upper back problems

[nate dubbs]

Does anyone have back/sternum problems related to lamping? I've been noticing that my back will kind of lock up after a long day. I stand when I work most of the time and am going to try raising my torch up a few inches.
I would like to know if anybody out there has any back saving exercises or things they do when working to help with thier backs. I was thinking maybe it was just something that happens from constantly holding weight out in front of the body.
All input is much appreciated by my spine , thanks.

[LTD]

stretch out before every session. always stretch out.

[Kool]

I always stand, too. I have a giant knot in my upper back about where my neck and back come together. It has gotten much better just from being aware of my posture, especially how I hold my head. I find that I get so into what I'm doing that I'm not even aware of the strain I'm putting on myself.
Anyway, I think it came from holding my head at an angle when trying to look at the piece I am working on. The weight of my head tilted like that was putting strain on that area. I don't know if that helps you, but maybe try for one day to be very aware of exactly what straining postures you are using. Then maybe you will figure ways that they can be changed or at least the strain can be lessened.

K

[somberbear]

and cool down too...

strech.....

Past that just work out more become stronger.

Look at how you work and see if you can do it better. im told stuff like the creation station helps alot doing detail work. i really wanna get one just to steddy on and to takes some weight while i lean over and do micro detail for a while.

try differnt position of torch and other things. and really look at how you work as in reaching bending over moving. standing can help some people.

i perfer both ... i have a standing bench with a drafting chair. so i can stand up or sit down depending on how im feeling.

eat well , stop smoking (weakens the back and heart muscles) , learn proper hydration techs.

with the heat we are dealing with in the summer if you dont hydrate properly you will keal over from heat exaustion ... and some of those effects are perminate. but they also make my body ache too.

try taking a bath in epson salts at night if its really bad. most the time you will be compounding an injury if you dont try and heal a little now and then.

work in smaller bursts and work up to longer or just work longer till your body catches up.

you could also just be flexing you back alot becouse of your working position this could also mean that you dont have proper posture so these muscles are working over time to keep you from folding over.

jsut some ideas....

[Snurf]

sit ups and push ups work great for me....streching is great too

[brettodie]

yoga. be very careful i blew out my whole right shoulder system from overworking it at the torch for the last tens years. you need to really start doing yoga and a work out routine that strengthens your core muscles and your romboids in particular. doing what we do severely over develops certain muscles in our upper back and neck,which in turn pulls everything out of wack over time. ill find this link thats has a great rotator cuff work out thats excellent to use for us. good luck and be careful i missed over 6 mnths of work straight when my shit fell apart and it took 2 yrs for it to heal and be mostly pain free. peace brett

[nate dubbs]

Thank you guys so much for the input....keep 'em coming

[LTD]

Try working sitting down for part of yer day. I sit most of the time, standing only when I need to move alot.

[Firekist]

rollers help reduce the weight you're lifting =)

[fumalicious]

Arm rests definitely help... I got them due to my shoulder being wacked out due to a past injury then overworking it for years behind the torch. Stretching is also really good to do- make it a routine tho, don't wait until it hurts to do it (like I do lol).

[nate dubbs]

In the appendix of Contemporary lampworking there is a great article all about this stuff. It looks like I gotta get my health together. Easier said than done for me. But why wait, it will only get worse. (Pulls tube)...

[ScurvySee]

Yea my back always kills me after I work for hours, I still havent figure out how to fix it aside from drinking till I can't feel it anymore.

[skip]

Damn you need to get a chick with big tits to rub your back always seems to work for me. But I am married to a massage therapist.

[nate dubbs]

My girl has small tits and I have her walk on my back sometimes.

[JANKYglass]

stand up and dont let your neck crane forward as you get into your work.as soon as your neck comes forward your upper back muscles has to compensate for the bad posture.these 2 things changed my working time from an hour a day to all i want to work.

[glasstafarian]

Swampy u shud share that concontion here....sounds like tiger balm wita numbing kick

[hookedonsilicate]

try this before and after only if you have stiffness or are cramped dont do it if there is pain. lay 1 leg straight out if front of you while sitting on the floor. take your other leg and cross it over where your foot is right next to your knee on the outside. if your left knee is up take your right elbow across your body and plant it on the outside of the left knee. dont use your elbow to do the stretch. Now just try to look as far left as you can. try to look behind you. Itll pop and stretch your lower back. hope this makes sense

[wahoo]

Yea my back always kills me after I work for hours, I still havent figure out how to fix it aside from drinking till I can't feel it anymore.

word (said in the "urban" way)

[Swampy]

Swampy u shud share that concontion here....sounds like tiger balm wita numbing kick

Heh heh just read that

okay here goes my first tech posted on gldg; it's called Swampy's baddest ass muscle fix tincture...

ingredients;
-one bottle of green rubbing alcohol from Celina's store.
-handful of marajuana twigs from David that lives down by the river.

tech;
-remove cap, stand stalks in alcohol, replace cap.
-place in strong sun for three days, UV brings out the active ingredient.

application & use;
if you have strained a muscle, rub the tincture into affected area before you go to sleep. Even better have it rubbed in by your partner wearing just a thong, then you forget all about the pain. Especially if she is 78 and only eats fish panades and smokes cigars, 30 seconds in and you definately forget your pain...
For headache, apply some to a tissue and drape it over your forehead, strecth out in hammock.
This is very good medicine and gets right down to the bone. Next day you are fixed, guaranteed.
If all above fails, drink it. No, fuck, wait!

[nate dubbs]

green rubbing alcohol .. I don't think I have a celinas store around here, I have an idea though..

[Swampy]

yer, David said he could fix you up too heh heh

Just send frit and we send you a coupla keys

[shade]

I've had terrible back pain this year and I'm learning a thing or two about longevity of this work. Most importantly is your stomach muscles need to be strong to hold your back straight! I studied with Cesare Toffolo and his posture is straight as a board! Also I've had the upper back knot behind my shoulder blade for years and I think one thing I have done is hold my head out when I'm working. Making my neck work harder to hold it up... Keep your chin in and use your posture to get where you want to go especially with detail... Also have someone photograph you working, making something and you'll notice the postions you may not realize that your in most of the day...
Just a little 2 cents...

[Swampy]

Also have someone photograph you working, making something and you'll notice the postions


Is there anything in particular you would like me to wear?