by Superwoman

Created on: August 12, 2008

Painting a ceiling without the neck pain can be done. It does take some arranging of your work area and some thinking ahead. Manipulating your position to avoid strain may seem time consuming but it is part of looking out for yourself while doing the job. Proper equipment is also an asset and a neck saver.

The first thing to know is what makes your neck hurt. This is an issue for any healthy person. If you have had an injury it is even more important. It is not natural to bend your neck backwards for periods of time; it stresses the nerves coming through the spinal column. Any days work involving this movement can give you an aching neck; and it can extend into the shoulders. If there are injuries present you will need to evaluate the weakness and rest periodically and position yourself more often to a comfortable spot. The span of your reach may need to be shorter for less stress on the body. Requiring more ladder moving.

Your equipment will include an extension for your roller. A light weight ladder that will position you high enough to enable you to work with your hands positioned below your head. A small bucket or cup for paint you may hold in one hand while cutting in the edges with a brush. Blue tape to keep your edges straight and clean. The roller pan is essential. A bucket with a roller screen is quite nice to use in this situation. Keep a cleanup cloth at your side to keep you from running up and down the ladder; in case of dripping or splatters making a mess. Keep a wet sponge handy for wiping door jams and doors.

Put your drop cloth down covering the floor. Hopefully this job does not require the moving of a bunch of heavy furniture. That alone could make your neck ache. Get someone else to do that or at least help you.

First you have to remember to get in a comfortable position relative to the painting you are doing. I recommend taping the ceiling edges instead of needing to concentrate so hard on the strokes there. Position your ladder so you may reach a span and stretch out your tape and stick it in a straight line where the ceiling paint is to end. Blue tape will remove without pulling the paint off. A light ladder or aluminum ladder will be less stressful to move. Take the time to position it right. Do not try to over extend and reach farther than is easy for you. Step up the ladder close to the ceiling so you are not reaching up any more than needed. You may even want to bend your knees and bend back slightly as you work.

Once the tape is

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