If you crochet as much as I do, you know that your body can hurt after a good long session. For me, I get ‘Crochet Manic’ and work until I am done and in severe pain. Stupid I know, but it’s true.
In the summer of 2010, I was experiencing a great deal of chest and neck pains. My left arm felt numb as if it were paralyzed or sprained. I thought maybe it was a prelude to a heart attack, stroke, or carpal tunnel.
I went through a series of tests for my heart and nerve endings in my left arm. I was unable to crochet without being in severe pain. At my chiropractor’s office, I remembered reading that misaligned joints can throw your body off. Something in one area of the body can affect a completely different part.
After 2 months of discomfort and some painful tests, I spent $30 at the chiropractor and explained my situation. He knew I was a crocheter and asked to see my right wrist. He told me my wrist bones were misaligned and popped them back into the proper place. The pain from my chest and numb left arm disappeared immediately and I was laughing all the way out of the clinic..
Based on where the pain was, I would have never guessed that it was my right wrist causing the problems on the opposite side of my body. Who would have thought that?
In the video above, you will learn tips that have helped me greatly.
- Sit with your arms supported. Pillows help support your shoulders and arm weight.
- Choose the right chair to sit in. Be sure it’s not forcing your body to form the letter ‘C’ with your neck,
back and legs. - Adjust your eye glasses if watching TV so your neck and eyes aren’t strained.
- Do not cross your legs. It can cause body alignment issues.
More Tips For Crocheters:
See you next Wednesday here at Stitch & Unwind.
- Learn To Read Crochet Patterns: Lesson 8 - January 30, 2013
- Learn To Read Crochet Patterns: Lesson 7 - January 23, 2013
- Learn To Read Crochet Patterns: Lesson 6 - January 16, 2013
Hi Mikey,
Just want to tell you how much I enjoy your tutorial videos. I used to crochet years ago and as the grand children aged, I stopped. Well I just gave my granddaughter a baby blanket that I crocheted for my first great grandchild. I made sure it was simple due to being away so long. I want to do more.
Fran
THANK YOU, Mikey! I thought I was going insane in the last month! At the time, I was 9 months pregnant, and just assumed that is was a pinched nerve or something. I, too, would crochet for hours and hours until I could crochet no more. I also had tingling in my left arm and chest/back pain, similar to Heart Attack symptoms. Again. I figured baby girl was crushing something on my insides to cause the discomfort. Now I know what might REALLY be going on! I shall endeavor to keep proper position, as I’m already forced to crochet in short bursts with a newborn and a toddler in toe. 😉 Have a good one, Mikey! <3
Now I know why my neck hurts. I never stopped to think that it could be related to the way I sit while knitting or crocheting. I am definitely going to adjust the way I sit. Thanks!
Wow thanks for your message. I have had these different pains develope and now I can attribute them to my knitting and crouching addiction.
Hi Mikey,
Love your tutorials.
Lately I have been having neck and under the shoulder pains when I crochet, all started after a marathon crochet during Hurricane Sandy.
I figured out that my shoulder and neck pain are connected and really appreciate your advice.
I slouch on the couch or bend down in a huge C when I crochet because I forget to wear my glasses sometimes when I crochet. Silly, I know but this pain has become so intense that I had to stop crocheting for a while now. Even short bouts bring on the pain. Let me try your method and I’ll give you my report.
Also love the project you are working on, the colors are awesome.
Thanks for your tutorials once again, and happy holidays.
Thank you so much for this article. I started having a lot of pain in my right upper arm yesterday and could not think what I might have done. I wound a yarn skein into a ball and crocheted for maybe an hour. I was seated on my comfy sofa. I think it all contributed to a pinched nerve in my arm. I will try to follow your advice about sitting correctly. Thankfully I think it will ease up this time without alot of trouble 🙂
Im having numbness and tingling on the lower half of the left side of my face. I’m using good posture and doing everything right but still have problems. The short muscles or tendons at the base of my skull are so tight I get migraines that last for days. I used to knit and crochet tons several years ago with no problems whatsoever. This is a recent problem. Probably in the last 6 mos. I wonder if it’s because I’m getting older (44). I’d hate to give up what I love.