Has anyone ever used a 5% Lidocaine Patch? My doctor gave me a sample patch along with a prescription. The patch really helped a lot on my back around my shoulder blade. You can leave it on for about 12 hours out of 24. I couldn’t get the patches because they are ‘so’ expensive (over $200.00 for 30) so they gave me the gel version. You rub it on and cover it with Saran Wrap and it does about the same thing. It helps me.

A doctor told me this trick many years ago and it really works!

I always have 2 plastic doorstop wedges under the back of my machines. Although the wedges are only about an inch high, the tilted angle makes a big difference to neck strain!

I feel your pain. i have the same thing. No surgery for me yet, but i believe it will be in my future.
I hope you have good success and feel better soon!

I put door stoppers (the wedges) under the back of my machine. It tilts it forward.
I hope this helps

Everything will be a repeat. My body has done nothing but thank me. I have tilted the machine and used the office adjustable chair for years but still had problems. Then I started 50 minutes sewing and minimum 10 minute break. This break is to stretch, drink a glass of water, potty break, etc. If I am sewing for several hours I will add about a 15 minute walk at least once. For machine quilting wearing gloves to move the fabric is well worth the one time expense. The shoulder desk stretches whenever I think of them help me tremendously. The breaks make me far more productive as I am not fixing the body but preventing the problems from happening.

some good wine......................ah......................

Biofreeze, Epson Salt Baths, frequent breaks, neck stretches and a Wonderful Chiropracter is what keeps my neck and shoulder pain at bay.
I will definetly be trying the machine tilt and some more of these wonderful suggestions too.

I have a neck warmer that you put in the microwave. It does wonders to loosen up tight muscles from sewing all day. I bought mine at a craft sale but it's just polar fleece filled with dried beans/rice. You can also put it in the freezer for an ice pack. You just microwave it for about 2 min. and it stays hot for around 30 min.

Yes, those patches keep me going. Have a very bad back. They are covered by my part D medicare. If you qualify, check it out. :D

Thank you so much for that website that looks like the perfect solution to those of us with arthritis in our necks and spine. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

We bought ours at a craft show. We have a friend who used to make them but I have not been able to contact her to see if she still does. Will post again if I hear from her. Check out the craft shows this time of year for magnetic jewelry.

I do all of the above. According to a former coworker, a sewing factory supervisor, your chair should sit high enough so that you can work at your machine without the shoulders raising. My chair doesn't go high enough for that so I have a cheap bed pillow on the "secretary" chair.
It is hard to take a break when on a fun roll quilting with specialty threads. Keep a big mug of ice water handy and a hubby/friend with magic hands close.

I have that problem too. My office chair is too low and it gives me sore neck and shoulders. Is there some way you can raise the chair as I have a machine cabinet and the machine sits 2inches above the table. I do know how you feel. My fingers are my problem at the moment,I am trying to make a bag for my sister and they are splitting with the pressure of the needle.