Gladys

Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions! I can't tell you how much I appreciate them. The back brace is what I was wondering about. Also having the machine tilted is something I haven't tried yet. The TENS unit looks like something I get at the Chiropractors office with electric stim. I will follow up on all of them and yes I've thought about yoga...sadly thinking about it is all I've done.

I will definitely try all the exercise suggestions. Thanks to all!

Gladys

Oh one more thing I sure wish there was a "Thanks" button for posts cause I sure would have used it.

sak658

My back hurts really bad...I take Aleve and get up and get in my computer chair and it eases up...which gives me the chance to sit here and read the Quilting Board...and then go back to sewing after I get easy...works for me....so if my DH ask why I'm on the computer so much....I'm waiting for my back to ease up!! LOL LOL

Skylark53

One thing that may help is a back posture seat cushion. These rest against or attach to the back of your chair. I know of people who have to use these with their computer chairs - and they're not particularly expensive, about $15 or so. Might be something to try before spending the $200+ on an ergonomic chair.

athomenow

I had to lower my sewing machine so my arms weren't so high and my neck wouldn't hurt. I find now that I can sew for some time before it starts to bother me. I just get up and cut fabric or press or something else for 10 minutes. Taking breaks is important.

MaryKatherine

Yoga every morning! You can hear all those joints realign!

mpspeedy2

I think mine is a combination of old age, 63, and a lifetime of handwork and sewing. l had to put heat on my shoulder last night. I have gotten deeply into making the "Pillowcase dresses" for a charity project. I probably finished 12 of them yesterday and then sat down and crocheted an edge on two fleece blankets for Linus. My husband teases me about my sewing job. I also read a novel every two or three days. I think I am just wearing out my various joints. At least I have something to show for my pain.

just joan

I broke my back 5 years ago and it hurts a lot if I sew for to long of time. The thing that helped me most was, I lowered my chair. Just by doing that I can sew much longer. Maybe just a simple thing as adjusting your chair will help some. Hope you find something that helps you. JoAn

mcar

Just thought I should add in some advice about the wonderful large exercise balls. I would love to stretch out on one. I see them in use at the gym, mostly by younger members, but my husband gave me a book on Backs that with every photos entry it states: not for those with lower back pain. I have the same experience with neck and shoulder pain and have worked with a Physical Therapist as long as Insurance would allow, and then with a Physical Trainer to over come the pain. Now I work out to run away from pain without using Aleve any more as it affected the condition of my kidneys......a year off Aleve helped to end that problem. It took me three separate periods of needing the help of my Physical Therapist to push me to realize that I must go on with formal exercise to keep my advances in well being. I can add more time in for sewing now. I use TENS too, as needed, before exercise as it interrupts the pain message sent to the brain so that you will not resist the thought of exercise. The problems arise when you need to improve your posture.

janjj

I like the yes, no, maybe thing! in the last few months I have gone to an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. Great results, stretching and the exercise ball too. height of chair these all are a factor. If you need to care for overworked muscles you can also use Calcium Bentonite Clay either as a poltice or a bath. I get mine from Global Light Networks. Great stuff.
good luck