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Avatar universal

Is Pilates safe with Chiari?

Diagnosed with Chiari 1 last week (primary doc called and wouldn't or couldn't say much beyond this but hooked me up with a neurosurgeon to go over the MRI more in a few days). I'm worried about possible syrinx because my worst pain (lots of spasms) is in my upper back. Pilates helps with that pain and I don't notice it creates any pain, but I've always sensed I need to be careful with my head/neck, so opt to do most moves with my head supported. I've also noticed straining or slightly over-doing anything doesn't help.

I was also just starting Reformer lessons, since the reformer seems especially supportive (low tension, low reps, head supported). I don't have pain while laying down, or moving gently. Pain is worst with sitting, sometimes with standing. So anyway, Pilates seems perfect. I will run it by the neurosurgeon of course, and I realize everyone's case is individual. I canceled my Pilates lesson until I know more about my MRI. But any tips on modifications or things to avoid, generally, aside from neck strain or over-doing anything?
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9432311 tn?1432825085
I walk for exercise and to help with depression. I was running with my friend and really enjoying it - until the pain made me stop. My PCP suggested that I try walking on a daily basis, building gradually and slowly to a fitness level. I read above that Selma swims and it reminded me of a great thing available at the YMCA I belong to. There is a whirlpool at the end of the racing lanes. It feels so good to try to fight the current and then relax and float with the flow. Do you have access to an indoor pool?
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Yes most anything we do where we strain that will affect how we feel....seems to be the one main thing to trigger symptoms next to stress.

Stick with what feels good and avoid the rest .....
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Avatar universal
Doctor appt was a waste (will respond to other post about that in a second). So I don't know. I want another opinion. Straining at all in Pilates does increase headache, but the stretching and movement feels good if I can do low reps and low strain and support my head/neck. I'll try not to over-do but I need more than walking when this stressed (and being still hurts, but most things just hurt)
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620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

As you noted we are all different and it is best to wait and see what your Dr says....I tried pilates once and was laying flat but I heard this loud pop.....here I also have tethered cord and the action I did  caused the cyst where the tethered occurs popped....and was leaking....this was very painful.

  Not sure if a Dr would have expected that to happen....and making sure your head is supported is  a good one....but also your spine is something we need to do.

My Drs suggested as a form of exercise to walk...swim, and to use a recumbant bike.....with swimming I found swimming on my back to be better for me as my neck bothered me the other way....but I also used the water as resistance for walking too.....

  Another suggestion was to work on posture, using the feldenkris method....this was the Dr that DX'd me with EDS that suggested this....he worked along side my Chiari NS...so all was taken into account.
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Avatar universal
Thanks kwalker...yes, there has to be some kind of balance. Giving up what we love just increases all the bad feelings, but good you found a safer way to stick with horse back riding. I'm sure nothing compares to that. I had to give up playing in an orchestra because the rehearsal schedule was insane. With right chin/neck support, violin and viola is no problem for my neck...I'm more worried about instability/weakness in my middle traps and scapula. I hope the doc I see this week can clarify what is going on there and hoping there isn't permanent nerve damage. I do a little bit of over-using the wrong muscles to compensate, and to an extent, it works for me. Physical therapist said I have wicked delts and upper traps!

Thanks for the notes...I'll ask neurosurgeon but for sure let my Pilates teacher know I can't over-exert or put pressure on my neck. I already sensed that, but now a couple other moves seem a little sketchy in light of MRI. Now I'm assuming I'd be better off sticking to private lessons instead of class format (more expensive but I'd get more individualized instruction and could probably get a cheap reformer for home...means a lot that I can keep feeling strong and mobile). The instructor is happy to work with me but asked me to check with NS about contraindications. I think the focus on alignment is generally helpful for me and my bobble head...
Helpful - 0
7489440 tn?1442008376
Hi, and welcome. There are some activities that we shouldn't do. But if you feel like its not bothering you or causing your symptoms to flair up, I wouldn't give it up. If it makes you happy then continue to do it. Now I wouldn't do the moves that might put pressure on your spine or neck, because they might cause your symptoms to flare up or might cause you to have tightened muscles in your neck that will more than likely give you a headache.

It was recommended that I should give up horse back riding. I didn't listen because I have always loved to ride and it actually relaxes me. So I continued to ride. I was in my spring training and was ready to go competition this year, when we decided to do one last practice run. On the last jumping post there was a black snake hiding. My horse throw me. He injured himself and I was in lots of pain for a couple of weeks. Now I don't jump anymore I just either trot or canter with him. I haven't given up on my dreams of ever jumping again but right now I need to take it easy. Now I know you aren't doing an activity where you will be thrown but, its very easy for us to lose our balance and fall. So if you feel faint or dizzy find a spot to sit or lay down. Don't over exert your self and listen to your body. Don't do to much either. I hope this helps.
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Avatar universal
p.s. will ask for check of hypermobility (noticed by a physical therapist and myself...makes much of yoga difficult, but I haven't noticed a problem with Pilates because it's not putting pressure on any joints)
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