I was diagnosed with Chiari last month, so I don't know much about it, outside of independent research. I have to depend on the county medical system, so I haven't been able to see a specialist yet because the system is so overloaded and there seems to be about 2-3 months between appointments. One thing that really pains me (and I'm guessing it is a Chiari symptom) is waking up with what feels like a bad tension headache almost every day. I get migraines sometimes (always on the right side of my head), but this pain is different. I can't pinpoint the origin; it just feels like my whole head hurts from back to top, and it is accompanied by a stiff/sore neck. Does anyone else battle morning headaches? How do you cope? Can you recommend a good pillow? :) I've been on the hunt for the perfect pillow for years - I recently bought a tri-core cervical pillow, and it is a little more comfortable, but I've heard good things about Mediflow pillows, too.
This happens to me as well. Now I sleep with my upper body slightly elevated, starting with a pillow vertically from my waist to the top of my head then a pillow horizontally under my head & neck. This way not just my head is elevated, but there is a gradual rise from my waist up which supports my entire back, neck and head much better.
I hope that is not confusing. It helps with the severity of the headaches in the morning.
I have had less morning headaches by raising the head of my bed 5 '. I purchased the risers(at Walmart) used to make more storage space under the bed, but used them only on the head of the bed. It was a little weird at first, but what a relief.
My daughter who has Chiari loves her "Chiari pillow" (http://www.chiaripillow.com/). Also, have you been tested for sleep apnea? Some w/chiari also have sleep apnea. I know that if I don't sleep with my bipap machine I have a horrible headache in the morning from the lack of oxygen I get throughout the night.....it's similar to a horrible hangover without the fun time the night before :-).
I use a Sobikawa (the one mentioned above) cloud pillow to sleep on my back and a My Pillow (mypillow.com or Bed, Bath and Beyond) for side sleeping. I still wake with headaches on occasion, but these have really helped.
I too have these headaches - with out fail every morning. I've tried various different pillows to no avail! However I've started drinking a big glass of water while outside in the fresh air, as soon as I wake up - this seems to help. I have no idea why it would help, but it does slightly for me.
I use the “my pillow” it comes in various sizes… They also sell a body pillow which is wonderful in helping me maintain a position so I don’t roll into a bad position for my neck. Good luck!