Eight dollar HA relief :) Check it out

Question

Hello all! I went to see my pain specialist Dr. E. on Thursday and he said that he had read that a cervical collar(neck brace) can be useful in the relief of headaches due to Chiari Malformation. Anyway, as I was at the pharmacy yesterday morning....my head was hurting so badly, I thought about what he said and found the isle where the cervical collars are. Bought it for 8 dollars and put it on right there in the store. It was almost an immediate relief. Now the ha did not go away, but it did make it completely tolerable. It was not excruciating anymore. I was so excited that something like that could help. He did say to make sure that I took a muscle relaxer with it, and to make sure I did not leave it on to long to avoid neck stiffening. I just wanted to share this 8 dollar relief with you all. I am not sure of the after surgery effect but prior to surgery, I did find relief in that little white collar :)

Rahe28 · Answer

I tried and tried to tell my chiro that something was wrong and that something else was going on....this was a time when I blacked out and passed out often and would lose vision for ne reason...I am now positive that it was the Chiari, but they only did xrays...since it was a chiro office. He did so many neck adjustments and each time I would tell him about my awful Ha's and his response was because my body got used to things being out of place, so when they were right...it hurt. Well, I know now that I was not crazy. I even went to him again while I was pregnant with my first son, because my neck and my back were hurting so much...he did a few therapies...but it didnt help at all. That is when I just gave up on Chiropractors...and I am glad I did...lord only knows how much worse the Chiari would be if hadnt. It does seem that my head hurt more when the weather changes...which is terrible living in Louisiana...one day it's 45 and the next it is 74....been like that for three weeks now...huh...that would be about the time of my headache. 

Jiggle, can you ask your pcp to write you a small prescription of them. THey dont have to be narcotic to work. I take Norflex and they are awesome. I try to be on as little of narcotic meds as possible.  It is however the one of 7 different ones I have tried...I have been on  the norflex since Dec of 2010 and it still works as well as when I first started to take them. My hubby normally asks his pcp once a year for 20 pill prescription for those times when everything stiffens up and he never has had a problem getting them. Just a though...becuase even without the collar a hot bath and a muscle relaxer would do wonders for that neck ofyours.

jiggle93 · Answer

I have DDD of cervical too. And if I had muscle relaxers I would try the collar for a little bit of relief. I always describe it as my head feels like it is  an enormous watermelon, and my neck is a toothpick. I would be trilled to just take it off and set it to the side...but since that isnt an option....:/

selmaS · Answer

I was in an accident at the same age....had whip lash...loss of the cervical lordosis...and let me tell u that hurts too, I thought that was my HA's...nope...lol..but I did not get dx'd with the whip lash until 14yrs after the accident...I told them and told them....ugh....

 If u r nething like me, the change in seasons always made my HA's worse....

Rahe28 · Answer

I was in a car accident when I was 16 and another when I was 17, neither of them my fault. They did say I had whiplash, and I went to a chiropractor for two or three years until I just couldnt stand it anymore, it always hurt more and more. Then I was in another accident in 2003 and I wound on crutches and I hit my head as well, but I didnt go to the hospital until the following day. So, yes I have been in a few car accident....suprisngly....I was always the one hit :( The last two I was hit from behind at a dead stop at nearly 55 mph....yes both of them. So, i am sure that it didnt help my large brain. But I really had problems while pregnant and after having my son and daughter within 11 months of each other. So, I guess there were quite a few issues involved in the making of all the "stuff"...lol. I actually took a hot bath and a muscle relaxer and just put the collar back on because I jsut cant seem to shake this stupid HA, it has been hanging around for a solid three weeks now...and I am just tired of this battle.Thank you all for allowing me to vent . I try to be as positive as possible, but sometimes...it just overwhelms me. Hope u all have a good night.

selmaS · Answer

The retroflexed odontoid is an issue that u would need a fusion of some sort....

  I also have one as well as instability...and was told I would need another surgery....it all depended on how I was doing as to when I would have it......

actressmouse · Answer

billyz123 - My dx are: Chiari 1, Stickler's Syndrome (type unspecified to date), and retroflexed odontoid process. I am awaiting scheduling of Posterior Fossa Decompression along with fusion of C1, C2, C3 per Dr. Bolognese at TCI...hopefully, in June this year. The collar was recommended by Dr. Francomano, a specialist in area of Hereditary Disorders of Connective Tissue. Since I have the not only the joint hypermobility and cranio-cervical instability issues, but also hearing loss and vision changes, my dx best fits the criterion for Stickler's Syndrome. There's an excellent video online that explains Stickler's: www.sticklervideo.org. I know the collars, for me, are a "band-aid" until I can have surgery; however, I am hoping that I can incorporate them into my aftercare routine as well.

billyz123 · Answer

Wow, were you in an accident? I would definitely say keep up with the collar (on and off for muscle reasons) if it's working for you. Any relief is amazing right! :) It's probably just allowing your neck muscles to relax for once and that's allowing other things to be less stressed blabla.

Don't worry too much, I'm sure all of those dx's are a result of that complicated situation you've got going on up in the craniocervical junction. The odontoid thing can be a big deal. I know I'm kinda freaking out right now about the thought of getting fusion to deal with that... anyways I'm really interested to hear what your docs have to say! good luck and stay focused and strong<3

Rahe28 · Answer

So far the dx's made are CM, retroflexed odontoid, occipital neuralgia, FM,
cervical and lumbar DDD, sciatica, low BP, and anemia. Gosh, I dont think I have ever had to list them all in a row like that. Seems like alot now. Anyway, I see the NS for the first time this month on the 28th, and I tried to call his office to ask about it yesterday, and they said that he could not provide any info until I am seen in his office. i havent been tested for any of the related issues yet, as I am told that the NS wants his own testing done on his own equipment and machines. The only related one I know of is the DDD....and I do have some bulging and deteriorating discs in my neck, so that may be one of the reasons that the collar is helping. I have only worn a total of three hours so far, as I am still skeptical. However, I cant say that I wont slap that thing on when my HA gets intolerable. I do plan on asking the NS for his opinion though. i am worried about this appointment very much. I know that he has experience in dealing with Chiari, because my NL said that she handles all of his Chiari patients after PFD for him. I jsut dont know how experienced. I am still fighting to get an appointment with Dr. Walsh whom is listed on many websites as a Chiari specialist, and through talking with his office whom said that 90 percent of his ppatients have CM, and that is his specialty. Medicaid doesnt want to coover a visit with him, so I have to see this NS first and if I can ...get him to refer me to Dr Walsh. It is all a wait and see game, and it is very annoying. My NL reccomended surgery, and that sort of scares me because arent they supposed to do what they can to avoid surgery?? I dont know/ Sorry for such a rambling post. 
Melody .. I didnt take it that way at all :) I was actually glad to see the input as I have never heard of it.

selmaS · Answer

I was also rx'd a collar like this b4 I had surgery and it made things worse for me...I was not told to use one post op, but I also did not have the issues ur having...I agree with Mel in that it could indicate instability is an issue since this is helping  like it is .....

  Just a thought...

billyz123 · Answer

hi Rahe, just wanted to leave a comment for you because this is your post :) .
I was also wondering what your specific dx's were because a collar like the one you bought would/does not help a person like me.

Rylanesmom · Answer

I also read traction was a no even pre ... It is so frustrating for all of us that thre is so much conflicting information out there.  I am glad it provided some relief...just concerned:) don't take my concern as trying to sway you either way ... Just a caution

billyz123 · Answer

actressmouse, that's awesome that the Aspen Vista helps you out! When do you plan to have surgery? And what were your dx's? Dr. B dx'd me with CM, retroflexed odontoid, and basilar impression. He told me to keep my neck extended and chin slightly up - but this does not help.

Rahe28 · Answer

Hi friend! How are you feeling today?

irislita · Answer

Just before my diagnose i bought a collar and it somehow helped me!!! But also my doctor told me not to wear it always for muscle reasons...but my symptoms get triggered by headvmovement so it helps.i actuAlly read about a girl using a collar to stay away from her symptoms too.u r not crazy xox

Rahe28 · Answer

I am glad to know that someone out there finds it helps as well. I feel like it is kind of evidence...that I am not crazy...lol

actressmouse · Answer

I am using an Aspen Vista cervical collar to help while I await PFD and fusion surgeries.  It helps when the headaches are bad and the good thing is that I can adjust the height to bring my skull further off of my spine.  It was covered by my insurance, so I paid nothing out of pocket.  Dr. Francomano prescribed it for me after my Stickler's diagnosis as she felt that, in addition to Chiari 1, I am also dealing with cranio-cervical instability.  I can't wear it all the time because it is a rigid collar and limits my range of motion considerably.  I'm also thinking of getting a soft collar for sleeping.  Glad you're finding some relief!!

Rahe28 · Answer

No, I would def. agree with you about the post-op. Dr said that it is supposed to help hold your head in a more upright position in which case helping to prevent as much pressure back there. My NL cleared it and said that it would be an alternative to the cervical traction that she reffered that I am scared to try. I have just heard so many bad things about it. I for one...do not want to worsen anything at all. I see my NS for the first time on the 28th of this month...and I do plan to ask about it. I am currently trying to find the info to read myself.

Rylanesmom · Answer

I did just see you are preop and warned against postop which was my case.

Rylanesmom · Answer

I would question why that provides relief?  That could be a sign if needing to strengthen muscles or instability.  I would caution using this without consulting NS.  I was given a collar in the hospital nt occupational therapy and she told me this is so people at the airport can see from the front that something is wrong with you.  She said you could wear it on the plane to provide stability if there is turbulence ... I found it uncomfortable on my incision.  The reason I caution you is I told my NS I was given the collar by the hospital and was told you may not wear that it would cause problems with the muscles.  I explained why they gave it and was told ok...that makes sense but airport and plane only.  So I respect you pain Dr referral yet I would caution usage without chiari specialist directing to do so.