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SherrieDLux 11-06-2010 03:58 AM

I worked for 5 straight hours 2 days ago on a quilt for my D/D for Christmas, yesterday I couldn't even move I hurt so much in the neck and left shoulder, nothing seemed to help. You guys are so wonderful on here, I was wondering if anyone else did this, and if so, can you tell me why or how to avoid it. Thanks for listening..

magpie 11-06-2010 04:07 AM

Debbie Umphress sells a machine lifter, (if your machine is not fitted into a table) it tilts the machine so that your neck and head stays at a natural angle. Try door stops or something that can tilt the machine. Here's the link for Debbie. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-69533-1.htm

amma 11-06-2010 04:07 AM

Take frequent breaks, stretch and move around :wink:

maryel 11-06-2010 04:17 AM

I have to get up and walk around from time to time, I do! Go do something else that won't take too long, so you can get back to sewing... Just a "little" break will do wonders and you won't be straining yourself.

crashnquilt 11-06-2010 04:49 AM

Drink lots of water too. Believe it or not, a person becomes very dehydrated when working with fabrics. The fabrics can really take the moisture away from you.

dakotamaid 11-06-2010 04:59 AM

A Hubby massage!

LeeAnn 11-06-2010 05:06 AM

I have the same problem. I take breaks often. Also, when you're sitting at your machine take a momement and pull your shoulders down to stretch them. I have a tendency to pull my shoulders up and they get very tense. I know it's miserable and frustrating not to mention the pain.

judylg 11-06-2010 05:22 AM

I have a neck problem to begin with, so have to be careful. I do as others have mentioned and take frequent breaks. I find this helps, getting up and moving around helps, that is the time I might fold wash or another thing that needs done. After you have suffered with neck pain you know what not to do and be able to still do what you want to.

dkabasketlady 11-06-2010 05:24 AM

I take frequent breaks and do the Yes, No & Maybe so exercises! Nod your head up & down as if you're saying Yes, then move your head from side to side as if you're saying No then raise your your shoulders up & down as if you're saying Maybe! It really works or so the expert says that was on the Sewing with Nancy(Zieman) show.
You're not suppose to set longer than 45 min. at a time without moving around.

featherweight 11-06-2010 05:39 AM

Make sure you ae setting in a chair that is at the heigth for you. An adjustable chair is a must for sewers.

Quilter4HireAndFun 11-06-2010 06:43 AM

I purchased a small chicken kitchen timer that I set for 30 minutes now...when it rings...I force myself to get up and take a break. It works. Hope you are doing better

featherweight 11-06-2010 06:48 AM

Great Idea!!!

Char 11-06-2010 06:58 AM

I have a really good chiropractor! :shock:

sylviak 11-06-2010 07:00 AM

I'm wearing a neck brace for the next 2 months, so I'll have to be extra careful. Probably won't be able to do anything for an extended period. Just tried the "modified" yes, no, maybe (can't turn my head too far) and it seemed to help. Try some ice on the neck. If it doesn't go away in a day or two, a chiropractor might be helpful. Of course, that can be expensive!

ChrisB 11-06-2010 07:09 AM

I used to have neck pain all the time from sewing and other things. I started wearing a magnetic necklace about eight years ago and it really works for me. I got mine at a craft show by a friend who makes them. There are cheap ones but are not as strong or helpful. My hubby starting wearing one after seeing how much it helped me and he also swears by them now. At times I will start to get a neck ache but it quickly goes away. We wear them all the time, only taking them off to shower. Wear next to the skin.

janedee 11-06-2010 07:10 AM

yep take regular breaks and move around - I also remember someone telling me on here as I was getting alot of neck pain and stiffness when I hand quilt or applique to make sure you are not leaning over your work - as soon as I started checking my posture most of the pain has disappeared - hope it eases up soon - one of those wheat bag things you heat in the micro help alot too

janedee 11-06-2010 07:11 AM

yep take regular breaks and move around - I also remember someone telling me on here as I was getting alot of neck pain and stiffness when I hand quilt or applique to make sure you are not leaning over your work - as soon as I started checking my posture most of the pain has disappeared - hope it eases up soon - one of those wheat bag things you heat in the micro help alot too

janedee 11-06-2010 07:12 AM


Originally Posted by janedee
yep take regular breaks and move around - I also remember someone telling me on here as I was getting alot of neck pain and stiffness when I hand quilt or applique to make sure you are not leaning over your work - as soon as I started checking my posture most of the pain has disappeared - hope it eases up soon - one of those wheat bag things you heat in the micro help alot too

Oops must have hit the send key twice!!!!

peaceandjoy 11-06-2010 07:14 AM

I highly recommend "Treat Your Own Neck," by Robin McKenzie. It's available through Amazon and is part of a series by McKenzie. Having a pinched nerve in my neck led to not only chronic neck and shoulder pain, but constant headaches. My doctor recommended physical therapy and although I was at first reluctant (doesn't everyone who goes to PT either go forever or have the same problem as soon as they stop?), I did end up going. The PT is actually who recommended this book to me, and I've lent to several folks since then. Great exercises to not only alleviate pain, but keep it fron coming back.

Willa 11-06-2010 07:31 AM

I worked in a factory for 17 yrs. We were taught to try to keep your head in line with your spine (your head weighs around 8 lbs so if you bend your head forward your muscles have to work more. imagine holding a bowling ball, does it seem heavier close to your body or if you hold it in front of you as far as possible?) This is where your chair adjustment is important. We were also told to take small breaks frequently (such as rolling your shoulders or just standing and stretching) along with regular breaks. And yes water is a very good idea. Hope these help.

susiequilt 11-06-2010 10:00 AM

Feel better soon!

lynnie 11-06-2010 11:52 AM

did that years ago, about 5, shoulder is still frozen up, i get massages (my son is a therapist), but only helps for about an hour. good luck

Kas 11-06-2010 12:55 PM

My pain in the neck and shoulder turned out to be a herniated and torn disc between my c5& 6 vertebrae. It turns out bone spurs are causing the disc to be pushed out and I am having surgery on the 9th of Dec. I tried traction and cortisone shots, muscle relaxants and a TENS machine for a year. Hopefully the surgery will finally fix it. I went in for a MRI after my arm became numb all the time.

rdupuis 11-07-2010 03:07 AM

Thanks for the pictures, Will have my son-in-law build one for me

karenfae 11-07-2010 03:56 AM

I think everyone said the same as I would - take frequent breaks. Do neck stretches, get up away from the machine at least every 30 minutes and walk around the house - some people get a little kitchen timer and keep it next to the sewing machine so they won't forget to do this. If we constantly sit at the sewing machine we do stiffen up.

twospoiledhuskies 11-07-2010 04:29 AM

I prefer sewing standing up. I have an island in my design studio and I don't have to be hunched over my machine. This causes much less stress to my neck/shoulders. When I designed my room I put in two sewing stations-don't use either one (go figure) :D

Tinabodina 11-07-2010 04:35 AM

I can't believe how times flies when I am in my sewing room. The timer is a great idea.

Maiziedo 11-07-2010 04:50 AM


Originally Posted by ChrisB
I used to have neck pain all the time from sewing and other things. I started wearing a magnetic necklace about eight years ago and it really works for me. I got mine at a craft show by a friend who makes them. There are cheap ones but are not as strong or helpful. My hubby starting wearing one after seeing how much it helped me and he also swears by them now. At times I will start to get a neck ache but it quickly goes away. We wear them all the time, only taking them off to shower. Wear next to the skin.

Where do you get these? Would love to try

Maiziedo

SherrieDLux 11-07-2010 05:19 AM

That was so funny as I sat here doing the yes, no, maybe reading it. All your suggestions are great and will try and remember to stop once in a while, it is just so hard though when you know you have to get so much done and the tension is terrible sometimes. Thank you all so much for your help.

MerryQuilter 11-07-2010 05:28 AM

Take active breaks and ibuprofen haha

softpatches 11-07-2010 05:36 AM

I too take loads of breaks but I also sit above my machine--I am very short and found that sitting normal made me hunch over so I raised my chair up very high and placed my feet on a small stool. I found my posture was much better and I am more relaxed not to mention I have a much better view of my work. If all else fails & you do get stiff & drawn try this trick-- take a thin towel, dangle it & wrap it like a rope, then place around your neck. It give great support and keeps your shoulders relaxed-

sgraves1959 11-07-2010 06:07 AM

where can I purchase them?

michlowe 11-07-2010 06:15 AM

Put a dixxy cup filled with water in the freezer. When frozen, peel off the first inch or so of the cup. Have DH or someone, rub the ice up and down your neck while you stretch. This is called an Ice Massage. It is wonderful! (RN in Boise)

gdcleanfun 11-07-2010 06:21 AM

My neck got to hurting so bad that I had to have physical therapy. Three months later it hurts much less but I'll always have to keep up the exercises to make sure I don't lose the strength and stretching I've built up. Up and down and side to side movements, stretches, and relaxation techniques, as well as time away from the machine & chair, are all very necessary. A kitchen timer is a must. Neck pain sux! Good luck to you! :)

Mariposa 11-07-2010 06:23 AM

The ideas here are definitely useful! I use door stops under the back of my machine to tilt it forward--helps greatly!
I also use a bag filled with flax or rice, and heat it up and place on sore shoulder/neck area. Drink lots of water, remember to breathe, do stretches while taking breaks!
Best to you! :)

IBQUILTIN 11-07-2010 07:21 AM

Lots of mini breaks, and several squirts of Cobroxin

darleneerickson 11-07-2010 07:35 AM

In the medicine aisle there are some things called salon paz or pas, which are patches that you can put on the trouble spots. Help immensely - I leave mine on for a whole day and night, I put them on after bath and leave them on until the next night for bath, but sometimes leaving them that long can mark your skin a little. They are wonderful, though, give them a try.

ShirlinAZ 11-07-2010 07:48 AM

Are you sewing at the dining room table with a dining chair? Bad move. I had all the same problems. Now my machine is lowered and I have an adjustable chair. I learned this working in an office for 33 years. Work with hands the same level as the elbows and feet flat on the floor, knees and buttocks on the same level. You can use a good folding table with metal legs and have the legs cut down to the right height for you. My folding table is only 26" high! And stretch before, during (frequently) and after sewing. Good luck.

quilter68 11-07-2010 08:02 AM

Sherrie Dlux and Everyone,

Let's all remember that the HEATING PAD is our friend.

Long story short - neck fusion and age and other stuff equals 15 minutes with the heating pad, frequently. At least, daily time. It works well for me.

Hoping you will feel better soon,

Quilter68

mountain deb 11-07-2010 08:10 AM

While driving, reading or sewing to long, I do this exercise often. Put your hand on your forward pushing your forhead back with your hand, but at the same time resist with your head pushing your head forward. Hold for about a count of ten. Now repeat for each side and the back of your head.


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