RA neck

[Guest guest]

,

I have been warned by my OT as well. Never bend the head back. She was

so careful when developing an exercise program for me and never had me do

any with the neck. I also have periodic crunching sounds (internal) when I

turn my head. It comes and goes. I may never have it for months, then it

appears.

I am sorry you are having problems with it and thanks for the information.

Bev

> I am writing this as a caution to those of you with RA. Over the last

> couple of years, my neck has become more " noisy " (only to me) and in the

> last few months there is a new sound, more bone on bone, and an awareness

of

> some slight " shifting " from time to time, especially when my head is down.

I

> asked my doctor to check my neck and he ordered x-rays as well. He phoned

> with the results. It is a mechanical

> problem caused by years of RA; there is no current inflammation. C1 has

> subluxed somewhat on C2 with an odontoid interval of 8 mm. From what I

have

> read, anything over 3 mm is abnormal and my doctor says at 11-12 mm they

> recommend surgery for fusion. He believes his examination of my neck made

> it worse re pain etc. and that there will probably be pain for another 2-3

> weeks (the examination was on April 1). He is hesitant to recommend

> therapy--he just doesn't like RA necks to be manipulated. I'm going to

talk

> to my therapist and arrange to see an OT as well to learn as much as I can

> and to try to prevent further damage if possible.

>

> Years ago, I was warned by a therapist--long before I was aware of any

neck

> involvement from my RA--never to let anyone stretch and pull at my neck as

> some treatments by physiotherapists and chiropractors require. So I pass

> that warning along to all of you along with the advice to be as protective

> of your neck as possible, to keep the neck muscles strong and to be very

> careful of your posture, especially at the computer, at all times.

>

>

> (RA 23+ years, AP since Nov. 97)

>

>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

Hi :

I know what you mean by a sore neck. My neck was so painful that my doctor

recommended seeing a chiro - not your average chiro but one that uses an

activator instead of manupilating your body with his/her hands. This chiro

has done magnificent work on my neck and I am now able to be pain free most

of the time. The activitor is an instrument that sounds like a large

stapler but looks like a siringe (God only knows how to spell that one)

needle - this is the only way I can describe this. It does not hurt or

penetrate the skin but it sure is beneficial. I was very relunctant to see

a chiro, don't be afraid, I feel so much better now.

Hugs Mado

rheumatic RA neck

>I am writing this as a caution to those of you with RA. Over the last

>couple of years, my neck has become more " noisy " (only to me) and in the

>last few months there is a new sound, more bone on bone, and an awareness

of

>some slight " shifting " from time to time, especially when my head is down.

I

>asked my doctor to check my neck and he ordered x-rays as well. He phoned

>with the results. It is a mechanical

>problem caused by years of RA; there is no current inflammation. C1 has

>subluxed somewhat on C2 with an odontoid interval of 8 mm. From what I

have

>read, anything over 3 mm is abnormal and my doctor says at 11-12 mm they

>recommend surgery for fusion. He believes his examination of my neck made

>it worse re pain etc. and that there will probably be pain for another 2-3

>weeks (the examination was on April 1). He is hesitant to recommend

>therapy--he just doesn't like RA necks to be manipulated. I'm going to

talk

>to my therapist and arrange to see an OT as well to learn as much as I can

>and to try to prevent further damage if possible.

>

>Years ago, I was warned by a therapist--long before I was aware of any neck

>involvement from my RA--never to let anyone stretch and pull at my neck as

>some treatments by physiotherapists and chiropractors require. So I pass

>that warning along to all of you along with the advice to be as protective

>of your neck as possible, to keep the neck muscles strong and to be very

>careful of your posture, especially at the computer, at all times.

>

>

>(RA 23+ years, AP since Nov. 97)

>

>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

Hi: I found the neck discussion interesting because, prior to getting

diagnosed with the RA, I was going to my chiro who I have seen for years.

Due to my muscular dystrophy, I have found chiropractic the ONLY source of

relief for my neck and hip problems. This is due to the misalignment

resulting from weak muscles. Also, we have actually proven that my muscle

strength is increased after an adjustment. Anyway, after I had terrible

wrist pains last yr. (from undiagnosed RA) which my chiro could not relieve,

that's when I just knew it was something else and began the journey through

dr. after dr to get dx'd. I have not yet been back to my chiro (quite

frankly, sick of going to drs.) but have been toying with the idea of

returning. I know that as soon as I walk out of his office, I will feel

fantastic and I miss that! And the " crunching " is acting up. In addition,

after all this time of physical and emotional stress due to RA, I know that

my MGravis has been aggravated, causing weakness and misalignment.

My chiro has used that activator in the past and it does work well. While I

am certainly willing to ask him to do that vs. hand manipulation, I would

like to know just what the real danger is and where is the source of this

information, that chiropractic is dangerous for those with RA? I question

this because while attempting to get dx'd, the chiro had hip x-rays taken and

they do show some deterioration. But my understanding is that adjustments

HELP to keep them aligned, thus reducing the wear and tear that otherwise

would occur. That makes sense to me so I would like to hear what the basis

for NOT doing chiro is. Thanks!

Babs

RA 8/98, DX 4/99, AP 11/99

200 mg. Minocin

112 mcg. Synthroid

2 mg. Hytrin

10 mg. Lipitor

Mestinon

Vits. & Misc. Suplmts.

[Guest guest]

on 4/25/00 2:46 PM, mahay at mahay@... wrote:

> Hi :

>

> I know what you mean by a sore neck. My neck was so painful that my doctor

> recommended seeing a chiro - not your average chiro but one that uses an

> activator instead of manupilating your body with his/her hands. This chiro

> has done magnificent work on my neck and I am now able to be pain free most

> of the time. The activitor is an instrument that sounds like a large

> stapler but looks like a siringe (God only knows how to spell that one)

> needle - this is the only way I can describe this. It does not hurt or

> penetrate the skin but it sure is beneficial. I was very relunctant to see

> a chiro, don't be afraid, I feel so much better now.

>

> Hugs Mado

>

>

Hi Mado,

This sounds like a very interesting approach, and I would be interested in

finding a chiropractor who does this technique. Do you know how one would go

about finding one?

How many treatments did it take, over what period of time?

In the mean time, I would indeed be very afraid to go to just any

chiropractor. Most of them I have seen want to do the standard manipulation,

which can be very dangerous for arthritic necks.

Jean

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Headstand is one of the greatest yoga positions and is very good for your whole

spinal column including your neck. It is said to reverse ageing. I have

practised

headstand for about five minutes every night, all my life. Some people I know

say that explains a lot

Chris.

>For the last few months I've been doing the yoga positions called the

>shoulderstand, it's an inverted position where you balance on your

>shoulders with you neck press into your chest. I do this for 5 minutes

>daily. It's suppose to stimulate your thyroid which is why I started

>doing it. Since I'm back to doing yoga I also do the head stand for

>about 3 minutes every third day. Is this bad for my neck???? Does

>anybody have any idea.

>

>Thanks

>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

I go to a cranial osteopath about once a month for maintenance, and

sometimes more often if something is more seriously wrong. i don't

really understand at all what she does. It's something to do with moving

cerebro-spinal fluid and encouraging correct flow. She mostly works on

my head but also works on painful joints. It is very subtle, enjoyable

and I think it helps. I too am scared of manipulation after many long

years of spinal problems and won't let anyone do it now. The cranial

osteopath is a fully qualified DO with post graduate training in cranial

work.

Gail

[Guest guest]

Yoga shouldn't be bad for your neck. Yoga positions have been 'tested' as

it were through the centuries and if a shoulder stand was bad for the

neck, that posture would have disappeared long ago.

But those with RA may have different sensitivities. I too have noticed

that my neck clicks when I turn it from side to side (which it didn't

before I got RA about 1 yr and 9 months ago) AND I can no longer look over

my right shoulder with confidence while riding a bicycle.

So back to: is a shoulder stand bad? Well I confess I don't really know

but I'll ask the person who used to teach me yoga and get back to you

na

On Tue, 25 Apr 2000, arjay wrote:

> For the last few months I've been doing the yoga positions called the

> shoulderstand, it's an inverted position where you balance on your

> shoulders with you neck press into your chest. I do this for 5 minutes

> daily. It's suppose to stimulate your thyroid which is why I started

> doing it. Since I'm back to doing yoga I also do the head stand for

> about 3 minutes every third day. Is this bad for my neck???? Does

> anybody have any idea.

>

> Thanks

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> High rates giving you headaches? The 0% APR Introductory Rate from

> Capital One. 9.9% Fixed thereafter!

> 1/3010/0/_/532797/_/956701375/

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> To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups

>

>

>

mmmm

[Guest guest]

Hi & ,

Regarding doing headstands and shoulderstands, I would love to be able to do

them. I for one am lucky I can stand on my two legs. How do you manage to

do them? Do you have a slant board or something else to help you.

I would love to know how to get in that position.

Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Pat / Pennsylvania

>From: " Adlard " <cadlard@...>

>Reply-cadlard@...

>rheumaticegroups

>Subject: Re: rheumatic RA Neck

>Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 05:56:45 GMT

>

>Hi ,

>

>Headstand is one of the greatest yoga positions and is very good for your

>whole

>spinal column including your neck. It is said to reverse ageing. I have

>practised

>headstand for about five minutes every night, all my life. Some people I

>know

>say that explains a lot

>

>Chris.

>

>

> >For the last few months I've been doing the yoga positions called the

> >shoulderstand, it's an inverted position where you balance on your

> >shoulders with you neck press into your chest. I do this for 5 minutes

> >daily. It's suppose to stimulate your thyroid which is why I started

> >doing it. Since I'm back to doing yoga I also do the head stand for

> >about 3 minutes every third day. Is this bad for my neck???? Does

> >anybody have any idea.

> >

> >Thanks

> >

> >

> >

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

Hi Babs,

Both my doctor (who recommends chiropractic for others) and my PT (who does

spinal adjustment, but not neck adjustment) are my major sources of

information, along with a number of other places I've read and heard this

from M.D.'s and P.T.'s.

I think the general concern with arthritic necks is the possibility of

damaging nerve roots as they exit the spinal column. I think the amount of

deterioration in the spine is a major determinant of the risk. In folks with

a good deal of instability, the risk to nerve roots is just too great.

I am not speaking from my own authority, so can't be very precise. I know

when I have had a chiropractor try to adjust my neck when it was inflamed,

she couldn't do it, because of the amount of muscle spasm, and I was

terrorized by the experience. I know for a fact that the Chiro I was seeing

was a good one, with a good reputation. She also adjusted my elbows and

wrists, which usually went okay, but one day she hurt my elbow very badly.

My PT says I have lost too much tensile strength in my joints to tolerate

this any more, and I need to avoid manipulation which would further loosen

the joint capsules and ligaments, which are already too loose from 12 years

of inflammation.

My PT does a very interesting manual therapy on my neck, which is just a

gentle rocking of the joints, to mobilize them. I believe the intent is

similar to chiropractic adjustment, just not as forceful. (Her specialty is

spinal manual therapy--she studied in Australia, where they focus more on

this than they do in the US.)

Of course, my PT is going to be speaking from her own point of view, but my

experience is that she has never hurt me, and the chiropractor did. It was

not anything permanent, but it was quite frightening.

I never got a lot of benefit from PT for my neck. It is doing better right

now than for some time, and the only thing I am doing differently is the

minocin, a vitamin B and C supplement which contains more of these than I

have taken before, and a few dietary adjustments per the list's general

discussion. So, I think medical and dietary factors have been more

important.

I also see a very good massage therapist regularly, which helps to relieve

the muscle tension in my neck.

If you are really interested in more info, I could get more from my Sports

Medicine physician, who as I have said is generally supportive of

chiropractic, but not for me.

Jean

[Guest guest]

,

These are good postures, but the neck is vulnerable in them. I teach the

half shoulderstand instead. It is very similar to the full shoulderstand.

You just don't go up as much (high). You bear more of your weight on your

your upper arms than your neck.

I really would not recommend the headstand if there is any concern

whatsoever about the neck. I have in my yoga studio one of those little

" headstand props " you see advertised in the yoga magazines. They cost a bit

less than $100. That would be definately worth if you do the headstand

daily. You are upside down whith those, but there is no weight on the head.

I have seen people use two folding chairs , secured against a wall with

space between the chairs for the head. Basically, the weight is born by the

shoulders that way also ( in this case on the chair seats). It seemed a

little scarier operation. I tried it; it works, but I would only show this

to my most able bodied students.

I hope this helps,

Ute

At 03:22 PM 4/25/00 , you wrote:

>For the last few months I've been doing the yoga positions called the

>shoulderstand, it's an inverted position where you balance on your

>shoulders with you neck press into your chest. I do this for 5 minutes

>daily. It's suppose to stimulate your thyroid which is why I started

>doing it. Since I'm back to doing yoga I also do the head stand for

>about 3 minutes every third day. Is this bad for my neck????

[Guest guest]

,

YOU MUST make sure when doing shoulder stands to have 3 folded blankets, ( I

use the Indian yoga blankets) folded in quarters, stacked up and put on top

of a sticky mat. Your head hangs off the folded side of the blankets with

the floor showing (so your head can't stick and hurt you). This will help

the neck by not pushing it the incorrect way.

Also be careful with the headstands, you may want to get the little

contraption that you do headstands in so that you are not compressing the

neck. (its' available in most yoga catalogues) or you can take 2 folding

chairs, but them facing each other, put a sticky mat folded on each one and

rest your shoulders on them so that your head just hangs free, you hold on

to the legs of the chair with your hands and it eliminates the crunching in

the neck.

Bonnie

Regional Director, PHD Products

http://phdproducts.com mailto:bonnie@...

800-863-3403

Re: rheumatic RA Neck

>,

>These are good postures, but the neck is vulnerable in them. I teach the

>half shoulderstand instead. It is very similar to the full shoulderstand.

>You just don't go up as much (high). You bear more of your weight on your

>your upper arms than your neck.

>I really would not recommend the headstand if there is any concern

>whatsoever about the neck. I have in my yoga studio one of those little

> " headstand props " you see advertised in the yoga magazines. They cost a bit

>less than $100. That would be definately worth if you do the headstand

>daily. You are upside down whith those, but there is no weight on the head.

>I have seen people use two folding chairs , secured against a wall with

>space between the chairs for the head. Basically, the weight is born by the

>shoulders that way also ( in this case on the chair seats). It seemed a

>little scarier operation. I tried it; it works, but I would only show this

>to my most able bodied students.

>I hope this helps,

>Ute

>

>

>At 03:22 PM 4/25/00 , you wrote:

>>For the last few months I've been doing the yoga positions called the

>>shoulderstand, it's an inverted position where you balance on your

>>shoulders with you neck press into your chest. I do this for 5 minutes

>>daily. It's suppose to stimulate your thyroid which is why I started

>>doing it. Since I'm back to doing yoga I also do the head stand for

>>about 3 minutes every third day. Is this bad for my neck????

>

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[Guest guest]

na,

Your reasoning sounds resonable <smile>, but yoga through the ages was

practiced by a select few, definately not the main stream population or

arthritics. That does not mean that yoga would not beneficial to them. Part

of my job as yoga teacher is to adapt the original poses to the bodies that

are attempting them.

Actually, as yoga goes more main stream we find more and more poses that

are not suitable to the population that is into yoga now. So the question

is not wether a pose is good or bad, but is it appropriate for this

specific body; or how can we adapt the pose so we get the benefits without

the risk

Take care and keep up your yoga practice!

Ute

>

>Yoga shouldn't be bad for your neck. Yoga positions have been 'tested' as

>it were through the centuries and if a shoulder stand was bad for the

>neck, that posture would have disappeared long ago.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jean:

To answer your questions I would look up in the phone book for a chiro who

practices this method. I have seen some listed in our phone book stating

the use of the activator or call the College of chiro for your province or

state.

I have been going to the chiro for approximately four months now for about 2

visits a week. The main problem with my neck is that I do not have a

curvature in it like most people so she is working in realligning my neck.

I also sleep on a special pillow (organic buckwheat) to support my neck and

this helps a lot.

Like you I was very afraid to go and see a chiro but my doctor highly

recommended her and I was in so much pain that I was " kinda " force into it

but I sure do not regret it.

Hope that helps.

Hugs Mado

Re: rheumatic RA neck

>on 4/25/00 2:46 PM, mahay at mahay@... wrote:

>

>> Hi :

>>

>> I know what you mean by a sore neck. My neck was so painful that my

doctor

>> recommended seeing a chiro - not your average chiro but one that uses an

>> activator instead of manupilating your body with his/her hands. This

chiro

>> has done magnificent work on my neck and I am now able to be pain free

most

>> of the time. The activitor is an instrument that sounds like a large

>> stapler but looks like a siringe (God only knows how to spell that one)

>> needle - this is the only way I can describe this. It does not hurt or

>> penetrate the skin but it sure is beneficial. I was very relunctant to

see

>> a chiro, don't be afraid, I feel so much better now.

>>

>> Hugs Mado

>>

>>

>Hi Mado,

>

>This sounds like a very interesting approach, and I would be interested in

>finding a chiropractor who does this technique. Do you know how one would

go

>about finding one?

>

>How many treatments did it take, over what period of time?

>

>In the mean time, I would indeed be very afraid to go to just any

>chiropractor. Most of them I have seen want to do the standard

manipulation,

>which can be very dangerous for arthritic necks.

>

>Jean

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

Hi Jean: Wow, you sure know what's what about neck manipulation based on

experience. I never thought to discuss this with my Sports Medicine dr. but

that's a good idea. I also think I will talk with my chiro about my concerns

and see what can be done other than the regular manipulation. My neck is

getting stiffer lately and I need to do something soon. Thanks again for

your response!

Babs

RA 8/98, DX 4/99, AP 11/99

200 mg. Minocin

112 mcg. Synthroid

2 mg. Hytrin

10 mg. Lipitor

Mestinon

Vits. & Misc. Suplmts.

[Guest guest]

When you first see a Chiropractor and tell him you have RA, he will do

special xrays that look for Atlanto Axis instability. My Chiropractor, who

is also my son, took this xray first off and was aghast that no

Rheumatologist had ever ordered it.

When I asked my RA Doc why he had never ordered this xray for his RA

patients, he said it wasn't worth the cost!

Well, it certainly was to me as I have this problem and you have to be very

careful. I wear a neck brace at times etc. I also get manipulations in the

area. but they are very gentle and really take care of the pain for me.

Lolly

[Guest guest]

on 4/26/00 9:28 PM, Babs56p@... at Babs56p@... wrote:

> Hi Jean: Wow, you sure know what's what about neck manipulation based on

> experience. I never thought to discuss this with my Sports Medicine dr. but

> that's a good idea. I also think I will talk with my chiro about my concerns

> and see what can be done other than the regular manipulation. My neck is

> getting stiffer lately and I need to do something soon. Thanks again for

> your response!

>

> Babs

Hi Babs

I learned a bunch about this today, too. I was just trusting healthcare

professionals whom I trust. (I've had plenty who's opinions I don't think

too highly of.)

I do know that the chiro can do ultrasound, apply heat packs, use electrical

stimulation, acupuncture, etc. All these things can help.

The chiropractor I saw used cold laser therapy, which I felt helped with

muscle and tendon pain. I just couldn't get her to keep her hands off my

neck!

I trust the sports med and PT folks more, but have taken time to find good

ones in these professions, too. The trouble with PT is that is so

expensive...

Let us know what you try.

Jean

[Guest guest]

Hey Ute,

I wish we could all get together for a yoga for arthritis class with you.

I'm sure it would help a great deal. Wasn't it you who recommended a good

breathing book?

If so, could you send the title and author again?

Thanks

Jean

> ,

> These are good postures, but the neck is vulnerable in them. I teach the

> half shoulderstand instead. It is very similar to the full shoulderstand.

> You just don't go up as much (high). You bear more of your weight on your

> your upper arms than your neck.

> I really would not recommend the headstand if there is any concern

> whatsoever about the neck. I have in my yoga studio one of those little

> " headstand props " you see advertised in the yoga magazines. They cost a bit

> less than $100. That would be definately worth if you do the headstand

> daily. You are upside down whith those, but there is no weight on the head.

> I have seen people use two folding chairs , secured against a wall with

> space between the chairs for the head. Basically, the weight is born by the

> shoulders that way also ( in this case on the chair seats). It seemed a

> little scarier operation. I tried it; it works, but I would only show this

> to my most able bodied students.

> I hope this helps,

> Ute

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Gloria,

Even though none of us want to change if we're honest, I guess I was more

concerned

with keeping myself physically in good shape rather than just looking younger.

Headstand reverses the pull of gravity on every organ of the body - also feels

great

No, it's not like the bicycyle position. It's done very gently and slowly with

complete control over every movement. People with stiffness from RA might not

be able to get down to the floor in the first place so it wouldn't suit them.

And as Ute said, if there's neck damage then it might not be such a good idea.

Every step should be practised for a period - could be from several days to

several weeks depending on the person. It's done this way:

Clasp fingers together and put around the top of your head, making a triangle

of two elbows and head.

Kneel down a few inches from a wall and put your head down on the floor in front

of the wall. Stay there for a few minutes. That's all the first few times as

just the pressure of putting your head down needs getting used to. Come up

slowly.

Then put your head down and stretch your legs out from your body, standing on

your toes. Start to 'walk' towards your head, very slowly and controlled, until

your toes reach your face.

Next stage is to get your centre of gravity over your head and practise lifting

your toes a few inches off the floor. This isn't done as a jerking motion but

a very gentle controlled lift.

As you practise more over time then get to the stage where you can raise your

feet up over your buttocks, legs still bent. Practise lifting the bent legs

up and then back down to the floor, very slowly, no jerking or losing control.

Eventually you'll be able to lift the bent legs over your buttocks and then

begin to straighten them up into the air, again with complete control, very

slowly.

Once you can do full headstand you can keep the position for as long as you

feel comfortable. When you come down, always rest a few seconds with head down

and then get up slowly. Breathing exercises can be done while in headstand.

I forgot to explain some Aussie attitudes in my last message. Australians tend

to say the opposite - for instance, if a guy sees a beautiful woman he's likely

to say " You're an ugly sheila " So when I said that doing headstand 'explained

a lot' it meant it explained me being weird/old/ugly/strange/negative

everything...

Chris.

>Dear do you feel that this yoga position has helped you look

>younger? How do you do it? Is it like the bicycle position we were

>taught in gym as kids, where you raise your feet above your head while

>lying on your back. I can bring my feet over to touch the floor behind

>me (Still?). Is this good or bad? I read that you are more likely to be

>killed by a champagne cork than a spider, but I don't know it that

>includes Australia :-)

>love,

>Gloria

>________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Babs,

My RD recommended I wear a soft collar at night when I my neck stiffens and

it works. I have been suffering too lately since I've been off Mino for 3

weeks and no anti inflams either. I am getting out the soft collar to wear

tonight. Also wrist splints and hand splints help with numbness in the

hands on awakening if you wear them at night.

Bev

> Hi Jean: Wow, you sure know what's what about neck manipulation based on

> experience. I never thought to discuss this with my Sports Medicine dr.

but

> that's a good idea. I also think I will talk with my chiro about my

concerns

> and see what can be done other than the regular manipulation. My neck is

> getting stiffer lately and I need to do something soon. Thanks again for

> your response!

>

> Babs

> RA 8/98, DX 4/99, AP 11/99

> 200 mg. Minocin

> 112 mcg. Synthroid

> 2 mg. Hytrin

> 10 mg. Lipitor

> Mestinon

> Vits. & Misc. Suplmts.

>

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[Guest guest]

Come on over, Jean

we'll do yoga together <smile>

The book is : " The Breathing Book " by Donna Farhi

Take care,

Ute

>I wish we could all get together for a yoga for arthritis class with you.

>I'm sure it would help a great deal. Wasn't it you who recommended a good

>breathing book?

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bev: The soft collar at night is probably equal to the orthopedic pillow

I sleep on - it gives that needed support. Only problem with mine is that

it's ancient and needs replacing. I drag that pillow whenever I am sleeping

overnight away from home, including the hospital. There used to be a medical

supply store in town where I got it but they left years ago. Don't know

where to find one but I should locate a newer (and less ratty!) one. :>)

Thanks for making me think of this.

Babs

RA 8/98, DX 4/99, AP 11/99

200 mg. Minocin

112 mcg. Synthroid

2 mg. Hytrin

10 mg. Lipitor

Mestinon

Vits. & Misc. Suplmts.

[Guest guest]

Hi Bev: Thanks to you and others, I realize that the orthopedic pillow (yes,

concave in the middle) is much more available than I thought. When I bought

it years ago, it was not an item to be found in typical stores but I gather

they are available in Walmarts, KMarts and similar stores. When I first

started using it, it was strange and uncomfortable but now I simply refuse to

sleep on anything else. I had a neck injury years ago - pinched a nerve when

collapsing from rare " thyrotoxic periodic paralysis " - and it really helped

along with chiro adjustments. The one I have is really out of shape, I

think, and most likely is not providing the level of support I need. Also, I

find that when I fall asleep reading propped up (i.e. without that pillow on

a flat level), I have those neck creaks and aches. I've been reading in bed

a lot these past few months and that probably aggravated the problem, along

with the lack of " adjustments " .

Babs

[Guest guest]

Bev: a supplement containing Calcium & Magnesium citrate...both together -

relieved the muscle spasms--which after time became more of a trigger point

than a tender point, after the first DAY! Some people I have spoken with on

a fibro forum I'm on, cannot find the liquid - which is lemon flavored. It

can be gotten in tablet/pill form, I believe. I am going today to my local

vitamin store to replace the 16 oz bottle I've gone thru. Good luck to you.

Babs,

The stiff neck is so annoying and hurts a lot. I found my bowlers splints

(recommended by the RD) and my soft collar and wore them last night and when

I first awoke my neck was a little sore, but I notice a tremendous

improvement now. I think I'll be wearing them for awhile.

Babs, is the orthopedic pillow concaved in the middle? I bet you could get

them in K-mart or someplace similar. I notice our Zellers (similar to

K-mart) have them. I should try one.

Hope you get some relief soon.

Hugs

Bev

> Hi Bev: The soft collar at night is probably equal to the orthopedic

pillow

> I sleep on - it gives that needed support. Only problem with mine is

that

> it's ancient and needs replacing. I drag that pillow whenever I am

sleeping

> overnight away from home, including the hospital. There used to be a

medical

> supply store in town where I got it but they left years ago. Don't know

> where to find one but I should locate a newer (and less ratty!) one. :>)

>

> Thanks for making me think of this.

>

________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks for the information. I am fortunate that my neck problem isn't

constant and seems to come out of the blue and last for a week or so. I

take a multivitamin and Calcium with Vit. D. I will see what my naturopath

has to say if it keeps bothering me and I'll mention the calcium and Mag.

citrate.

Bev

> Bev: a supplement containing Calcium & Magnesium citrate...both

together -

> relieved the muscle spasms--which after time became more of a trigger

point

> than a tender point, after the first DAY! Some people I have spoken with

on

> a fibro forum I'm on, cannot find the liquid - which is lemon flavored.

It

> can be gotten in tablet/pill form, I believe. I am going today to my

local

> vitamin store to replace the 16 oz bottle I've gone thru. Good luck to

you.

>

>

> Babs,

> The stiff neck is so annoying and hurts a lot. I found my bowlers

splints

> (recommended by the RD) and my soft collar and wore them last night and

when

> I first awoke my neck was a little sore, but I notice a tremendous

> improvement now. I think I'll be wearing them for awhile.

> Babs, is the orthopedic pillow concaved in the middle? I bet you could

get

> them in K-mart or someplace similar. I notice our Zellers (similar to

> K-mart) have them. I should try one.

> Hope you get some relief soon.

>

> Hugs

> Bev

>

>

>

> > Hi Bev: The soft collar at night is probably equal to the orthopedic

> pillow

> > I sleep on - it gives that needed support. Only problem with mine is

> that

> > it's ancient and needs replacing. I drag that pillow whenever I am

> sleeping

> > overnight away from home, including the hospital. There used to be a

> medical

> > supply store in town where I got it but they left years ago. Don't

know

> > where to find one but I should locate a newer (and less ratty!) one.

:>)

> >

> > Thanks for making me think of this.

> >

>

>

>

> ________________________________________________________________________

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>

>

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>

>

[Guest guest]

Sweet dreams, Babs! I am going to buy one AND wear my collar. I suppose

there are different types. Could you describe yours and I'll try to get

one similar.

Best to you,

Bev

> Hi Bev: Thanks to you and others, I realize that the orthopedic pillow

(yes,

> concave in the middle) is much more available than I thought. When I

bought

> it years ago, it was not an item to be found in typical stores but I

gather

> they are available in Walmarts, KMarts and similar stores. When I first

> started using it, it was strange and uncomfortable but now I simply refuse

to

> sleep on anything else. I had a neck injury years ago - pinched a nerve

when

> collapsing from rare " thyrotoxic periodic paralysis " - and it really

helped

> along with chiro adjustments. The one I have is really out of shape, I

> think, and most likely is not providing the level of support I need.

Also, I

> find that when I fall asleep reading propped up (i.e. without that pillow

on

> a flat level), I have those neck creaks and aches. I've been reading in

bed

> a lot these past few months and that probably aggravated the problem,

along

> with the lack of " adjustments " .

>

> Babs