Forms of needlework aggravate my already damaged neck. There are quite a few things, but amongst them is:
Take a break regularly, even set a timer.Best: a hot, hot water bottle on the neck lying down for a few minutesStretches, minimally side to side, chin down, head back, and don't forget to press your head back and lift (as in lying on a bed, press the back of your head into the bed and pretend you can lift it toward the headboard, a counter stretch to previous lace position).Still point is two tennis balls in a tightly tied athletic sock, placed at the convex most point at the center back of your skull, centering one ball each on left and right hemispheres (at 3 and 9 o'clock, but where the hour hand would be, not the minute hand).Avoid sugar and carbs as they increase inflammation, thus pain and stiffness.Try menthol rubs, MSM, or Po Sum On (Chinese rub) or Tiger Balm (non-staining)If open to it, acupuncture, ART or Matrix Repatterning can be profoundly helpful, and Traction under the guidance of an MD/PT/OT.Sometimes a prophylactic such as aspirin or other pain reliever before you are going to work could help, but I am not one to encourage the use of meds.Also, have someone video tape you working, or do it yourself with a webcam on your computer. You may be surprised at your positioning/posturing, and things like your bobbin pillow closer, or up higher, may help. I couldn't do anything, but found resting my head and neck, I could prop my work and do some things, so perhaps working from a stand, then a table, then on a sofa or reclining chair the supports your shoulders/neck/head, and change it up. With due diligence you can retrain your muscles and brain to work differently so lace making and needlework is much less painful. I have changed much of my problem and "old reliable" is the hot water bottle. I would have posted this to Lace Chat, but the comment was here. HTH,Susan Reishus - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
