve at the elbow, so I’d definitely look there first
Thank you so much, Adam! I have suffered for a long time with ortho and nerve pain since an accident. I have a knee replacement now, but I am so appreciative of your knowledge. I am following your advice from now on. After years of physical therapy that made the pain worse and it never let up, I have hope after your video and advice. I am also an artist and architect for many years and I am so happy that you are where we can learn so much. You have helped me with my work and now my pain. You are the best!
Well, I seem to have an anterior pelvic tilt, weak glutes and I never engage my core. Thanks Adam, I can now do something about those.
Yeah this is an interesting video I've been feeling discomfort in my lower back and
shoulder blades that's making my rear torso feel a lot more stiff and harder to bend to do stuff.
I think this is a very interesting topic to levy to artists and the artist landscape needs to consider more
lifestyle topics like this.
Hi Adam! Though I love you bringing attention to the importance of correct posture and consequences of incorrect posture, somewhere around 1.05 you briefly mention / suggest continual engagement of the glutes and lower abs. I might not understand correctly due to not being a native English speaker, but I felt the need to add that continual engagement, i.e. ‘tension’ in the lower abs can lead to very big problems within the pelvic floor. I’m someone who ended up with yet to be fully resolved chronic bladder issues (constant urge to urinate and bladder pain), due to chronically sucking in / holding my stomach, stemming from unadressed anxiety. This has left me unable to wear pants for the last 3 years, as any pressure triggers stabbing pains. Problems like these may arise as the diapraghm isn’t able to fully relax and open. This can, aside from my symptoms, also lead to organ prolapses and other unpleasant things. I’m sure you mean the absolute best, but I would hate anyone watching end up in a similar situation as I have put myself in. Not being able to wear pants has left me homebound for a good chunk of winter, and not being able to exercise at all. Wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy! Thanks so much for caring for us, I hope you take this comment as me caring for everyone as well. Lots of love!
Might I add that i’m currently in physiotherapy with a certified pelvic floor physiotherapist. I’m not advising anything, but she has taught me that the abdomen should be relaxed AT ALL times, aside from when intentionally exercising, lifting objects around the house, physical labour that requires core engagement, etc.
I remember back in elementary school during Gym the instructor did a thing where you stood back against the wall, they told us that your back should naturally lay flat against the wall, if you could slide your arm behind your back in the "curve" that you had bad posture. I had a nice gap between my lower back and the wall, of course, the education system failed in that they didn't give any real instructions on how to strengthen and improve this just keep doing sit ups (which as far as I am aware are actually terrible for your back)
You can train and fix that lying on the ground and pulling your bellybutton down, flattening your back
Do 20 sets of 15 seconds each
Thank you for this video!
Oo that moment you squeezed the disks…omg 🙈 the realization
This was so damn essential! Thank You for creating a video regarding health for artists. Exactly what I have been looking for since facing increasing back issues midst working as a digital painter.
thank you for everything you do Duff
Your spine is your gate to the universe.
I was waiting for this. Thank you so much. Will defanatly watch it a few times. You can throw out more of this stuff, if you want to. I´m here for it. 🥰
I was practicing drawing circles last weekend and over the weekend I drew maybe 200-300 circles, then Monday morning I awoke with my shoulder being so sore it hurt to even lift my arm. Almost like I did a workout. Take care of yourselves out there everyone, remember to take breaks and disconnect yourself for a bit periodically because I wasn't even considering that the motion of drawing a circle over and over for hours was literally just doing a shoulder workout with a lot of reps. Now I've limited it to 5-10 minutes of practice at a time lol
I once did a whole day of hatching and then needed a course of physiotherapy because my entire shoulder and neck locked up. Art can be hazardous.
Thanks so much for this Adam!! Incredibly helpful video. I've been suffering from neck and shoulder aches for a long time now because of hunching over and painting. It would be great if you could cover that in a future video. Thanks for all you do. ❤
Can we talk about Eye health? In a serious and extensive way
Wonderful video Adam! If there is one thing I would wish for, it's a follow up video where you demonstrate the exercises you talked about, if you're comfortable with that of course! It's great to have you point out resources here and there to check out, but to have one compact video with everything that is certified Adam Duff approved exercises would be w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l! Thank you once again Adam!
Getting a standing desk and fancy ergo chair helped but weight lifting, boxing, briefly some BJJ and knowing how to stretch properly helped more. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get up every few minutes and move and taking breaks from sitting helped my back and arms.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is another condition that can create and mimic many of these symptoms. People classically go undiagnosed for years. It can inflame bone and insertion points and ligaments all over the body especially neck, back and sacroiliac joints.
this is great, though im surprised you didnt mention anything about tight IT bands! (very common in sedentary jobs)
Definitely / the IT is the combined fascia of the TFL, glute mid and glute max - so addressing those is the target thing to stretch or strengthen - you can’t work the fascia directly using regular means
Fantastic Video!
Hey this video really helped me understand how my works and how to avoid bad habits and fix the physical problems I face as an young artist. I wanted to ask if you could do a video about the upper back because I believe without noticing I flex those muscles on my back and have been feeling pain there for the past year and the only time I am not feeling pain there is when I massage them hard , so yeah I just wanted to ask you about ways I can prevent that pain but let’s not also forget wrist pain .
Great video
Thanks so much for the in-depth information Adam! some stuff I knew from our time together and some stuff is new to me
Also... sick tattoo man!!!! that sleeve is looking awesome🤟🤟🤟🔥🔥🔥
Awesome video, my PT also mentioned the ab advice. Can you please share any videos that showcase the exercises you're talking about? Thank you
Thank you so much for this! It was so informaiton-packed, I really should rewatch this again. Would it be possible for you to make a similar video but for hands?
It’s also worth noting there is low correlation between the symptoms and the spine issues that are found on MRI imaging.
Professor Stuart McGill is probably the best in the world when it comes to spine biomechanics and rehabilitation and has several transformative books on the topic, worth checking out.
Couldn't do more that 8 reps for gluteus medius and i thought my physical shape was not terrible haha...
As for the back pain, i definitely had it from tilting pelvis the wrong way while working just like you said. What helped me significantly are two exersices: cat and camel and hamstrings stretching(when you stand on one leg, putting second one on something 40-60 cm high and then bend over forward but with a sraight relaxed spine and hands, you'll feel stretching in those hams), also bought some anatomical pillows for back and for ass too, they actually do help a little bit, but the core of it is definitely is to exercise the correct way for your situation, just like you said. Thank you Adam, wish i saw this video when i was younger lol. Very in depth. Let's work on our glutes boys and gals
Hi I really loved your video. Great explanation regarding the back related pain and how to avoid them. I would also like to know if possible any advice when it comes to our eyes as well. We artist sometimes strain our eyes when we are fully focused on our detailed works so any tips on how to take care of our eyes?. Thanks 🙏
It could be related to different causes.
I’d look into working in a poorly lit room, causing eye strain, you might need glasses and you’re straining to focus - it could even be environmental or allergy related
Lastly, it could be neurological - I’d look into all of the above and feel out what makes most sense depending on your symptoms
Oh, and take breaks. Drawing for hours will strain anyone’s eyes
@@AdamDuffArt True about taking breaks. Sometimes I get very immersed in the process and forget to take some breaks. Maybe put an alarm every hour to just go out and look some greenery 😅. So well lit room and breaks can help in general conditions. Thanks for the reply 🙏
I think this is the video of El Paso Manual Physical Therapy that Adam talks about in 1:04:16 "Sciatica Won't Get Better Unless You First Fix These 2 Problems"
lol im on my way to 100 kg squat no sir i have gone down the fitness rabbit hole but this is still an important video for the community so kudos
Appreciate this
Adam! Do a gym video! Love to see your workout routine. I bet you get that skull on your shoulder screaming with lateral raises!
I was actually considering that - it’s not a terrible idea
@@AdamDuffArt I think it would be great. I'm not sure if a lot of artists watch fitness youtubers so I think you doing it would be a great first impression. And also relate it back to learning how anatomy works at the same time.
this is why i use a screenless tablet and a standing desk
It's not that we don't know about health, it's more that we just don't do what needs to be done. I have a bad neck and I know I need to keep good posture but I still find myself sitting and bending over a page.
How do you know if the problem is either needing to stretch vs strengthen certain muscles?
You start with the core, the bones, your posture, and analyze in which way you’re off (of course, a physio can help there), and you want to strengthen where you need support and stretch where it’s over dominant and tense
@@AdamDuffArt Thanks :)
Respect 🙏
Time for the Adam fitness chanel
Adam I still don't know how to sit properly as an ipad artist. I hope you make a demo on how to sit properly.
I've been doing martial arts and weight training for 10 years but my body shapes hasn't changed at all, I'm sure it's a genetic thing and I cannot do anything because I see a lot of sedentary people who work at home and have very little time to workout, but they still have a good shape.
But I haven't even drawn or painted for months because I always end up envying my own characters and their beauty :(
My shoulder hurts bad
@53:50 I went oh shit, that looks bad 😂
Does anyone have advice for scapula issues? I suffer from crunching and related tension down my arm :(
I’m looking to do one soon
im a sitter im a climber im a midnight toker i sure dont want to hurt my spiiiine. fr though I thought moving was the best for your back, I couldn't imagine humans evolved to sit all day, walk
Using mouse while drawing just for 30 minutes burns the pinky side of my wrist. I think it's called TFCC but i dont know anymore. I got it since 2018 but im too broke to get it checked out
Use an ergonomic mouse.
That’s your ulnar nerve
Are you leaning your elbow on your arm rest a lot?
If you are, you might be irritating your ulnar nerve at the elbow - the ulnar nerve runs down your ulnar and innervates your pinky and ring finger (your carpal nerve innervates your thumb and two first fingers)
You might also be shifting your spine to the side while doing that - something else to keep an eye out on
@@AdamDuffArt yep , seems like i rest my elbow. how do i get rid of that? i know i should exercise more in the morning and evening on the daily but college life gives me no mercy. some times i swim on the weekends and get some good stretches and that's it
damn few minutes in and he just started blasting
as a physio, you could definitely teach me anatomy. also looking at this video cus im a shit physio and i need validation for this goddamn back pain thats killing me rn and i cant fix it lmao
I feel like I've got all these from the thumbnail already
This gets even more complicated and shitty when you're an artist with Ehlers Danlos syndrome. I can only draw for 30mins to an hour before my shoulder is trying to dislocate, and my neck will seize up. And I'm not even 30 yet, lmao.
* Reads the title *
"Most artists"... he DEFINITELY isn't talking about me hahAHA * face palm*
Lol
I have less back pain when my abdominals are strong.