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  • Neck/Spinal issues please help

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    Old 11-04-2011, 01:49 PM
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    Default Neck/Spinal issues please help

    I have recently been diagnosed with a disc disease in my neck that causes a lot of pain and I have lost a lot of mobility in my neck. Basically I can look straight ahead without looking down, up or to the sides. I was wondering if others have any tips on things I may try so that I can begin using my sewing machine again and begin quilting again? I have discovered I can do some things with my hand, but I have been unable to successfully use my machine again without serious pain issues.
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    Old 11-04-2011, 01:54 PM
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    The best things I can think of are trying to adjust the height at which your machine sits, the height at which you sit, or perhaps the angle your machine sits at.
    All of which would also be very painful for you to do...
    Sorry!
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    Old 11-04-2011, 01:57 PM
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    I am sorry you are suffering with this disease! What is the expectations for the future? I trust you will find ways to continue to sew and find others here that can help you in that area! God Bless.
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    Old 11-04-2011, 02:48 PM
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    After much PT, my insurance company paid for me to have a home traction unit. It has helped a lot. I think if you raise your machine so that you are not looking down, this may help. It may be hard on your hands and arms. I am using the slant Singer vintage machines 301 and 401. They give you a better view of the sewing area. If you get a chance, you should try one to see if it will help you. Good luck and keep trying different things to see what works best for you!
    quilter711
    Nancy
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    Old 11-04-2011, 04:06 PM
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    I CAN fully understand what you are feeling, and it is NOT a
    pleasure walk in the park.

    Here is what I KNOW from my own personal experience. I
    had a deteriorated disc C5-C6 area. I went through months
    of various treatments; physical therapy, traction, exercise
    medications for spasms, muscle relaxants and pain just to
    name a few. Six months after I had first seen a Dr about
    the pain in my neck, I was undergoing interior cervical surgery.
    In the end I have had 2 surgeries because my vertebrae did
    not do a complete fusion after the first surgery.

    Now as for a way to help you sew while you are dealing with your
    neck issues. Raise your machine and ONLY sit and sew a couple
    minutes at a time. REST as much as you can. Try to "tip" your
    machine up at an angle to help you see the top of your project.

    Sadly though this is NOT a guaranteed fix. For me while I have
    been going through the worst of my issues with my neck I was
    not able to sit at my desk on the computer for more than 5-10
    minutes at a time and the monitor was even at eye level for me.

    I hope that you can find relief with your neck SOON as I know
    how hard it is to go through life in pain and unable to enjoy things
    that you have always liked doing.

    Good luck.

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    Old 11-05-2011, 03:27 AM
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    Default Neck/Spinal issues

    I suffered through the same things as you. I was refered to a pain management doctor who did wonders for me. I started with epidural injections in my neck and then had facet injections. These last over 6 months and now I've been pain free for over a year. I hope this has helped you in some way. Don't live with pain without trying the pain management doctors.

    Last edited by Montanagirl; 11-05-2011 at 03:28 AM. Reason: didn't finish
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    Old 11-05-2011, 03:44 AM
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    Have you asked about an occupational therapist?

    Also, i am wondering about thouse right angle glasses.
    http://www.activeforever.com/p-331-prism-glasses.aspx
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    Old 11-05-2011, 04:00 AM
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    not knowing about your pain or condition, but an idea...prop up the back of your machine using the rubber door stops while you sew may help. Good luck and definitely seek out a pain management clinic for help
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    Old 11-05-2011, 07:49 AM
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    Originally Posted by quilter711
    After much PT, my insurance company paid for me to have a home traction unit. It has helped a lot. I think if you raise your machine so that you are not looking down, this may help. It may be hard on your hands and arms. I am using the slant Singer vintage machines 301 and 401. They give you a better view of the sewing area. If you get a chance, you should try one to see if it will help you. Good luck and keep trying different things to see what works best for you!
    quilter711
    Nancy
    I had similar problems years ago and finally along with the physical therapy got the home traction unit which I started out hating. Then I looked forward to it. It became this process: uncomfortable (oh, why do I have to do this?); to not so bad; to oooh! this is comfortable. I would actually doze! That was more than 30 years ago. Don't try to force what is uncomfortable. Hopefully, you will improve. I know it is frustrating.
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    Old 11-05-2011, 08:06 AM
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    I have a lot of back and neck pain with my RA. A lovely lady on the board sent me this tip and it has helped me a lot. Raise your machine to your most comfortable level take two door stop's and raise the back of the machine to a level you can set straight and look right at your work area. This has been so much help for me, I hope it will help you also.
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