My rotary cutter causing my back problems, ugh!
 

I have been noticing that on the days that I am able to sew my back starts spasming. So to test my theory I used sisscors to do my cutting instead of my rotary blade cutter. Seems the pushing motion is aggreviating it. (sorry I can't spell today) Anyone have any tips for me on how to position my body so this doesn't happen???

Could it be the height of your cutting table? I had a similar problem. My shoulders would burn after cutting for awhile. Then my son in law made me a higher cutting table and it helped a lot.

I put 5" bed risers under my kitchen table for major cutting jobs. Keeps both my wrist and back from crinkling up.

I agree that the height of the cutting table is very important. Some people prefer to sit while using the rotary cutter. You might try that out. Also be sure your blade is sharp and your mat is in good shape so you don't have to press as hard.

Highering a table may help or learning to cut sitting down. Have you also tried the rotary cutter set with a bend for ease on cutting. The cutting slicer may also help. Have a look around or if your son in law is so helpful train him to cut he fabric for you.

I bought that new ironing board cabinet that JoAnn's had on sale last month. It's just a couple on inches higher than the table that I have allways used for cutting. Used the cabinet one day to cut a bunch of material and I could tell the difference in my back. So I'm going to get some kind of risers put under my table.

Get an anti fatigue mat to put on the floor in front of your cutting table. This has really helped me. I got mine at Meijer and it is the thick black one that you can put in your kitchen. I also have one that I got at Menards that is about 5 feet long and it is on the floor in front of my ironing board. The height of your cutting table is also important.

http://generationqmagazine.com/2011/...e-stitchy-set/

Good article about just this topic.

I also agree that I believe the problem is the height of your cutting table. I have read that the best height for cutting is no higher or lower than 3" below your elbow.

I agree start with the height of your cutting table.

My shoulder would hurt when I used the rotary cutter more then a few minutes. A PT said to have my cutting surface low enough so my elbow won't have to bend when cutting. No more shoulder pain. I got the Accuquilt Go and I have the turning handle no higher then my hip.

Kitchen counter height is perfect for me. (I'm short) Elbows bend at 90 degree angle, body is straight.

when we bought our new condo, I got a pub height table. dh just found out why I wanted it...great for cutting

If the pieces are small enough, I prefer sitting down. I have a nice 12" X 18" cutting board that turns (it has nice ball bearings in it) that works great and I can cut for quite a while if I'm sitting down. I also use a sturdy tray - cost about $20 from Lowe's that is large enough for this cutting board. (It's a cutting mat glued to a board - real nice - picked it up at a yard sale!)

If I have to cut strips/borders, I use my cutting table but get the dreaded burning in my shoulder blades. I usually just cut one or two sets at a time and do something else for a while.

ITA re taking a look at the table height.
Also, with doing less at a time.

Two other things .......
* sharpness of the rotary blade -- the duller the blade gets, the more pressure we put on the cutter to do its job. A new blade can make cutting somewhat easier, and less stress on your shoulder/back.

* relax -- sometimes we put more pressure on the cutter than truly is necessary.



And another consideration ... the rotary cutting may falsely being blamed!!!!

Take a look at the ergonomics of all facets of your sewing area (and other things in your life). It could be that these other thing(s) are/have caused the damage and it is showing itself to you when you are doing the rotary cutting; and the rotary cutting not being the root cause.

I'm 5"2 1/2" tall. I was told counter height was too tall for anyone 5"3 and under. Don't bend your back, raise your shoulder or jut your neck is the key to cutting. My sewing machine is well below my elbows. I look down to sew. I can sew or cut all day and not be hurting the next day. What you are comfortable with may not be the best for you. I was awkward using the lower level for a while.

The thing that made a difference for me (already mentioned here) was an ergonomic rotary cutter. It keeps your wrist from having to assume an unnatural position and really helps your back. Mine (Olfa) also automatically closes when you release it -- no more exposed blades!

As mentioned by everyone, a higher cutting surface is another important element -- try using your kitchen island (or counter.) It works great with the biggest cutting mat you can buy.

Really good article, I will have to search for the next installments they mentioned.

Point for consideration - You have already problem solved that your difficulties arise when using the cutting table, if the back spasms did not occur when you used scissors so, is it possible you are reaching out beyond your centre of gravity to cut fabric width - that can and does contribute to a sore back. So does "forgetting" to take frequent breaks/change of position.

Good luck with sorting out what is causing your problems, and happy quilting!
GEMRM