Ice packs are good also.

Ditto!

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.

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.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :lol:

Sorry you are in pain....heard on Dr Oz..to drink tart cherry juice...may help. Get up move around every 30mins to 60 mins...

My daughter who has MS swears by yoga. I stand and sew at my kitchen counter where it's just the right height. Sitting too much kills my back.

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.'

Ive found that trying to reach to far to finish a block or row pulls on my shoulders and back. Even sitting sideways strains to quilt.

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.