HELP!!!!....Backache!!!
02-15-2011, 08:51 PM
#72
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: currently AR Ozarks
Posts: 590
Originally Posted by Emma S
Heat and stretching can help. Make a heating pad or one of those microwave shoulder pads your best friend. Something about heat seems to unlock those knotted muscules. Also basic stretching exercises for the entire back really do help. Just be gentle with yourself and stretch only to the point that is comfortable. We've got to keep you quilting, hope you feel better!
02-15-2011, 09:40 PM
#73
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Dallas area, Texas, USA
Posts: 3,042
I remember using the microwave heated pads on my back, and they bring quite a bit of relief - definitely worth a try. Oddly, I have less back trouble now than I did twenty years ago. I'm not sure why because I'm still far too sedentary and somewhat overweight. I have created a sort of "obstacle course" method of forcing myself to move around. Having my computer and sewing machines upstairs has helped because I have to go up and down frequently to let dogs in and out and deal with laundry. The ironing board is in the next room, necessitating frequently getting out of my chair. Also, I put up a pet gate and step over it every time I come in here. It was hard at first but got easier, and this tiny amount of activity has apparently helped my back. I wonder if women had more or less back trouble in the days of treadle-operated machines. Maybe we need treadle operated computers.
02-15-2011, 10:47 PM
#74
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Adelanto, CA
Posts: 4,044
This used to happen to me too but in my case I found that I had arthritis in my neck and compressed cervical disc... the pain was in my shoulder and down my arm. Not saying that this is your problem.
Found that I needed to do neck exercises and stretches, not bend my head down while on the computer or at my machine. Physical therapy worked miracles.
I hope you just need to stretch your shoulders back.
good luck, it is no fun to be in pain when you want to have joy in quilting.
Found that I needed to do neck exercises and stretches, not bend my head down while on the computer or at my machine. Physical therapy worked miracles.
I hope you just need to stretch your shoulders back.
good luck, it is no fun to be in pain when you want to have joy in quilting.
02-15-2011, 10:51 PM
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 506
Originally Posted by Rose_P
Originally Posted by Numa
Raise the back of your sewing machine so you are sewing with it tipped. You will be surprised!
02-16-2011, 06:41 AM
#78
Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Heart O'Texas
Posts: 83
Table height/chair height match is essential, as others have said. Another factor is eyeglasses. You didn't mention whether you do/don't wear glasses, but if you do, be sure your sewing position is such that you're not having to hold your head in a strained position in order to find the right 'spot' with best focus of your glasses. Strained/sore neck & shoulder muscles are my 'cue' that it's time for an eye exam and some 'thickers.'
02-16-2011, 06:50 AM
#80
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,430
Good posture and stretching really do help. Your chair must be the right height to your machine so you are not bending over to sew. A simple exercise to stretch is to raise your arms to shoulder height, bring your hands in to your chest then try to touch your elbows together behind your back. Do this very slowly several times a day.
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