Can bench height cause back pains?

[williampiano]

I've grown a lot taller this past year, so yesterday I decided to adjust my piano bench (because I finally realized it was way too high). I moved it down quite a bit, but I've noticed my back has been getting quite sore playing at this new bench height. This back pain just developed right after I lowered my bench.... so is that why, or is bench height usually not the cause of back problems?

-Will

[quantum]

Yes, it can.  If you are adapting to a new height give it a few days for adjustment.  The new height may feel unusual at first.  You must also be aware of your posture, as improper position will also give your back pains. 

Ask someone else to view your posture as they may be able to spot something you are unaware of.  Using a mirror, or a digital camera to take a picture of yourself can help. 

[freejazzlessonsdotcom]

I've grown a lot taller this past year, so yesterday I decided to adjust my piano bench (because I finally realized it was way too high). I moved it down quite a bit, but I've noticed my back has been getting quite sore playing at this new bench height. This back pain just developed right after I lowered my bench.... so is that why, or is bench height usually not the cause of back problems?

-Will

Hi Will,
   This back pain could be caused by a lot of things.  First question: Are your feet grounded, balanced, and flat on the floor?  If not you could be putting extra pressure on your back.

[roseamelia]

You'll just have to get used to that position, cause you we're used to you're back being high up then, when you lowered it- it could have caused your back or it didn't but I would say it did because it only started ^after you lowered it. I hope that wasn't confusing

[pianoplayjl]

It did for me when I tried to play like Glenn gould. It stopped when I sat and played normally. It's a miracle that he didn't complain about back problems in his memoirs and conversations.

JL

[keyboardclass]

Try blocking up the back legs of your stool by about an inch.  It will allow your spine a more natural shape.

[keyofc]

I stayed out of state for a time and practiced 6 hours every day -
and I had no back pain -
Yet when I worked in own studio 2-3 hours a day -  I had pain -
The height and balance was perfect at other place and that is when
I realized that it is not 'normal' to have back pain.
It's only normal when height is wrong.

[keyboardclass]

If it's between your shoulder blades it could be from looking up at the music.

[werq34ac]

In general, higher bench=slouching=BACK PAIN. However, I think that you were slouching when playing the piano and have gotten used to slouching. When you lowered the bench, this caused your back to maybe straighten up, which is correct, but something you aren't used to. It should go away with time I think. Maybe a month? AH i almost forgot, if the bench is too low, you may be raising your shoulders a bit, which is really bad since that causes tension and most certainly will cause back pain after a while.

You can't fix slouching in just a few days. You can get out of the habit, but your body will need time to adjust.

But keep your shoulders relaxed. You almost (perhaps not even that) never use your shoulders when playing the piano.

Find a happy medium between high and low.

[keyofc]

Check out the well balanced pianist
and they will show you a picture for ease at the piano.https://www.wellbalancedpianist.com/bpseatingguide.htm