How do you keep your back from killing you when you are decorating? Even with comfy shoes, almost every time I do a cake my back hurts by the time I am done. Any suggestions on keepingnthis from happening?

I have the same problem and have a swivel counter height chair that I try to use when doing certain decorating chores.

I made my husband bring home one of those rubber mats to stand on and I have a stool tall enough to let me sit at the counter for anything I can.

Thanks. I think maybe a tall stool might help.

GelPro gel mats and prescription innersoles in your shoes. I can work all day with a fractured vertebrae injury (5 yrs ago). My husband is a doctor. The mat and the innersoles are preventive maintenance.

Open a cupboard door and rest one foot on the shelf, it takes the weight off the lower back.
I also have a gel mat and I wear my "Skecher shape ups" they are the most comfy shoe Ive ever owned better than barefoot. Sit whenever possible.

Thanks for all the good advice. Will look into all of these. I don't know how everyone that does this full time. It is hard on the body. Can't even imagine doing this with vertabrae problems. More power to you for that.
Thanks again everyone. Am going to check out the mats asap.

Good shoes, gel mat for the floor, comfortable chair/stool, and making sure to take brief rest periods on a regular basis (get up an move around)

me too.. it really hurts... very hard for me to move 'coz it really hurts...is that because of the kneading and standing for very long time?

Since I dont decorate full time the gel mats were a bit pricy for me to justify. I run a double layer strip of interlocking foam mats along the length of the counter I use for decorating. Aside from being cost effective they are easy to clean, disassemble and store when not in use. I have also found that wearing Crocs while decorating has made a big difference which is a huge relief with three bulging lumbar disks.

I "borrowed" my boyfriend's crocs last night while baking and OH what a difference. My back didn't hurt near as bad as normal. I am finally going to have to buy a pair.

I've had both back and foot surgeries, and my prescription orthotics are worth their weight in gold! All these tips are useful and worth trying! But also don't forget to take frequent short breaks.....do a little stretching and walking around. I like to climb the stairs a few times--it gets the blood flowing and relieves stress on the back.

Sangria, my prescription inserts are the best investment. I don't think I could do without them. And mine were preventive maintenance.

Try yoga, it is fantastic for strenghtining your core muscles.