My chiropractor told me to stand in a doorway and put my hands at shoulder height and lean through the door, putting pressure on your upper back. I find it really helps.. Also it is so important to be working at a table/desk that is the right height.

Is your sewing maching on a lift that makes it level with your surrounding surface? If not try using door stops or a machine lifter you can get from Debbie Umphress (here on the board), to tilt machine toward you, put door stops under back edge of machine. This makes the presser foot area of the machine easier to see and your not stiffening your shoulders as much. Just a suggestion.

OSHA guidelines are helpful in figuring out how to position your workspace so it is ergonomic. Here is their website:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/comp...positions.html
Although it is for computer workstations, it's very applicable to a sewing workstation also.

I used to get that pain between my shoulders from quilting on my domestic machine while sitting down. With experimentation I found that I do not get that pain when I quilt standing up. (This is for quilting, not piecing. I still piece sitting down.)

To quilt, I place my machine on my cutting table (which is at about belly button height) and place a styrofoam table around my machine to provide a flat surface to support the quilt. There is a Youtube video on how to make this table at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g14govA4pIM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAS25v3ZTk0

I had the same problem for years. I was lucky enough to find a chiropractor to help me get rid of it. You can not hurt yourself doing this, which makes it a good excercise for everyone.
Stand in a door way with your feet shoulder width apart, toes at the center of the threshold. Place your hands at shoulder level on the door frame next to you. (Your palms are facing the same way you are). Very gently and slowly, lean forward a few inches at a time. You are NOT going for distance. Count to 5. return to upright for 3 count. Repeat for 3-5 minutes. (You can raise or lower your hands for comfort, or to get benefit at different levels) Do this several times a day. You will not always get immediate results, but you will get relief if you do this regularly. It has worked for me for years. I use it anytime I have overdone myself. I hope this helps you. Blessed Be!

Raise the back of your sewing machine so you are sewing with it tipped. You will be surprised!

I rarely get pain in between my shoulders when I sew in my sewing room. But, my last project I did at the dining room table. That table is significantly higher than the one in my sewing room. I had pain between my shoulders both days I worked at that table. So, I agree Raptureready, it's probably the height of your table or chair.

This may sound strange, but I thought the pain in my back was from bending over sewing so much (it felt like it was right under the shoulder blades and nothing would help). I found out the pain was from my gallbladder--surgeon said it was classic gallbladder symptoms. After that surgery, I've never had it hurt like that again.

Thanks for all your great ideas, I will give it a try!!! Will get some door stops before going home.
Galllbladder stones.....well I've got them!!!! :-( Been holding back on surgery for quite some time, was hoping I somehow get them out with herbal teas, etc. Some cleaver tea I've been drinking for a while has sort of helped, haven't had any collics for quite some time. But if this back ache persists, I'll have to consider surgery.... :cry:
Thanks again for all your concern. I'll let you know how I keep going and hopefully can post some quilts again soon!!! :lol:
Take care!!!

Some time ago on this forum this same question came up. One lady said that she had been a hair dresser and found one way there to prevent back aches. She stood/sat with her hips thrust slightly forward, which saved her back muscles a lot of pain.

I find that when I'm conscious of my back being straight, it doesn't get so tired. Straight back with hips slightly forward.
Pretend you're wearing a corset!!

so sorry for your pain