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-   -   Back pain (https://www.quiltingboard.com/general-chit-chat-non-quilting-talk-f7/back-pain-t26072.html)

Pzazz 09-28-2009 06:44 AM

My hubbys' fingers also work wonders!! ;) After a car accident several years ago, I have had to MAKE myself get up and move away from the machine. Someone suggested sew some, iron some, leave for a bit, etc., and that really does work well. Hope you find a solution that works for YOU.

chairjogger 09-28-2009 08:06 AM


I like thermacare pads. They are fantastic and really loosen your muscles.
I live with those !! I use the shoulder ones on my calves.. My legs scream at me during night. 8 dollar a box, you get three. it is more expensive than Pain Pills but I do not want to live on Pain pills.

^5 GREAT IDEA !!!

Emma Gunawan 09-28-2009 05:06 PM

Hello, I am from Jakarta, Indonesia. I also have 2 herniated discs from my back bones and can not stand to sit to long for sewing machine or computer. What is ALEVES? Is it a pain relieve medicine? You're right pain killer pills make your pain muscles relax, but you cannot concentrate (tend to sleep??). Thanks. :D

Quiltgranny 09-28-2009 08:41 PM


Originally Posted by kluedesigns
i have had numerous shoulder injuries from years of competitive sports and can easily suffer pain when i push to hard.

i sew about 3-4 hours a day 6 days a week and i've had this schedule for about 8 years.

i have my sewing platform high in relation to where my bottom sits in the chair. i also have a lengthy and wide sewing platform.

i believe by having this set up i don't have to hunch down and forward to see my work, my shoulders aren't over extended, and i'm able to have my forearms fully supported - thereby taking some of the pressure off the shoulders and back.

Have you ever shared a pic of your sewing platform? I'd sure love to see this, as I have been struggling with finding the correct table height for myself, too. Thanks, Klue.

Happy sewing,

chairjogger 09-29-2009 04:02 AM

wow ! tilting just like a drafting board.. interesting.. I can see this helping !

Mamagus 09-29-2009 05:41 AM

If the pain is between your shoulder blades it probably isn't your spine...
I have had bad backs on and off all my life. I have a dislocated tailbone that can't be fixed ( fell on icy concrete step) and my SI joint becomes inflamed if I walk too long or sit on soft surfaces.

The shoulder blade pain is probably muscular. I found a lot of my pain went away when I followed the physio's advice and strengthened my back muscles. It is worth a visit. Ask specifically for exercises that will strengthen your upper back.

Prism99 09-29-2009 06:43 AM


Originally Posted by Emma Gunawan
Hello, I am from Jakarta, Indonesia. I also have 2 herniated discs from my back bones and can not stand to sit to long for sewing machine or computer. What is ALEVES? Is it a pain relieve medicine? You're right pain killer pills make your pain muscles relax, but you cannot concentrate (tend to sleep??). Thanks. :D

I spent some time in Jakarta many years ago. I'm sure it has changed a lot since then!

Yes, Aleve is an over-the-counter pain medication similar in effect to aspirin, ibuprophen, tylenlol, etc. The difference with Aleve is it is supposed to last for 24 hours, so just one pill a day.

texasannie 09-29-2009 09:43 AM

Try ice you must have inflammation.

busiacam 09-29-2009 11:04 AM

I also have back pains. But the one that bothers me the most is the sharp pain running from the right side of my neck down my scapula (shoulder blade). I was told once that every hour or so you should stop sewing and do shoulder shrugs...lift your shoulders up towards your ears and down again. Also rotating your shoulders frontwards and backwards and moving your head in a circular motion to the right and the left is also helpful. Thanks to all for their suggestions.
Chris from AZ :D

jeanau 09-29-2009 05:37 PM

Another simple help for me when my back begins to twinge, is to change seats for awhile. I have a chair with a straight back and a padded bench with no back. I find moving back and forth between these two really helps keep my back from stiffening up. I love to sew when I'm in the mood, and hate to have to stop for back pain....who knows when the mood will strike again! :lol:


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