Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
↑
12
↓
Baristas with chronic neck/back/shoulder pain (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by natalielh01
Hey partners! I am a barista that struggles with chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain. It gets to the point where I feel in pain for my shifts and I can barely work. I am going to the doctor this week to address my pain issues. However, are there any tips and tricks that you all use to manage the pain? Taking hot showers and using heating pads after shifts works for me, but it’s not enough. Thank you!
Edit: Just wanted to say that I’ve noticed my pain flairs up mainly when I’m on bar, sometimes when I am on CS.
Edit: Just wanted to say that I’ve noticed my pain flairs up mainly when I’m on bar, sometimes when I am on CS.
misswallflowerr 14 points 2y ago
CBD lotions (800 mg) work great for me. On my bad areas and a tiny bit on my temples for my migraines
morwen538 9 points 2y ago
I'll be honest, the anti fatigue mats make my back pain a million times worse. Additionally, having to stay in one position all day, no. Keep moving. Do not stop moving. Keep your muscles going. I use a million CBD oils, lotions, essential oils, anything known to reduce inflammation. Chiropractic care helps immensely, as does massage therapy. Ive had chronic pain since I was 13 so these are just a handful of things I've learned to do.
kdotye 5 points 2y ago
Your posture really matters.
mrshix_ 2 points 2y ago
This!!!!!
We tend to lean forward a lot.
Make sure your head is inline with the centre of your body. I know I tend to dip my head forward and lean into everything I’m doing. I had physio (unrelated to work.) and my physio therapist told me how when you lean forward more you’re engaging your upper traps all the time and not allowing the mid and lower traps to do the work they’re supposed to be doing. So POSTURE!!! It’s key.
We tend to lean forward a lot.
Make sure your head is inline with the centre of your body. I know I tend to dip my head forward and lean into everything I’m doing. I had physio (unrelated to work.) and my physio therapist told me how when you lean forward more you’re engaging your upper traps all the time and not allowing the mid and lower traps to do the work they’re supposed to be doing. So POSTURE!!! It’s key.
kdotye 2 points 2y ago
Yes! And having worked in a restaurant make sure you arms’ resting position is tucked next to your sides. And your arms are 90 degrees. Also keep your feet shoulder width apart.
mrshix_ 1 points 2y ago
YESSS!!!
And core engaging to help with fatigue!!!
And core engaging to help with fatigue!!!
C0ffeeCoffeeC0ffee 3 points 2y ago
Epsom salt baths and tylenol help somewhat.
Massage is helpful but not affordable for most of us so making friends with a massage therapist who is willing to do some sort of skill swap is helpful. If you can swing once a month appointments it makes a big difference (I did this when I worked a restaurant job with much better tips so I'd be able to pull the $60 plus tip out if my tips, I'm not sure I'd be able to afford it on just a starbucks income)
Massage is helpful but not affordable for most of us so making friends with a massage therapist who is willing to do some sort of skill swap is helpful. If you can swing once a month appointments it makes a big difference (I did this when I worked a restaurant job with much better tips so I'd be able to pull the $60 plus tip out if my tips, I'm not sure I'd be able to afford it on just a starbucks income)
DieLawnUwU 2 points 2y ago
Warm baths works for me. Also forcing myself to stand up right and kneel correctly helps me a lot.
quartjarz 2 points 2y ago
definitely second cbd lotions, the Hemp brand makes CBD bath bombs too! otherwise I use a foam roller and some massage balls like. every day.
MilaDuke 1 points 2y ago
Tiger balm!
b0gw1tch 1 points 2y ago
I have scoliosis and other back spine and muscle problems. I actually wear a brace during shifts that helps with my posture, so at the end of my shift the pain isn't so intense. I found it on Amazon, it's just a brace that helps push my shoulders back and it really alleviates the strain on my shoulders, neck, and pectorals. It also helps to stretch and strengthen those muscles, so I usually do exercises before and after work, and sometimes swim which helps me a lot.
padminiyoni 1 points 2y ago
Tiger balm. I’m also a dancer and it’s what we use for sore muscles
Saradigm 1 points 2y ago
Ok I’m going to stop being lazy and get some CBD now that I see this haha. I’m glad you posted about this haha
melodiic_ 1 points 2y ago
like a few others said, cbd lotions are great! i've found a bit of relief with gentle yoga to stretch out tense muscles after work/before bed, it has the added benefit of helping you build up core strength which reduces back pain for a lot of people! i also use MMJ to manage my pain after work, but of course that's not everyone's cup of tea
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.