Back problems when working...

[Davidadew]

I'm doing a few hours a day woodworking at present, various items, shelves etc., nothing over large, all using only hand tools - main skills being used are planing, sawing and chiselling all by hand.

The problem I have is my back (and I have re-occuring back problems if I don't think carefully about working height etc.).

I have set up workbench to a comfortable height for working in sense of being able to plane at right height etc. (and that seems OKish) and have additional blocks to mount things on to raise working height further - but it is joint making that is causing me the problem.

The problem is if put item high enough so I don't need to look down then it is too high to use paring chisel but if I put item at right height for paring chisel then I'm bending over and looking down too much and it is this which is causing me the problem.

I'm taking breaks and varying the jobs that I do too to avoid too much strain, and am 36 if that is any help.

I'm guessing I'm not the only one with this - how do other people resolve the problem?

 

[wizer]

Hi David, If you've been around since June then you'll have seen me talk about my back problems. I've gained the title of forum 'Slap Head Back Whinger'

I have degenerative discs at the lower levels and am waiting for a 3 level fusion. The problem has been an issue for about 4yrs now and it's not only affected my woodworking but also my entire life. Lots and lots of stress in our family atm. I've just turned 30 so I'm a bit younger than you.

In terms of what you can do to resolve the problem in the workshop, well it sounds like you are doing it all. I love my high workbench that a forum member helped me build in 2007 and I intend to raise my lathe soon (if I can sweet talk a few able bodied helpers into it ). I recently learned the 'pacing' technique from a few people on here which is basically what you call 'taking regular breaks'. I tend to do 2hrs max in the shop and then come back to lay down for 2hrs. It seems 'lazy' but I'm getting so much more done, it's a real revelation to me.

I've seen adjustable workbenches if you think that would help? They wind up and down. Lots of pennies tho.

Take note of you doc/physio/chiro and do your exercises. Lots of controled movement, listen to your body, don't push it or it will get worse (DAMHIKT).

 

[Ironballs]

Don't forget that many jobs (when joint making especially) can be done sat down, so get yourself a chair at a good height. I always dovetail sat down

 

[studders]

Don't forget that many jobs (when joint making especially) can be done sat down, so get yourself a chair at a good height. I always dovetail sat down

Beat me to it. :lol: I have to do quite a lot of my stuff sitting down else I get bad back pains. Also, take it easy and don't rush; if you need a break (or several) then have one. T'ain't a race nor nuffink.

 

[wizer]

I bought a adjustable height chair from Aldi a while back. Tho i haven't, personally, found a use for sitting down for tasks in the workshop, yet.

 

[matt]

On of those stools with a screw in seat (not seen one for ages though).

I'm not an expert but my logic suggests that a seat on wheels that rotates too is likely to stress the back less when moving around making a joint etc.

 

[studders]

I bought a second hand, gas adjustable bar stool with wheels and footrest; a bit tatty and cost £35 but worth every penny. I can sit and work at the same height as I would be if I were standing.

 

[studders]

On of those stools with a screw in seat (not seen one for ages though).

I'm not an expert but my logic suggests that a seat on wheels that rotates too is likely to stress the back less when moving around making a joint etc.

I think thats why you need the footrest, so you can keep yourself still when you need to be. I've not had any problems with mine.

 

[woodbloke]

I've gained the title of forum 'Slap Head Back Whinger'

...and quite right too :lol: though I hope the op goes well Tom...and that whoever landed you with the 'nom de plume' ('oop North maybe) is forced to eat his words :lol: :lol: - Rob

 

[wizer]

Rob I don't know what I'll do if I can't whinge about my back anymore. Maybe I'll have to do woodworking instead :-k :lol:

 

[Tom K]

I've gained the title of forum 'Slap Head Back Whinger'

To be fair the slap head part is self inflicted :lol:

 

[Davidadew]

Many thanks for all your very helpful replies - sorry to hear about your back problems wizer, hope the operation goes well.

I some times work from a stool, but I hadn't thought about a rotating one - now there's a project with a 1.5" screw thread maker from Axminster (etc.)! Being able to rotate a little without moving stool would a be a good idea.

 

[Ironballs]

You'll just have to revert to "Tool Tart" :tool:

 

[Dave S]

Don't forget about the floor. A forgiving floor such as wood is far better than an unforgiving one like concrete. Spending time during winter in a workshop with a concrete floor caused all sortes of problems with my feet and back.

Dave

 

[oddsocks]

A bit of advice I had from an Osteopath some years ago for anyone with back problems and needing to stand (the topic was ironing and washing up) was to keep one foot elevated - in the case of standing at the sink, open the cupboard door and use the lower carcase floor to rest one foot on. When ironing or standing at a bench use something 4-6" tall to put one foot on and alternate the foot that is elevated every 10mins or so.


Dave

 

[wizer]

Good point about the floor. When I put the anti fatigue mats down I really noticed a difference.

There was a project in shop notes for building a stool with a screw thread down the middle. IIRC it used a vice screw (axminster).

 

[lurker]

Good point about the floor. When I put the anti fatigue mats down I really noticed a difference.
.

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

You do listen to advice occasionally then!

 

[AndyT]

And don't forget that when you do need your bench to be a bit lower, don't mess about with adjustable legs - by far the easiest way is to raise the floor in front of it - by putting down some boards. I use some flooring chipboard - only about 20mm but the difference can be important. A bit of old kitchen worktop is good for something thicker.

Andy

 

[wizer]

Certainly do Jim, but not when it comes from you.

 

[Davidadew]

Something that I have thought about is good lighting. My workshop doesn't have that much natural light and if my electric portable lights are close enough to work then I'm leaning over more to piece to see the line I'm working to etc. and this causes back problems because my body posture isn't good.

So lighting is going to help me too.

When working at computer I use a special chair where I'm semi kneeling - it came from a back specialist so was expensive but is very good (and expensive) as I used to get back problems at computer as spend many hours there working at times. But as it is designed to move around through giving me movement it wouldn't be suitable in workshop as trying to, for example, saw or chisel would be impossible as the chair wouldn't give me the stability that I need.