I have been suffering with lower back spasms for the last two weeks. I keep looking at my embroidery machine - wishing I could sew. It is just calling out to me but, I just know that isn't in the cards just yet. Does anyone here have that problem from time to time? My doctor back home has prescribed muscle relaxers which help but make me tired!! Hope you don't mind the venting!! Hugs to all, Laura

So sorry you are in pain. Back pain is horrible. I have found that rest is the best thing. Hope you will be back sewing soon

1 comment

by dailylaundry 10 Mar 2022

Thank you, Sarah! I am beginning to get some relief and I completely agree with you - rest is so important. Thankfully, my doctor in Michigan has Zoomed with me here in Florida and has started me on a anti-inflammatory medicine besides a muscle relaxer, which is beginning to help! Many hugs to you!!!

I feel your pain! I get low back injections, sometimes they work for months for me. I also have a Rx muscle relaxer; it does not seem to make me tired or sleepy. Occasionally I do take a stronger RX pain med. I like the previous comments and will try most. Also, for my leg/foot cramps I drink 6-8 oz of tonic water with quinine before bed each night. I do use potassium and magnesium supplements and I find when I drink more water daily the cramps are lessened. Sorry you are experiencing pain, I do hope you find relief. Sending you a warm soft hug, Suzanna

1 comment

by dailylaundry 10 Mar 2022

Suzanna, thank you. I am beginning to feel some relief. I am looking forward to getting back to my embroidery machine!! I like your suggestions about foot cramps too which is something that bothers me from time to time. And thank you especially for your warm soft hug!!

Hello Laura, I also have this problem, am once a week at the physiotherapist who loosens my fasciae, otherwise helps a boiling hot water bottle, warming ointment and lots of exercise (bike), as you say - the tablets help, make tired and attack the stomach. With a bandage I tie the hot water bottle tightly and then go for a walk, under a coat no one sees that - LOL, it helps me, Get well soon, Maria

1 comment

by dailylaundry 10 Mar 2022

Maria, these are great suggestions - thank you. I know my doctor will insist on physical therapy to strengthen my back when I return home! Hugs to you!

Hi Laura, I've only just seen your post, so I hope by now you've got some relief. I like Karen's, Betsey's and Rescuers suggestions. Mum is suffering from back pain at the moment and all she can have is Panadol! I do pray that you can get some relief real soon. Back pain is not nice. Love Chris

1 comment

by dailylaundry 10 Mar 2022

Thank you, Chris - I am beginning to get some relief. There have been some great suggestions here. I wonder if most of us who stitch suffers some back pain at one time or another. My back spasm was as simple as bending just a little brushing my teeth!! When I get back home in a couple of months - I will start physical therapy to strength my back to keep it from happening again!

Venting is allowed. I have to be very aware, when sewing, of posture and keep shoulders relaxed or I have a lot of discomfort. Lower back pain is worst, here is a cyber massage to help. Hope you are sewing soon.

1 comment

by dailylaundry 09 Mar 2022

Maybe I could use a couple of firm pillows on my chair - that's a possibility - but, I so agree with you that you have to keep your shoulders relaxed. I didn't get my sore back from sewing - but, I know it could make it worse. My new meds I believe is going to make the difference. Thanks and hugs to you! Laura

If you do get back to sewing on a limited schedule, consider making adjustments at the machine. A better back support added into the chair. Two books on the floor to change your foot position and hip angle every so often. A chair whose height is adjustable and that is cushioned. ($$$) Also, set a timer to stop every so often and stand, walk around a bit, do gentle stretches, and then return. Baby your back! It helped me a lot to run my chair up fairly high to the sewing table. Never had the spasms, but lots of lower back pain from too much of stitching in a day.

3 comments

by dailylaundry 09 Mar 2022

Wow, these are wonderful suggestions - I hadn't thought of finding a way to adjust the chair and especially stopping now and then and stretching - great ideas! I appreciate your suggestions!! Thanks bunches and hugs to you, Laura

by graceandham 09 Mar 2022

One more expensive thing to check out - I bought the Gyspy Sit Upon Cushion for my chair at the machine. It's like you're floating on water. Pricey, but worth it to me over the four years I've used it. (I just Googled it and it's still out there for sale.)

by dailylaundry 10 Mar 2022

Now that is a good idea too!! Thanks!

My heart goes out to you. Muscle spasms are just plain PAINFUL! I think everyone has their list of what works for them, but you will figure out from the list what is helpful for you. On that list you will find heat, ice, rest, and so on. One that has helped me is to get on the floor, (not always easy to do) and put my lower legs over the ottoman and just lay there with my entire body supported. It definitely helps with my sciatic pain. Sometimes a gentle massage or a chiropractor can help. And because of how long this has gone on, you might need to go to a local urgent care place and ask for help. Please let us know how you are doing. And our prayers for relief are going up. And vent as often as you need to. Too many of us are all too familiar with what you are going through. I am sending a gentle cyber hug your way. Wish it could fix it for you.

1 comment

by dailylaundry 09 Mar 2022

This has been a couple of weeks - but, I just talked with my doctor back home and she has added a prescription which I am hopping will make the difference. I appreciate you prayers and the gentle cyber hug!! Thank you and hugs back! Laura

if it helps, keep on venting. But I do hope you feel better soon, hugs 😘

1 comment

by dailylaundry 09 Mar 2022

My doctor Zoomed with me today (we are not home right now). She has added other medication which I do believe will make the difference! I guess I just needed to complain a little. I appreciate such kind listeners!! Hugs to you!

You can try potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium supplements. However, even with those supplements I've been on muscle relaxants since my last 2 back surgeries. They can really knock me out. When I take a nap for about an hour after taking one, it helps. I've also used a natural relaxant but it doesn't help with Charlie Horse spasms I have had over the last year.
Vent away!
Hugs!

3 comments

by dailylaundry 09 Mar 2022

Oh, my! you certainly have been through it with your back problems - I am so sorry!! Many hugs to you!! Laura

by gerryvb 09 Mar 2022

hugs for you too ! 😘

by dailylaundry 09 Mar 2022

Thank you - thank you!!