Back of the Neck Pain from drawing - Solutions?

[MGComics]

So as the title suggests I spend countless hours drawing or on homework lol either way it's sitting down

When I draw on the computer my back of the neck starts hurting a lot, like at the beginning of the spine I guess I could call It.

I'm currently starting to work out and stretch to get rid of it, but I'm not sure what's really effective.

Do you have any ideas or suggestions?

Thank you very much >.<

PS: Currently working so I will be back in a while XD Just putting this out there meanwhile

[DiegoPalacios]

Hi mg!

this is the common mistake people do while drawing or writing. That posture hurts the neck and the back.

Something that may also help you is to use a taller table, or a lower chair to not crawl too much.

Also, doing a little stretching break may help.

I know it may be hard to get used to a good posture, but eventually will become something natural.

Hope your back and neck gets better!

[arushiangelica]

I have continuous neck pain and lower back pain. I got a massage but that relief lasted for half an hour. I had to get back to working on next episode of Existentialist Crisis. But stretching helps. And taking short breaks for walking.

[nikaalexandra]

yoo as someone who has been living with acute tendinitis that spans from my neck to my right wrist for the past 3 years, and has had to attend numerous bouts of physical therapy to manage it, BOY DO I HAVE ADVICE

try to take breaks at least once an hour! get up, step away from what you're working on and walk around/do some light stretching. grab a snack and some water while you're at it, because its easy to forget to nourish yourself when you're in the zone. if you have to set a timer or something to remind yourself DO THAT (i have a cheap smart watch that buzzes if i stay still for an hour, which is a nice reminder and you can get a similar one here)

here's a great youtube video with some basic arm stretches! and heres one for neck and shoulder pain!

a 15 min session of yoga at the end of the day to stretch out your back and arms will do you absolute wonders (the iphone app down dog is both free and awesome for this). also, if you have the time, a quick hot shower after a long day of drawing (or even better: a hot bath) is something your muscles will thank you for. in a pinch (or when you're really sore) a hot corn bag under your head/neck as you go to sleep will help relax your neck muscles and hopefully help you wake up feeling less tense. you might be able to purchase them online but tbh i just make my own (here's an easy tutorial!)

i hope that helps and that you feel better soon!

[MGComics]

Thank you!!

I actually tie myself to the chair XD so my posture on the back is like the first picture

But yep, the neck is like the second picture so It's weird

I used to have a very good posture so Idk If I lost It.

Love the tip of the lower chair, It's a pretty good idea. Thank you Thank you!

[MGComics]

Your suggestions are absolutely genius! Loving your advice so so much!!

(And been starting your comic btw lol Will get a while to catch up but been loving It)

You do those excercises and the hot showering every day?

Also do you use those YouTube videos you sent me often or have you used them?

Loving the resources, I can't tell you how thankful I am

Oh my mom has like a hot corn bag, I will ask her (always thought they were just for looking cute)

[MGComics]

Ok, taking breaks, noted >.<

I feel guilty at taking breaks and not working, but seems I will have no other choice

Thank you for your advice, really <3

[nikaalexandra]

haha thanks! that comic and subsequent projects are what gave me tendinitis in the first place ^^; im glad someone is enjoying them!

yes, both of those videos i recc'd are the ones i used as stretching ref before i sought professional help (it's better to take charge of your pain before it gets to that point!) and i do the exercises every day (or at least i try to) and on the days i dont do hot showers/baths, i definitely make sure i relax my muscles with a corn bag because they are a GODSEND. literally, just 5 min in the microwave and it's like your own personal hot stone massage

[MGComics]

I imagine! You have been drawing a lot, and from what I can see lots of people love your work ^^
COngratulations on making this hard journey
I'm still in chapter one like pages 22 to 34 or something like that but It has been quite an enjoyable read

Thank you so much, you're such a sweetheart, my mom just lent me that corn bag (was from my grandma) and I'm gonna apply all your tips :')

[LittleMissDevil]

You can also use tools to help your posture while sitting. I think sitting on a gymnastics ball is pretty common, because you have to sit straight on it, for it to not roll away and the small movements you make to keep the balance can be helpful to avoid a stiff back.

Like this ^^

Aside from that everything helpful has already been said, I think. Breaks, stretching, workout... yup. Sounds good

[joe_galindez]

Better yet:

[Wumbl]

I recommend straight posture! I have a few tips that are nice and easy to implement.

When you're drawing on a desk, either use a stand / easel, or if you don't have one just position your paper / tablet closer to you. That means you won't have to lean your neck so much.

If you have to lean forward, do it from the hip, instead of hunching. Don't curve your spine if you can help it. Try leaning so that your spine is still a straight line, in order to not irritate the upper part of it.

Having somewhere to rest your legs such as a footrest can help you maintain good posture. I tend to put my heels on the filebox under my desk so that my knees are elevated and my back is kind of pushed backward a bit. It kind of forces you to maintain decent posture and you're less likely to hunch.

As for stretches, my highschool sports trainers had a specific way of coaching it. You should do full 90 degree turns left and right a few times, and then lean your head forward and back in a similar fashion. Then, you should touch your ear to your shoulder on both sides a few times, and do neck rolls. Neck rolls are basically just dropping your head forward, and rolling it around to your shoulder to your back back and all the way around... You should hear little popping sounds (like popcorn cooking lol) as the tension is relieved. It's a good idea to do these exercises every day. You can find all sorts of neck stretches online, too.

I hope this helps??? At least somewhat.

[MGComics]

WOW, never knew of such a solution, It also seems good training.

And seems fun as well!

Thank you for your help :')

[MGComics]

Awesome advice! And easy to implement to, of course It helps

Specially love the leaning forward from the hip, because I can't neither lower my chair any more though I have tried putting books under my computer.

It cracks so much, literally like popcorn and feels sooo good
Thank you so much!
Helps a lot

[FatedComics]

I'd say just get up, stretch and do something else for a bit to give your back a break

[advertisingmerc]

Well, I try to ignore it until it goes away (it never does).

But honestly remembering to straighten your back every once in a while really does help.

[LadyN]

Personally, I don’t sit down at a desk to work. If it’s at school or out of town, I just try my hardest not to slouch. But if I’m home working or doing something involving work or drawing, I’m always laying down. Whether it’s the couch or my bed, or even the floor! I always prefer lying down. Lying down is a great solution when at home. But if you’re out somewhere else, just follow everybody else’s advice.

[demthorshie]

Having a comfortable chair and adjusting your posture does wonders. I used to have really bad back pain because I have this habit of slouching in my chair. Another thing that will help is getting up and getting away from your work station every once in a while. It's important to take breaks while you art.