Backache, neckache, wrist and arm ache :(

[Sei Bella]

I did a full set on Friday - took me 3 hours to do.
Ever since then I've had a backache, neckache, shoulder, wrist and arm ache.. aaarggh.
I know my posture and positioning must have been wrong. I've got a rebalance to do later today, how will I cope. I also dont wanna be worse of tomorrow when I go back to work! :o

 

[geeg]

Keep your feet flat on the floor and face straight on to your client.

Your chair (which should be a high quality supportive chair) should be at the correct height for working and keeping your body supported and balanced.

You know when your chair is the right height, when your arms bent at 90º at the elbow rest perfectly on your nail table when your back is straight.. If your arms are above the table and you have to lean or hunch to support them it is fatal!!

Your filing and buffing elbow should be supported on your table at all times when working. Your arm should never be waving around in midair when filing; quickest way to getting tennis elbow or bursitis in your shoulder both of which are very painful and will stop you working.

Good ergonomics is absolutely essential if you are going to survive in the nail business.

 

[Sei Bella]

Thanks Geeg! I haven't been sitting correctly and I didnt know about supporting my elbow on the table when buffing.

I definitely need to invest in a decent chair. I'm using the computer chair at home. Not ideal. Or other peoples chairs when I go mobile. Anyone have any suggestions where I can buy a decent chair or stool?

Keep your feet flat on the floor and face straight on to your client.

Your chair (which should be a high quality supportive chair) should be at the correct height for working and keeping your body supported and balanced.

You know when your chair is the right height, when your arms bent at 90º at the elbow rest perfectly on your nail table when your back is straight.. If your arms are above the table and you have to lean or hunch to support them it is fatal!!

Your filing and buffing elbow should be supported on your table at all times when working. Your arm should never be waving around in midair when filing; quickest way to getting tennis elbow or bursitis in your shoulder both of which are very painful and will stop you working.

Good ergonomics is absolutely essential if you are going to survive in the nail business.

 

[geeg]

I have always purchased good office desk chairs from one of these places that buys office furniture from businesses that have gone down etc. dirt cheap .. good quality and you can recover then (so easy) in whatever fabric you like.

 

[salpep]

Following on from the great advice given already ....

I would also say take your own table because trying to strech across clients dinning tables pulls so much on your back, dinning tables are just too wide. Plus you cannot get at the right angles to do your filing streching like that. If they say we can use thier table just nicely say, it's fine I have brought mine. Honestly streching like that hurts your shoulder, neck, back everything. Also you must relax shoulders up by your ears will not help, once done have a little strech it all helps

 

[mizzy_dizzy]

You have already had Really good advice and the voice of experience that you have had already id just like to add one thing ?

Wear you nervous and tense? As it sounds like you may have been ...so my advice to add to what you already had is try to relax a little to

 

[Sei Bella]

Thanks to you all. Great advice.

Yes I was nervous and tense as I was doing nails for someone that I contacted through salonguinea pig. So I did not know her beforehand. It turned out she was really nice and understanding as she already knew I was practising. Didn't stop me from being tense though. :o I will try all the tips and also try to relax more.

You have already had Really good advice and the voice of experience that you have had already id just like to add one thing ?

Wear you nervous and tense? As it sounds like you may have been ...so my advice to add to what you already had is try to relax a little to

 

[~Emmsybabes~]

You sound like me most days !!!
I am in pain quite a bit lately.
Mostly my neck and shoulders, my muscles there are big lumps blleeughh but I have now noticed even my forefinger on my working hand is sore !
I have been sitting on the chair supplied by the salon, ( one of those leather type dining chairs)
But I can't do it much longer I don't think,
I have been putting a cushion under my bottom to try and lift me up a bit, but my posture is just totally out ! I do try to correct it, but once I get in 'the zone' I forget
I am relieved to hear a office type chair may be just as good as they are much more cost effective.. I think I will have to go buy one this week sometime...
So as long as it is adjustable should it be ok ?

 

[user 35377]

I use a "kneeling" chair to keep my posture correct.

 

[geeg]

I use a "kneeling" chair to keep my posture correct.

You know I did try one of those once and it actually ended up making my knees hurt!!! lol I know some people love them.

Emma ... an office or secretary's chair is fine. They are specifically made for those who sit all day. Make sure you get one where both the height and the back are adjustable. You can re-cover it in white leatherette or not to make it look more clinical ! So easy to do.

As soon as these beauty companies put white on a chair they charge 4 times as much for it and they are the same frikkin chairs .. nothing special about them apart from looking 'beautyish'.

 

[user 35377]

Gotta go with that one! I bought a rollabout and a rolling "saddle" stool from a pet grooming site for about half what a salon supplier wanted for them. And they are exactly the same!

 

[WaxGirl]

ooooo im soo going chair shopping!:lol:

 

[zonebeuauty]

please,nail tecs i have had problems with my back,off work ect,
you need a chair 8/10 hours to sit on,i bought one and best thing i ever done!!!

 

[KarenVH29]

I have a problem with a number of herniated discs (30 years of doing nails taking its toll!) and I now use a 'Sitfit Plus' cushion by Sissel to take some of the pressure off. It's an air-filled cushion and feels kind of like sitting on an exercise ball, but with more stability. I also use an inversion table at the beginning and end of the day to try to reverse some of the pressure on my spine.

 

[jenna00]

I am currently seeing a chiropractor weekly at the moment as my back problems are triggering my headaches/migraines.
I will openly admit my posture has never been good and now I'm paying the price.

He has told me that if I need to lean forward it must be done through the hips not the back. To keep the spine straight and the neck long (not hunched). The muscle running down my neck has shortened so I now have exercises I need to do between every client and several times a day to try and lengthen it. I also have problems in my lower back and knots across my shoulder.

I would urge anyone to seriously take time to look at how they sit. If you are having back problems that don't resolve then definitely seek professional advice. It's much easier to prevent than rectify.