Originally Posted by
gramajo
I have RA and stiffen up if I stay in one position (such as sewing) for too long. I put my pressing station across the room from my machine so I'd be forced to get up and move occasionally. Moving helped me from stiffening up so much. It was much more convenient to have a pressing station next to my machine, but I'll take the lack of stiffness over the convenience any time.
I've known a couple chiros who were sewers/quilters. They all said that you should put your ironing area away from your machine just so you have to get up and move. I've had mine this way for years and other than and bit of discomfort if I'm doing a piecing project and sewing all weekend, I really have no back problems from sewing.