Remember that left-sided neck pain I had a week or so ago? Well, it's been replaced by bilateral upper shoulder/lower neck stiffness and pain.
Diagnosis: trapezius stitch injury.
Yes, I made that up.
The muscle tension I am feeling across my traps (trapezius muscle) is worsening by the day. The pain/discomfort is primarily in the upper fibers.
It's from sitting on the couch and stitching for hours at a time. I'm serious! I usually start around 7:30-8:00pm and I won't move until I can't see straight anymore, which is about 10:30-11:00pm. This discomfort reminds me of my University days (and nights) of studying. My posture wasn't good back then and it most certainly has only worsened over the years.
Sigh .. what to do? I'd tell my patient to stop the offending action/strain. But for me that means putting away the Hermit for a few days (a week?) and that's tantamount to telling a drug addict to stop cold turkey.
I can't ever go cold turkey. I have horrible pain in my right shoulder, arm, and wrist.
ReplyDeleteI will stitch up to 8-10 hours per day because I am disabled. I agree that telling me not to stitch would be like taking away my drugs...have you tried a heating pad while you're stitching? And a pillow under your arm?
I used a pillow behind my head/neck yesterday but it didn't help much. I really do think I need to take a self-imposed break. :( I'm not sure if I really will though.
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