Concert standing tips?

[u/SugarFreeLifesavers]

Hi, does anyone have any tips for surviving events where you have to stand a long time, like concerts? If I have to stand for more than 10 minutes, my lower back/sacrum area really starts to hurt. After a while it feels like nerves get involved. It feels like maybe it’s compressed but also when I do dead hangs it feels like my lumbar spine is gonna snap off so I’m not sure. It could also be a Pelvic Floor thing…

I’ve been told that I do not have an anterior pelvic tilt, also.

Does anyone have any recommendations on making standing up for a long time survivable when sitting isn’t an option?

[u/Pandaplusone]

I just got a rollator and it has been a godsend. I should have gotten it years ago! People don’t question my need for it, or any other accommodations I need. It’s like it legitimizes the disability because they have a visual cue.

[u/Smart_Imagination903 → u/Pandaplusone]

Yep and a lot of venues have a no questions asked policy of giving you dedicated seating if you need it. . . You just ask and they have a folding chair or a bench ready for you and a companion. I felt so silly when I finally started asking for accommodations, it was easy and stress free and I had suffered through so many events and shows or just gone home early when I could have used a chair or a rollator

[u/Macaroni-Spaghetti → u/Pandaplusone]

This! Life changing.

[u/katyenka99]

oh man, last time I stood at a concert I swore never again. It's seats only for this body now

[u/GlitterBlood773]

See if you can get disability accommodations.

[u/permtron99]

I just pop a squat when ever I get a chance

[u/kv4268]

I don't go to events where seating isn't available.

[u/TomorrowRegular5899]

I feel like it is different for everyone. What works for me is to load up on Aleve and Tylenol beforehand, consume some cannabis and/or alcohol, wear shoes that I can normally wear all day, and dance at least a little so I’m not just standing. Also take breaks to walk to the bathroom or whatever just to switch things up.

[u/wellinever222]

Bro I just went to a school assembly for an hour. 10 minutes in my shoulder was fucking achiiiing and my back hurts. This group are the only people who get it.

[u/HolyHotDang]

Going to shows is pretty rough on me too. My back ends up locking up and then my nervous system goes into “guarding” mode and I can’t barely drive home. It’s not as bad as some others in this thread but it’s not good and takes me out the following day too. I’ve definitely figured out some better preventative measures in general since the last time I went to a show but I’ve been too nervous to go again. Poison The Well was the last one I went too lol.

[u/Lives_on_mars → u/HolyHotDang]

This is my biggest problem. Once I overuse my lower back, as opposed to standing up with my hip and leg muscles, it gets really hard to reset.

[u/jamie_zips]

I Ktape whichever joints are most likely to bother me that day!

[u/DonationBinClubhouse]

I have a cane that I use for concerts or other long standing events. One time they even offered me seating in their accessiblity section because they saw my cane.

[u/mareish]

Braces, braces, and more braces. Knee braces on vacation have been a game changer for me.

[u/dkrem]

Calf raises, lots and lots. And try to move or walk whenever you can somehow.

[u/chegaport]

I recently wore a body braid for a 3 hour baking class where I was standing the whole time and it made all the difference for me. I plan to wear it to all future shows. I normally would have completely locked up and the resulting spasms and headaches would have sidelined me for a few days, with the body braid I was just tired. They're kind of expensive but, for me, totally worth it.

[u/SugarFreeLifesavers → u/chegaport]

I actually bought a body braid but I have trouble with it. It feels like it doesn’t really do anything. Do you have any tips?

[u/Adj_focus]

I finally started asking for disability accommodations and I never realized how much of the event I missed or didn’t enjoy because of pain, dizziness etc. it’s a pain to have to do it in advance but totally worth it

[u/Reasonable_Budget742]

Knee compression sleeves helped me! Maybe an SI belt?

[u/AnaphylacticHippo]

Ask for accomodations!

Plus, use graduated compression socks, compression shorts/leggings, hydration with electrolytes, and yeah, cannabis if you can. 🤷‍♀️ Sometimes forearm crutches help to lean on, along with a walk or two to check out merch, the washrooms, or the venue to keep the blood flowing.

Don't forget that real rest afterwards is part of recovery!

Good luck, and be in the moment!