I worked for 5 straight hours 2 days ago on a quilt for my D/D for Christmas, yesterday I couldn't even move I hurt so much in the neck and left shoulder, nothing seemed to help. You guys are so wonderful on here, I was wondering if anyone else did this, and if so, can you tell me why or how to avoid it. Thanks for listening..

Debbie Umphress sells a machine lifter, (if your machine is not fitted into a table) it tilts the machine so that your neck and head stays at a natural angle. Try door stops or something that can tilt the machine. Here's the link for Debbie. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-69533-1.htm

Take frequent breaks, stretch and move around :wink:

I have to get up and walk around from time to time, I do! Go do something else that won't take too long, so you can get back to sewing... Just a "little" break will do wonders and you won't be straining yourself.

Drink lots of water too. Believe it or not, a person becomes very dehydrated when working with fabrics. The fabrics can really take the moisture away from you.

A Hubby massage!

I have the same problem. I take breaks often. Also, when you're sitting at your machine take a momement and pull your shoulders down to stretch them. I have a tendency to pull my shoulders up and they get very tense. I know it's miserable and frustrating not to mention the pain.

I have a neck problem to begin with, so have to be careful. I do as others have mentioned and take frequent breaks. I find this helps, getting up and moving around helps, that is the time I might fold wash or another thing that needs done. After you have suffered with neck pain you know what not to do and be able to still do what you want to.

I take frequent breaks and do the Yes, No & Maybe so exercises! Nod your head up & down as if you're saying Yes, then move your head from side to side as if you're saying No then raise your your shoulders up & down as if you're saying Maybe! It really works or so the expert says that was on the Sewing with Nancy(Zieman) show.
You're not suppose to set longer than 45 min. at a time without moving around.

Make sure you ae setting in a chair that is at the heigth for you. An adjustable chair is a must for sewers.