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Things to avoid
Can anyone give me any suggestions of activities or foods or anything to avoid the effects of Chiari Malforamtion symptoms? Thanks,
Ohhh! The last one!! That is a good idea...
I haven't got it cut in sooo long because just the thought of getting it cut... *shudder*
I think my mom thought that I hadn't make an appointment to get my hair cut in such a long time because I was broke, so she offered to pay for it... I told her it was okay, she didn't have to pay for it and then I think she thought I was depressed or something, and told me that if I didn't feel like I could make the appointment myself she could call for me and take me and I told her that wasn't it and she asked me why I didn't want to get my hair cut and I told her that I really DID want to get my hair cut because I had horrible split ends (I haven't had it cut in almost a year) and then I just started sobbing because just the thought of having to lean my head back to get it washed in one of those sinks prior to the hair cut was too much... I know it may sound silly that just the thought of something like that could send me into an actual emotional breakdown (or maybe it doesn't sound silly to other people with chiari...), but anyway it did (even thinking about it NOW is making my eyes start watering again)... it took a while for my mom to get it out of me what was bothering me because I was crying so hard. She suggested that I wash my hair before leaving the house and let the hair dresser know that I just couldn't lean my head back and why, and she said that he would be totally understanding and could wet my hair with a spray bottle or something before cutting it. So, I guess that's another possible option too if you're not getting it coloured or anything... is that you can wash it at home the way that's most comfortable and then just have them spray it with a spray bottle of water. (<- my mom said that when she was recovering from surgery (not chiari-related but neck related) this is what they did when she got her hair cut)
I still haven't made the hair cut appointment though... the last few times was so painful and I had such bad headaches after that I'm still too nervous... but, I'll likely go soon now that I know I can avoid the pain.
I haven't got it cut in sooo long because just the thought of getting it cut... *shudder*
I think my mom thought that I hadn't make an appointment to get my hair cut in such a long time because I was broke, so she offered to pay for it... I told her it was okay, she didn't have to pay for it and then I think she thought I was depressed or something, and told me that if I didn't feel like I could make the appointment myself she could call for me and take me and I told her that wasn't it and she asked me why I didn't want to get my hair cut and I told her that I really DID want to get my hair cut because I had horrible split ends (I haven't had it cut in almost a year) and then I just started sobbing because just the thought of having to lean my head back to get it washed in one of those sinks prior to the hair cut was too much... I know it may sound silly that just the thought of something like that could send me into an actual emotional breakdown (or maybe it doesn't sound silly to other people with chiari...), but anyway it did (even thinking about it NOW is making my eyes start watering again)... it took a while for my mom to get it out of me what was bothering me because I was crying so hard. She suggested that I wash my hair before leaving the house and let the hair dresser know that I just couldn't lean my head back and why, and she said that he would be totally understanding and could wet my hair with a spray bottle or something before cutting it. So, I guess that's another possible option too if you're not getting it coloured or anything... is that you can wash it at home the way that's most comfortable and then just have them spray it with a spray bottle of water. (<- my mom said that when she was recovering from surgery (not chiari-related but neck related) this is what they did when she got her hair cut)
I still haven't made the hair cut appointment though... the last few times was so painful and I had such bad headaches after that I'm still too nervous... but, I'll likely go soon now that I know I can avoid the pain.
OHHH MY GOD ! this is sooo helpful !
lol i printed it out and put it on my refridgerator lol !!!
thankkss again =)
lol i printed it out and put it on my refridgerator lol !!!
thankkss again =)
Thank you so much!!! It has been a while since I have seen a Doctor so this list will help
Jennifer
Jennifer
COMMUNITY LEADER
Welcome to the forum Jennifer,
I am sure we can get u a list of things to avoid doing such as lifting.You know your body, so if it is diff to do, don't.
I hada couple drop episodes and do not know when I may have another, so I avoid driving...I do not want to have an episode while driving.
******************************************************************************************************
LIST OF THINGS TO AVOID WITH CHIARI
Short list
1. Wear highly cushioned, support shoes to reduce neck, cerebellum pounding. Commercial cross-trainer sneakers are recommended - New Balance, Nike, Reebok etc.- test before buying.
2. Avoid neck-stressing activities (football, soccer, basketball, wave pools, diving, tennis, roller coasters, other amusement park rides of high G forces, lifting in excess of 15 lb, backpacking, falling asleep in chairs, extended reading with head bent etc.)
3. Get plenty of rest and sleep (eight hr minimum). Pillows and sleep position are very important. Soft, small pillows with fiberfill are very good for this i.e. little or no"push" back. (see expanded list below for other comments about pillows). Most Chiarians are side-sensitive. Use a large pillow(s) etc. to prevent rollover onto affected side. Elevate your bed at the head 4-6 inches by inserting old telephone books, bricks, boards or blocks under the front frame legs. Have a strong relative or friend assist you. If possible, do the same when staying at a hotel/motel or at the home of relatives." Stop eating and drinking three to four hours before bedtime to reduce the need to get up at night.
4. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, aspirin and/or high salt diet if tinnitus is a major symptom or any of these dietary items increase other symptoms.
5. Stay in excellent physical condition via walking, exercise bikes and other non-neck stressing activities - STAY LEAN
6. Sit in soft recliners with high backs and foot rests.
7. Support reading material with elbows on your knees/thighs or chair arms. Read "straight" ahead. Use book holders or music stands. Look at computer monitors straight ahead.
8. Drive if you have to but use wide vision mirrors and get seats with high backs. -Take your time and limit your driving to short distances at slow speed preferably during the day. Some Chiarians find orthopedic collars help reduce neck stress when riding in a car etc. Some do not.
9. Relax and avoid stress and noise. Don't tighten the neck muscles. Stay "cool".
10. Put soft cold compresses on the neck/ brain joint area or on the top of your head for about an hour while lying down (these are soft compresses). Some Chiarians prefer warm compresses.
11. Straining during bowel movements should be avoided. Eat plenty of roughage and eat at regular times. Drinking herbal tea containing senna may help give pain-free relief from constipation.
12. Heavy jewelry, scarves, ties, tight collars, bras, rings, bracelets and watches might feel uncomfortable. Adopt a casual life style and don't wear them.
13. Try to avoid waiting in lines where stutter stepping is involved. Uneven surfaces or checkered designs in floors maybe difficult to walk on. Focusing on an object in front of your or closing one eye may help when dizziness hits.
14. Do crossword puzzles to assist short- term memory retention. Ditto for playing cards.
15. Take calcium supplements to assist in bone enhancement especially after surgery. Be very cautious using vitamins and supplements- most have not been thoroughly tested for primary and side effects. As always, check with your doctor first.
16. TENS machines may help ACM/SM patients, especially those with spasticity (cervical, thoracic, lumbar muscles) and spinal pain. TENS units also can help with headaches. You can buy one for use at home. As always, check with your doctor first.
17. Avoid cervical traction.
18. Lumbar punctures, spinal taps or epidurals can be dangerous for Chiarians. Always ask your doctor and insist they review the literature on these procedures with respect to increasing herniation.
19. Brushing teeth or gargling can result in sneezing. Minimize head motion during brushing and not bending the neck when gargling.
20. Avoid chiropractor adjustment. Most chiropractors have no experience in treating ACM's. One member's herniation significantly increased after cervical adjustment. "That is because the herniated went from 3-4 mm to 15-20 mm in 8 months with this treatment (documented on MRIs)".
21. Review daily movements to include cooking and cleaning. Eliminate as much neck stress as possible.
22. Use the special tray that most beauty shops have for washing hair for people who cannot lean back on blunt sink rims. Chiarians should never lean back on the edges of sinks
I am sure we can get u a list of things to avoid doing such as lifting.You know your body, so if it is diff to do, don't.
I hada couple drop episodes and do not know when I may have another, so I avoid driving...I do not want to have an episode while driving.
******************************************************************************************************
LIST OF THINGS TO AVOID WITH CHIARI
Short list
1. Wear highly cushioned, support shoes to reduce neck, cerebellum pounding. Commercial cross-trainer sneakers are recommended - New Balance, Nike, Reebok etc.- test before buying.
2. Avoid neck-stressing activities (football, soccer, basketball, wave pools, diving, tennis, roller coasters, other amusement park rides of high G forces, lifting in excess of 15 lb, backpacking, falling asleep in chairs, extended reading with head bent etc.)
3. Get plenty of rest and sleep (eight hr minimum). Pillows and sleep position are very important. Soft, small pillows with fiberfill are very good for this i.e. little or no"push" back. (see expanded list below for other comments about pillows). Most Chiarians are side-sensitive. Use a large pillow(s) etc. to prevent rollover onto affected side. Elevate your bed at the head 4-6 inches by inserting old telephone books, bricks, boards or blocks under the front frame legs. Have a strong relative or friend assist you. If possible, do the same when staying at a hotel/motel or at the home of relatives." Stop eating and drinking three to four hours before bedtime to reduce the need to get up at night.
4. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, aspirin and/or high salt diet if tinnitus is a major symptom or any of these dietary items increase other symptoms.
5. Stay in excellent physical condition via walking, exercise bikes and other non-neck stressing activities - STAY LEAN
6. Sit in soft recliners with high backs and foot rests.
7. Support reading material with elbows on your knees/thighs or chair arms. Read "straight" ahead. Use book holders or music stands. Look at computer monitors straight ahead.
8. Drive if you have to but use wide vision mirrors and get seats with high backs. -Take your time and limit your driving to short distances at slow speed preferably during the day. Some Chiarians find orthopedic collars help reduce neck stress when riding in a car etc. Some do not.
9. Relax and avoid stress and noise. Don't tighten the neck muscles. Stay "cool".
10. Put soft cold compresses on the neck/ brain joint area or on the top of your head for about an hour while lying down (these are soft compresses). Some Chiarians prefer warm compresses.
11. Straining during bowel movements should be avoided. Eat plenty of roughage and eat at regular times. Drinking herbal tea containing senna may help give pain-free relief from constipation.
12. Heavy jewelry, scarves, ties, tight collars, bras, rings, bracelets and watches might feel uncomfortable. Adopt a casual life style and don't wear them.
13. Try to avoid waiting in lines where stutter stepping is involved. Uneven surfaces or checkered designs in floors maybe difficult to walk on. Focusing on an object in front of your or closing one eye may help when dizziness hits.
14. Do crossword puzzles to assist short- term memory retention. Ditto for playing cards.
15. Take calcium supplements to assist in bone enhancement especially after surgery. Be very cautious using vitamins and supplements- most have not been thoroughly tested for primary and side effects. As always, check with your doctor first.
16. TENS machines may help ACM/SM patients, especially those with spasticity (cervical, thoracic, lumbar muscles) and spinal pain. TENS units also can help with headaches. You can buy one for use at home. As always, check with your doctor first.
17. Avoid cervical traction.
18. Lumbar punctures, spinal taps or epidurals can be dangerous for Chiarians. Always ask your doctor and insist they review the literature on these procedures with respect to increasing herniation.
19. Brushing teeth or gargling can result in sneezing. Minimize head motion during brushing and not bending the neck when gargling.
20. Avoid chiropractor adjustment. Most chiropractors have no experience in treating ACM's. One member's herniation significantly increased after cervical adjustment. "That is because the herniated went from 3-4 mm to 15-20 mm in 8 months with this treatment (documented on MRIs)".
21. Review daily movements to include cooking and cleaning. Eliminate as much neck stress as possible.
22. Use the special tray that most beauty shops have for washing hair for people who cannot lean back on blunt sink rims. Chiarians should never lean back on the edges of sinks
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