I have a bad back, also, but have found ways to work around it. The first is to use a hospital tray table..the feet slide right under your sofa, bed or chair..and the height is adjustable with a hand crank..that way you can sit in your favorite chair or even in bed and still sew. The way to get around the foot pedal is to buy an old hand crank machine..they work great for piecing. Or..you can buy one of the computerized brother machines(at walmart for $139.00, and $199.00, depending on bells and whistles),that will sew without the foot pedal..you just use a button on the machine to start/stop, and a slider to set you speed..I got the hang of mine very quickly.I'm sure there are other brands and other stores, but I'm familiar with the brother, and like it very much for piecing when I'm out of commission and can't sit at my regular machine. Good luck to you!