Ouch, my neck

[mjs101]

I have found my painting duration limited by my ability to sit and do it without neck pain. I am using a standard folding table (28" tall) and usual computer chairs. Being in the not-so-early forties, I use a magnifying glass on an arm with an included light for all my painting. Have for years.

Sometimes, I put my elbows on the table, so brush and model are quite high and the magnifying glass is at its upper reach. I am then looking more out than down, but I am still hunched over a bit to get my elbows down to the table.

More often, I paint with forearms resting on table edge looking down at my work throw the magnifying glass. My spine is straighter, but I am looking down, bending my neck. This is generally less stressing.

Is there a better desk, or lamp, or chair, or position I should use? By all means, I know if it hurts to do something, stop, but I really enjoy painting.

 

[MrJim]

I have the same problem. Had neck surgery several years ago, so it gets pretty bad some times since three of my vertebrae are bolted together.

Surgeons and dentists have the same problem from bending over all day. I read a tip from a surgeon that has helped me a lot. He said that he takes a dish towel or hand towel and puts it behind his neck and pulls on it while he pushes back with his head. He does this for a few minutes at the end of each work day. I do it now and it helps a lot.

 

[AndyG]

Get a very high table so you are resting your arms almost at chest height. Saw this tip by Figone when he was going through his painting room and thought what a brilliant idea and then promptly didn't do it at all

 

[Sproket]

I experienced a similar problem when I started painting again.
My desk is of a regular height but when I'm painting I sit on my toolbox. That way I can support my arms on the table while I'm holding a mini at eye level. Sitting this way also enables me to keep a straight back & neck while I'm painting. Sitting so low down feels a bit odd but it works for me.

 

[mjs101]

Thanks. I've dropped my computer chair to the lowest level -- not quite toobox, and am really paying attention to my posture. I think elbows off the table is key for me. A higher table is harder to arrange. I'll also try the exercises suggested.

 

[BloodFather of Kharnath]

Look up Bohun and find a pic of his painting station. This guy paints the most incredible, tiny freehands in the business. Seriously, there is probably universal consensus on this. Anyway, he has a small table on top of his table that is angled downwards on the front side. He also used a magnifying glass with a neck, and this allows him to balance the mini against his smaller, upper table while painting the little details. You can find pics of this on his Facebook I believe. Check it out!

Edit: Here it is:

 

[JohnLobster]

I was just about to suggest the small table .... hadn't seen that guy's setup. I have an adjustable height folding table, but could really go a little higher. Raising the surface is better than lowering the chair, as that will cause discomfort somewhere else

I suggest you don't wing it, but get someone to look at your posture and help you find a position where your neck is not scrunched up. This will be as people have described but don't wait for the pain as feedback. You will probably need to lean forward from the waist, keeping the back straight, instead of rounding the back

Neck, shoulder, spine exercises (done REGULARLY) will make more difference than you might think - consult a Physical Therapist if possible. Some people like massage, which I think will help but not provide a long term solution like exercises.

Frequent moving around, not getting locked into a single position to paint will also help, taking regular breaks and stretching

To help with the above, consider a head magnifier instead of a magnifying glass, that will allow to paint and move at all sorts of angles

Look up Bohun and find a pic of his painting station. This guy paints the most incredible, tiny freehands in the business. Seriously, there is probably universal consensus on this. Anyway, he has a small table on top of his table that is angled downwards on the front side. He also used a magnifying glass with a neck, and this allows him to balance the mini against his smaller, upper table while painting the little details. You can find pics of this on his Facebook I believe. Check it out!

Edit: Here it is:

 

[oistene]

Do you know someone who works in an office that are downsizing? If you do, see if they are getting rid of any motorized desks as well. My job did, unfortunately I could not fit one in at home, but those are great.

 

[Heldiar]

High table is good idea, look on jewellers they use very high tables so they work on eye high. Good thing also is stretching your back and neck. Just simple exercises, spin your head around, try to move head up and down, back and forward. Seems funny but believe me it can make the difference. I had problems with my back and neck after playing drums that what I wrote are tips from therapist so they can't harm you but can help.

 

[TK13047]

Not quite a day to day suggestion, but I'm a practitioner of Bowen Therapy and modern world neck problems are something we see day in day out and can usually prove to be really helpful with. It might be something you'd be interested in looking into, as opposed to a short term, moment by moment fix.

PS I paint in an awful position and spend a lot of time at PC and my necks a mess... and yes, I have Bowen to help