Chiari

[Rylanesmom]

Does anything relieve the neck & occipital pain?  I am so tired of being in pain always.

[chiarian05]

heating pad, hot shower, gabapentin/nurotin, peppermint oil (you rub it on your neck and shoulders, also can put it on your forehead, just not close to the eyes...it will burn.  Make sure you wash your hands very well after)

[linnielou232]

I don't blame you.  Better be safe than sorry.  Wish you luck at your appt's.  I have to agree.  I found more answer's on this forum than I did any where.  Keep us updated on your appt.

[Rylanesmom]

Thank you Linnielou I have not had surgery yet and my first appointment with my ns is the chiari specialist 5,6,7.  This forum is the only place I have been able to get answers. Pcp has to read on web too...frustrating.  I don't want to make cerebral tonsils worse by sticking tens there until I know it's safe.

[linnielou232]

Hi Rylanesmom.  Yes I have had surgery 16 months ago.  I just went 3 wks ago and tried steroid injection in the back of the head, but sadly to say they didn't work.  They suggested more injection in the neck and I said NO because I don't want to risk a CSF leak.  I have used the tens unit for 3 day's and I have to say it has helped with the swelling and that help's with the spinal fluid and flow.  I still have a head ache but nothing like it was before.  If you have a TENS unit and you have had surgery you might want to ask you NS if it is OK to use it.  Get it approved before you use it though because I don't know how long it has been since you had surgery.  The pain clinic said that I was so swollen back in the neck that they could see why I was in so much pain.  So I pray it will continue to help, and I hope you will find a way to find relief.  I know how flustrating pain can be ecspecially in the head.  It consumes us.  Let me know what your NS say's.  I hope you get some relief.

[Rylanesmom]

Linnie are you pre or post surgery?  I have a tens unit from pre diagnosis and I have been afraid to use it until I see shiari specialist after chiari diagnosis.  I thought it was a good pain when I used it like ouch yeah that is the spot but it did not make significant change once it turned off.  I do feel that it helps with achillis spasticity.  Thank you for the input everyone:)

[zygy2]

I agree with heat, it always helps but is temporary. Ibuprofin also helps some but limited.  Especially in this cold weather it is just impossible to keep the neck feeling good.  I enjoy probably one pain pill a week just to have a few hours that don't hurt.  I don't like taking them but it really seems to be the only thing that makes the pain go away.  This is one of my fears of my pseudo not going away, I am so worried that my neck will never feel good again.  Just keep the heating pad or rice bag close by!

[linnielou232]

I am trying right now a TENS unit on the neck.  I  have used it for 2 day's and I can't believe how much the swelling has gone down.  When I went to find out how to use it the assisant could see how swellen it was and she told me I was so swelled in the neck that it was probably cutting off my CSF flow.  I've been trying to tell them this.  Any way.  It has helped a lot.  I can feel the swelling is down, and I don't need to take as many pain med's.  Which is my goal.  I'll keep you updated on how it is working, but as for right now.  This is the best I have felt in 6 months.  So there is hope.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

[Marybz]

I prefer laying on a flat surface (the floor) and putting an ice pack on my occiput and neck.  Advil 600mg too.

[momof3gr8kids]

I find that keeping my neck warm makes it feel better.  Feel better :)

[selmaS]

  U r welcome...I hope it works for u : )

[Rylanesmom]

Heat is on my neck thanks for the top:)