Most of my work - mainly needleturn applique, is done by hand as I get very bored sitting at a sewing machine, but why oh why does my neck protest soooo much, it crunches when I turn my head and my hands are usually aching most of the time I sit in a very good chair and try to maintain a good posture - so why continue with it my friends ask - simple answer, the pleasure it gives me to produce a useful item and then give it to someone as a gift outways all of the above, but if anyone has suggestions on how to stop this happening would be most appreciated.

I went to an ergonomic talk at the Maine Quilt show. The speaker said to keep your ears over your shoulders - you can even slouch that way and be ergonomically correct. She also said to use a recliner for handwork. You want to keep yourself from hunching over/leaning over your work and bring it up closer to you to prevent this. Oh, and drink lots of water so you have to get up and take a break now and then.
Hope this helps.

:-D

I have a similar problem, but it involves when I use the sewing machine or when I'm cutting and measuring. I always bend over the table (and/or the sewing machine), and end up with a really sore back right in the middle. So I usually end up cutting, measuring or sewing for awhile, and then taking a break to let my back rest. Not sure how you can fix this stuff.

thank you must admit I do tend to lean over my work so will try to rearrange my posture - I do take regular breaks and only sew for about an hour in one go

Have you tried one of those foam neck braces, my Gram used one all the time, she said it really helped.

Are you trying to see what you are sewing? If so, maybe one of those things Debbie Umphress' husband makes would help you. It tilts your sewing machine so you don't have to lean over it to see it.

Oh,another tip she gave us was to try a 3 ring binder under the back of your machine to tilt it. A lot cheaper to try than a fancier gadget and I know I have a few lying around my house. She said to try different sizes (thicknesses). And you know why they have that rail at bars? (Not that I frequent them, mind you). To rest one leg on, to take the pressure off your back. (And then you'd stay longer, I guess). You can put a little box under your cutting table and put one foot up on it once in a while to do the same.

Door stops work too to tilt your machine.

Love it too!

It worked when potty training the kids - salty pretzels, chips - made them thirsty for more koolaid which made them pee more often. Had them trained in a day!

I have been in physical therapy for a pinched nerve in my back and they have advised me to tilt my pelvis back thus straightening my lower back while holding in my stomach. Eventually it becomes more comfortable and 2nd nature. They are right! It even helps my shoulders to stay in the proper position. Also, sitting too low is a big problem. I have my chair (office chair) at it's highest position and a pedestal big enough for both of my feet and foot control to be at a comfortable highth, otherwise my legs would go numb.

Crunchy neck might be arthritis in your cervical spine. Maybe try some motrin? Or ask your doc

I have the same problem with my neck. This happens when I quilt at my quilting frame to long. I have to get up and walk around. I have pain that starts in my neck and goes down my back and into my arms. Some days I don't quilt at all. If I know I'll be quilting for a long period I will take a pain reliever.