Pain in the neck (literally)

[nhmomquilts]

Good morning all,
Hoping I do not have to be admitted but.......I think too much stitching is causing me a real pain in the neck! My amount of zeal towards the completion of the latest project has been keeping me up til the wee hours --- today will be the final day for certain However, my neck and across the shoulders are buuuurrrrrning Other than a heating pad (which my DH says I live with anyway...lol) and an occasional Tylenol do you ladies have any remedies that you use? Does this happen to you all? I think maybe I hunch over too much....Ideas, suggestions, and any help please would be sincerely appreciated? TYSM Linda in NH

[devinf]

My shoulders and neck can start to feel tight if I'm putting in a long session. I make sure to stand and stretch every so often, usually when it's time to take a bathroom break or refill the drink.

Hands over your head, hanging down, twists... just anything to get the body parts moving again. It feels good and keeps the muscles loose. If it's bad/painful enough maybe a trip to a chiropractor or a nice massage might help?

[Fizzbw]

My neck can play up as well. Regular breaks will help. But what I've found the biggest difference is to have my stitching station set up so I don't have to bend over my stitching. This meant having my Lowery frame slightly higher and at a different angle so I can stitch with it nearer a level eye level, if that makes sense? As I can stitch for hours a day this is very important and works well.

Please don't hurt yourself it's so not worth it, so try and not hunch over your work, stitch with two hands if you can and keep it in a stand at a better level so you can keep you back and neck straight, and regular breaks and loosening exercises.

Niki xxx

[Serinde]

Yup. Regular breaks... just like the one's we're meant to take working in front of a computer all day...

[Fljotsdale]

Yes, it's hunching that does the damage. Sit up straight, and arrange your floor frame (if you use one) as Fizzbw suggested. If not, just make sure to keep adjusting yourself straight, cos you will almost inevitably slip down into a hunch without intending too. And stop when you start to hurt. Do something else. Go for a little walk (to the local shop to get chocolate... ). Make the beds. Wash up. Cook some cakes . Vacuum the floor (all those bits of thread that manage to walk themselves into the carpet... ). Make a drink or - what about that left-over xmas alcohol... needs using up... yeah? Whatever. Just stop sewing!

Until tomorrow, anyway. Oh, and Anadin helps.

[nhmomquilts]

I knew you girls would have the 'answer'!!! I do try to be mindful of taking breaks and I am only to happy to employ some of your suggestions for beverages and chocolate all in the name of 'research' of course Oh, and the suggestion of a massage, hmmmm, that has a lot of potential

This post got me to thinking.....has anyone ever shared pics or descriptions of their X Stitching "Spot"??? What kind of chair, lighting, hand-held work vs floor/lap frame, WIP storage, floss, music, TV, ambiance etc, etc. Maybe we can inspire one another to improve or make helpful adjustments to their work space. it could be fun! I know my "Spot" could use some sprucing up. Let me know what you gals think. Blessings, Linda

[Stitchinkitty]

I take a break about every two hours,and stretch and flex.That helps.But the porblem is the 'just one more stitch" syndrome.i can't stop stitching.

[Squirrel]

My neck and shoulders are usually very tight and achy after a stitching session when I have been concentrating hard - AND sinking down into myself. Best thing is to get up and move around and as soon as you feel an ache - stretch your body way way up as far as you can and let go - do it a few times.

We shared pics of our stitchy places a year or so ago I think mine might still be on phtobucket although I don't often get out there these days. I now have my own sitting room and sit beside the open window with lots of good clear light pouring in.

[nhmomquilts]

Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to reply...stretching seems to be a common thread and I plan on doing just that! I too, sink into myself though I didn't realize it until just a few days ago. Funny how we become oblivious when we're stitching
Your stitching place sounds lovely! I hope you get many hours of peace and creativity there Blessings, L

[Mystonique]

Having a comfortable chair that supports you well and a stand or method of holding your work that doesn't put pressure on the wrong spots is crucial to working for long periods without breaks.

I found changing my chair made a HUGE difference.

[Oriettait]

I have the same problem, due also to long hours at the computer for work.
I try to take regular break but the best help came from my stitchmaster stand, it help me keeping a better position and my back and neck does not hurt as much as before.

[Heidi]

I hate it when my nexk and back hurt. I learnt a few strengthing exercises is the best cure, or simply stop for 5 minute and make your a cup of coffee/tea to relax, and when you feel better carry on stitching.

[Reta]

My stitch corner

[Lessa54]

Definitely taking regular breaks. Good light too when stitching helps avoid the hunching.

Having said that I really must take my own advice at some point, especially when I get more time to stitch.

[BizzieLizzie]

I get stiffness across the top of my right shoulder and into the base of my neck if I stitch for too long in one go. I think it's because I hunch my shoulder up as I'm stitching. As well as taking rest breaks, I push my shoulder down and tilt my head to the left to stretch it, and roll my shoulder back and forth. I find that it soon loosens up with gentle movement.

[sina28]

I'm glad I found this thread. Since three days ago I am heaving a terrible pain in my neck, upper back and right upper arm, and I suppose it's because of the hunching over I have to do to see the tiny holes in my 18ct Aida fabric.
Yesterday I stitched for 5 hours, and today when I woke up, I couln't even move... so I think it's just too much stitching for the last few days.
Now I am going to try and not stitch for a few days, please wish me luck that it will get better soon.

[rcperryls]

Sending you lots of wishes and prayers for a quick recovery. I think my Daylight Mag Lite has probably done a lot to save me from aches and pains. I don't have to bend over to stitch and the light and the magnifier let me stitch on much larger counts of fabric (25, 28, 32 count) than I could even think about stitching on the last few years. You might consider looking for something like that.
Also we do have ourCross Stitcher's Ward which provides the ultimate in TLC where stitchers in need of R&R from general health issues to recovery from the hazards associated with stitching (such as your pain in the neck) can receive all the virtual comfort available.

Feel better soon!

Carole

[Allyn]

I agree with other folks who said get up and move around every so often. I used to have some pain in my shoulders before I set up my stitching "cockpit" so I could sit in my recliner with my feet kicked up and (this is the important part) pull my stand up all the way to me so I didn't have to hunch my back or shoulders to stitch.

.....has anyone ever shared pics or descriptions of their X Stitching "Spot"??? What kind of chair, lighting, hand-held work vs floor/lap frame, WIP storage, floss, music, TV, ambiance etc, etc. ...

Sure we have,

http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... =4&t=21942" target="_blank

and

http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... =4&t=16009" target="_blank

[sina28]

Thank you Carole at home I have a daylight lamp (which I used for painting but why not use it for stitching) but I have to wait another month until I will get home. As for magnification I think I probably am going to need glasses, I will look into a cheap drugstore one and see if that will help. Today I am feeling a little better, found some neck pain relief excercises and did them, also the medicine I took might have helped. Still no stitching today!

Also thank you Allyn for describing your setup, it indeed sounds back- and neck-friendly.

[sina28]

So I am quite happy to tell you that my pain has completely gone away I kept on excercising nearly every day, but still haven't stitched anything. But now it is less than a week until I'll go home, so I have already packed up all of my stitching supplies.