Crafting and Health

Hi everyone,

have you ever noticed that you start having health “issues” after crocheting or knitting for a long time?
I mean things like neck pain, pain in the fingers, back pain, etc.
If so, what do you do about it?

I’ve been doing more crafting lately and I’m actually feeling it in my neck and back (I really need to do something about my poor posture...).

Who else has experienced this?

I look forward to your replies!

Kind regards

Jackie

Try Googling “secretary’s disease” — it sounds silly, but that’s what your problem is called.
I once gave a presentation on workplace ergonomics, and that was one of the topics.
The solution is, on the one hand, compensatory exercise in the form of gymnastics and sitting properly, and on the other hand, taking breaks more often and moving around.

Best regards, Mario

Hi Mario,

thank you so much for your reply and the tip!
I’m actually familiar with the phenomenon known as “secretary syndrome” from my office work, and I’m well aware of my (self-inflicted) posture problems ;)

I was just wondering if others might be experiencing the same thing...

I know that feeling too. Neck and back exercises work wonders!
It’s best to talk to your doctor about it or check out a trustworthy channel on YouTube :)

I have what’s called active and passive restricted movement in my right hand due to torsion, so I think I can offer a few tips here. It’s not comparable to “secretary’s syndrome,” but it has taught me a few things.

First of all, regardless of the hand, it’s important to sleep on a fairly firm mattress at night. If you get one of those super-soft mattresses where you sink in like a beetle that’s fallen on its back and has to kick its little legs to get back up, you won’t enjoy it for long.
Important when buying a mattress: get good advice at a specialty store—and I mean that seriously. This isn’t something you can just deal with at a cheap discount store.

Sit
properly at your PC, laptop, or tablet. The hand holding the mouse needs to be able to rest comfortably. No tricks like placing the mouse right at the edge of the table so it cuts into your wrist or anything like that. In my case, my hand and arm need to be able to rest completely on the surface. An external PC mouse is an advantage here, because the laptop’s touchpad is poorly positioned for my personal needs. But everyone has to figure out for themselves what works best for them.

When doing needlework, sit
properly—don’t slouch or anything like that, because that makes your back or neck totally tense up.
Personally, I only crochet at my desk; there I have a large tabletop and plenty of space, so my crochet work can rest on the surface. And I have good lighting that doesn’t blind me.
That’s probably not everyone’s cup of tea, since many people like to do needlework in front of the TV, but I don’t really like that.

At first, I had a lot of respect for needlework because I thought I wouldn’t be able to manage it with my hand. I still can’t knit because I can’t hold the needle properly.
But I can crochet. At first, my hand would eventually cramp up if I did it for too long, so of course I’d stop. But now, thanks to practicing with the crochet hook, my hand has gotten used to it. My hand isn’t as restricted in its movement anymore.
Of course, that’s not just from crocheting—I’ve also done a lot to help my hand outside of needlework, but the crochet practice has definitely contributed to my hand getting better.

As I said, “secretary’s syndrome” is something else entirely—I think it involves a pinched nerve, which I don’t have.

Anyone with hand or back problems should definitely talk to a specialist about it, preferably before things get really bad. You can find good tips on all sorts of things online, but some problems can’t be solved online, especially if you’re already dealing with poor posture and/or pain. That’s why there are options like physiotherapy or back training. Some health insurance providers also offer these programs for free or at a reduced rate for members. It might be worth giving them a call and asking.
 

Hi muetzekatze,

wow, thanks for your detailed reply!
 

Hi Jackie,

I used to always have problems with my back and neck. Sometimes my fingers would go numb because everything was so tense. It was all due to a lot of office work (desk/computer) and, of course, the needlework I did to balance it out.
I’ve been doing Nordic walking for about 6–7 years now. People used to laugh at it at first—but now there are lots of people walking around with poles in our area.
The positive side effect: no more neck or back pain.
And the fresh air does me good, too.
Best regards, Petra

@Jackie
I’m glad you like my post, but I’d really advise you to see a professional about your problem. It sounds like this isn’t something you should try to fix on your own anymore. I hope you get better soon and that everything works out.

@muetzekatze
Thanks, that’s so sweet of you!
I’ve already been to the doctor ;) and basically just need to make sure I sit up straight and don’t tense up (not just when doing crafts).

Yes and no—I’ve experienced this, but for me it’s not from crafting.
I go to physical therapy regularly and, whenever possible, take a spa treatment every three years.
The radon water is good for the joints.

I wish both of you, Jackie and Hilde, continued good health :)