Question:

Hello! I took a breif hiatus (3 weeks) from doing any x-stitch work and now whenever I stitch for more than 10-15 minutes, my neck and shoulders ache.<<snip   I thought someone might have some ideas?!? <<snip rachel

I used to get this problem alot a couple of years ago.  I wondered if I was just tense, because I was trying something new (applique), but I really think it was just muscle related.   Try doing lots of stretching for your shoulders and upper back.  Roll your shoulders gently and stretch your arms down behind your back.  Then hug yourself!  Some careful neck, back and shoulder strengthening exercises should help, too, but consult your doc or a fitness expert before you do anything, especially if the stretching doesn’t help. I’m not a doc, physical therapist, nurse, or any sort of health care professional.  These things just worked well for me.   Lee O’Neil

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello! I took a breif hiatus (3 weeks) from doing any x-stitch work and now whenever I stitch for more than 10-15 minutes, my neck and shoulders ache.  I don’t want to stop stitching, but I haven’t had any luck eliminating or decreasing the pain.  Since there were many suggestions re: hand pain, I thought someone might have some ideas?!? Will a stand help?  Sitting in a specific type of chair? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance for your help.  This is truly a wonderful group! rachel Try using Japanese Magnets.  You sick them onto pressure points and leave them there for about a week, they work for me.

Go to a physiotherapist.  See your doctor. Do chin tucks. (ie tuck your chin in and push backwards with your head) This causes you to sit up straight and stop hunching. Sit in a good chair with lumber support.  Dont hunch!!!! Feet flat on floor. I know it’s a bore. Do yoga. Do stretches, especially neck stretches.  Your local gym may have classes. Attend to this problem promptly or it will lead to worse problems, I know been there, done that.   Cheers Fiona

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says:  now whenever I stitch for more than 10-15 minutes, my neck and shoulders ache. rachel

    Rachel, I have some info on this on my web page:     http://www.serve.com/marbeth/needlework.html     Martha Beth

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Hello! I took a breif hiatus (3 weeks) from doing any x-stitch work and now whenever I stitch for more than 10-15 minutes, my neck and shoulders ache.  I don’t want to stop stitching, but I haven’t had any luck eliminating or decreasing the pain.  Since there were many suggestions re: hand pain, I thought someone might have some ideas?!? Will a stand help?  Sitting in a specific type of chair? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance for your help.  This is truly a wonderful group! rachel

Response:

I took a breif hiatus (3 weeks) from doing any x-stitch work and now whenever I stitch for more than 10-15 minutes, my neck and shoulders ache.  I don’t want to stop stitching, but I haven’t had any luck eliminating or decreasing the pain.  Since there were many suggestions re: hand pain, I thought someone might have some ideas?!?

Well, I don’t know if this will help you, but it couldn’t hurt.  When my husband was going to physical therapy, I brought my stitching along.  The therapist told me that I needed to sit with both feet on the floor and it couldn’t hurt to do some stretching exercises.  We started with the shoulders.  She had me do shoulder rolls, both clockwise and counter, and then shoulder shrugs, holding each for 3 seconds.  Then she told me to bring my shoulders in front of me, and then behind, also holding for 3 seconds. Then we did neck exercises.  These are especially good because of my neck being bent all the time looking at my work.  These are all held for 3 seconds.  She told me to stand up and look at the floor and then at the ceiling.  Then to tilt my head so that my ear was toward my shoulder. Then turning my head to each side (these are great in the car while waiting for the light to turn green).  Now, this one is my favorite, it works the best, but, of course, is the most difficult to describe.  Sit with your head directly over your body, and move just your head back, so that your chin is tucked in. These helped me a lot.  These may not help with your stitching, but they are great stress relievers, too. Good luck Denise

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello! I took a breif hiatus (3 weeks) from doing any x-stitch work and now whenever I stitch for more than 10-15 minutes, my neck and shoulders ache.  I don’t want to stop stitching, but I haven’t had any luck eliminating or decreasing the pain.  Since there were many suggestions re: hand pain, I thought someone might have some ideas?!? Will a stand help?  Sitting in a specific type of chair? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance for your help.  This is truly a wonderful group! rachel

Try using Japanese Magnets.  You sick them onto pressure points and leave them there for about a week, they work for me. — Sue

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