So before I started working at Starbuck's, I'd injured both shoulders and a knee. This job, like many, is always gonna cause aches and pains, even persistent ones, but here's a couple things I've done for myself to help:

- Invest in good shoes with insoles. When I started in the service industry, I was always wearing Vans, but recently I picked up some New Balance with insoles, and even that has helped my back/knee/hip pain. There are also some good budget options, because Newbies are pretty pricey.

- Try to focus on changing little movements at work, if you haven't already. Like instead of bending over to look at a stickered cup on the counter, always pick it up and bring it to your face. Make sure you're using good lifting posture whenever you're asked to lift or move something.

- Chirp back rollers! So so so good at stretching out a tight back.

Sorry this is SO wordy for a comment, but I'm a 30 year old who's been in the industry since 16, and I don't want anyone to go through back pain and shoulder injuries. Take care of yourself!

Ohh yeah. It hurts pretty badly after every shift for me.

One thing that I do, is try to take a hot bath. That usually helps somewhat.
I also wear $1 which took my pain level down from a 7 to a 1-2 the first time I wore them.

Upper back still hurts because of the heavy-lifting.

ohhh yes. it gets soo bad 😭

I crack my back, take a shower, and lie on the floor for a while

Make sure your core is strong and really focus on what motions feel good to you, or at least which don't.

Don't be fast, be efficient. I bar as quickly as other workers but don't leave a mess behind and am not in pain after an hour or two.

Take the time to unwind, easier said than done. A lot of neck/shoulder pain can be worsened by stress.

They used to teach us stretches as part of learning bar, I guess not anymore? Stretch out your back and arms literally constantly. All the time. If I'm not barring or cleaning, I'm stretching. If I'm barring and have a moment while a shot pulls I'm stretching. STRETCH.

I’m 28 and a 9 year partner and my chiropractor tells me my back is worse than some of his 70+ year old clients.

Yep. Had my back go out last winter literally just from standing wrong. Careful out there folks

yes 100% i’m pretty sure crooking my neck to look at the drinks while i was on bar caused or contributed to my neck and jaw issues lmao

Get insoles for your shoes!! Game changer

stretch when you wake up and ur more tight /painful areas before you punch in. More of a preventative tho. u can do it a lot if you want it’ll help. Heat/ice and those lidocaine patches help if it’s intense ! otherwise i like to take hot baths with some dr teals in it. I also heard good things about magnesium water before bed and in the morning but i’m not really too well versed on it. Vitamin D or calcium supplements can help too , and you can find them on sale or cheap af at a wellness shop

Yeah. Pain