Neck/Spinal issues please help
11-04-2011, 01:49 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 56
Neck/Spinal issues please help
I have recently been diagnosed with a disc disease in my neck that causes a lot of pain and I have lost a lot of mobility in my neck. Basically I can look straight ahead without looking down, up or to the sides. I was wondering if others have any tips on things I may try so that I can begin using my sewing machine again and begin quilting again? I have discovered I can do some things with my hand, but I have been unable to successfully use my machine again without serious pain issues.
11-04-2011, 02:48 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 500
After much PT, my insurance company paid for me to have a home traction unit. It has helped a lot. I think if you raise your machine so that you are not looking down, this may help. It may be hard on your hands and arms. I am using the slant Singer vintage machines 301 and 401. They give you a better view of the sewing area. If you get a chance, you should try one to see if it will help you. Good luck and keep trying different things to see what works best for you!
quilter711
Nancy
quilter711
Nancy
11-04-2011, 04:06 PM
#5
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Posts: 3,536
I CAN fully understand what you are feeling, and it is NOT a
pleasure walk in the park.
Here is what I KNOW from my own personal experience. I
had a deteriorated disc C5-C6 area. I went through months
of various treatments; physical therapy, traction, exercise
medications for spasms, muscle relaxants and pain just to
name a few. Six months after I had first seen a Dr about
the pain in my neck, I was undergoing interior cervical surgery.
In the end I have had 2 surgeries because my vertebrae did
not do a complete fusion after the first surgery.
Now as for a way to help you sew while you are dealing with your
neck issues. Raise your machine and ONLY sit and sew a couple
minutes at a time. REST as much as you can. Try to "tip" your
machine up at an angle to help you see the top of your project.
Sadly though this is NOT a guaranteed fix. For me while I have
been going through the worst of my issues with my neck I was
not able to sit at my desk on the computer for more than 5-10
minutes at a time and the monitor was even at eye level for me.
I hope that you can find relief with your neck SOON as I know
how hard it is to go through life in pain and unable to enjoy things
that you have always liked doing.
Good luck.
pleasure walk in the park.
Here is what I KNOW from my own personal experience. I
had a deteriorated disc C5-C6 area. I went through months
of various treatments; physical therapy, traction, exercise
medications for spasms, muscle relaxants and pain just to
name a few. Six months after I had first seen a Dr about
the pain in my neck, I was undergoing interior cervical surgery.
In the end I have had 2 surgeries because my vertebrae did
not do a complete fusion after the first surgery.
Now as for a way to help you sew while you are dealing with your
neck issues. Raise your machine and ONLY sit and sew a couple
minutes at a time. REST as much as you can. Try to "tip" your
machine up at an angle to help you see the top of your project.
Sadly though this is NOT a guaranteed fix. For me while I have
been going through the worst of my issues with my neck I was
not able to sit at my desk on the computer for more than 5-10
minutes at a time and the monitor was even at eye level for me.
I hope that you can find relief with your neck SOON as I know
how hard it is to go through life in pain and unable to enjoy things
that you have always liked doing.
Good luck.
11-05-2011, 03:27 AM
#6
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
Neck/Spinal issues
I suffered through the same things as you. I was refered to a pain management doctor who did wonders for me. I started with epidural injections in my neck and then had facet injections. These last over 6 months and now I've been pain free for over a year. I hope this has helped you in some way. Don't live with pain without trying the pain management doctors.
Last edited by Montanagirl; 11-05-2011 at 03:28 AM. Reason: didn't finish
11-05-2011, 03:44 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Carmel Indiana
Posts: 440
Have you asked about an occupational therapist?
Also, i am wondering about thouse right angle glasses.
http://www.activeforever.com/p-331-prism-glasses.aspx
Also, i am wondering about thouse right angle glasses.
http://www.activeforever.com/p-331-prism-glasses.aspx
11-05-2011, 04:00 AM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: New York City/Manhattan
Posts: 1,316
not knowing about your pain or condition, but an idea...prop up the back of your machine using the rubber door stops while you sew may help. Good luck and definitely seek out a pain management clinic for help
11-05-2011, 07:49 AM
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,465
After much PT, my insurance company paid for me to have a home traction unit. It has helped a lot. I think if you raise your machine so that you are not looking down, this may help. It may be hard on your hands and arms. I am using the slant Singer vintage machines 301 and 401. They give you a better view of the sewing area. If you get a chance, you should try one to see if it will help you. Good luck and keep trying different things to see what works best for you!
quilter711
Nancy
quilter711
Nancy
11-05-2011, 08:06 AM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Live Oak, Texas
Posts: 6,133
I have a lot of back and neck pain with my RA. A lovely lady on the board sent me this tip and it has helped me a lot. Raise your machine to your most comfortable level take two door stop's and raise the back of the machine to a level you can set straight and look right at your work area. This has been so much help for me, I hope it will help you also.
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