I am getting physical therapy for what seems to be tmj. I was getting an achy jaw when chewing, talking etc, ringing, ear fullness etc. jaw pops. this all started after going to the dentist and clenching at night from stress. I am doing the home exercises and all of this seems to be helping. Although Im not entirely sure if it is tmj or a new chiari symptom. I recently had an mri and they say its the same as the last one right after the surgery. anyway this week she wants to do some neck stretches. The therapist has said that she has worked with chiarians in the past and is careful. Any advice on how NOT to stretch the neck? Even though she says she is experienced i still worry. Thanks. -Sarah
From what I understand, what you want is fluid movements that you are in control of. If you are comfortable, it is really unlikely you are causing damage. Jerky/sudden or uncontrolled movement (where someone else is forcing your movement) is what can cause damage.
If anything, all of us who are post surgery should be doing regular, gentle neck stretches to keep our necks limber and get the strength in the muscles that were cut. (obviously, as long as your doctor hasn't advised against it)
What I always worry about is getting in a car accident. I probably worry unnecessarily because the odds are low but I feel like my neck is so vulnerable and it would be really bad if I was in a car accident. Hopefully it won't be an issue for me.
Thanks for your input. I have restricted myself from doing neck exercises (even turning my head too much for fear if reinjure) which may have contributed to my current problems. A few years ago I was rear ended and although I did not have whiplash my head was jerked back pretty bad. At the time I didn’t get new symptoms and my recent MRI showed no change. Thanks again.
I’ve never been diagnosed for those, only POTS. Which doc diagnosis EDS?
I had my surgery 2.5 years ago. This last spring, I finally went to my physical therapist (I have deg disc disease and he has helped me with my back). My doctor took the time to research Chiari and decompression surgery. From my experience, it is very important to stretch and strengthen your neck. Doing this is what has allowed me to return to full time work. One of my friends recently opened a Barre 3 studio. Barre 3 combines yoga, pilates and ballet. I have not worked out much in the past three years and have noticed a big improvement in my overall condition. I started out at once a week and soon moved to 2 times a week.
Since I have deg disc disease, Ehlers Danlos and am post decompresion surgery for my chiari, and am 45, I was concerned about what my physical condition would be like 10, 20, 30 years from now. I recently saw Jane Fonda on the Katie Couric show and she said that she didn't start working out until her mid-forties (and look at the great shape she is in). So, with this information and making Barre 3 part of my lifestyle, I finally feel that I have hope. I don't expect to go skiing or sky diving or ride roller coasters, but I now feel that I can at least go on family vacations and feel like getting out and explore as opposed to staying at home watching tv.
So, it is important that you find a physical therapist that you are comfortable with that can help you strengthen your neck and move forward with an exercise program that works for you. It makes a huge difference!
Are you extra flexible? Can you bend your joints in directions that make people look at you with their heads cocked to one side? If so, be extra carefull with stretching. I over did it with neck/ scaline stretches in phys therapy and created a whole new crop of symptoms. Good luck
I am not sure if I’m that flexible. It’s only my toes that can bend way back. I’ll bring it up to the doctor next time I see him. Thank you all for the advice. Very grateful for this site!
Well stay away from neck adjustments for sure! I went from a "small " chiari to a 30 mm herniation from this. Check with the NS about adjusting your back. Loved your video btw and your positivity! We all need more of it!