Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Neck issue and Question folks...

hi angie !thanks for the advice! i've been eyeing the memory foam pillows for awhile now. i think it's time! do you mind me asking where you found yours and what style you purchased? i see several types out there. it looooooks like the worst of the neck flare is over..thank goodness!!  neck flare ups are right up there with the thoracic/ribs for me..which is nerve wrecking!! luckily it seemed to ease up..i was grateful since the kids wanted to see the new movie "walle" on sunday.  i managed to get through the movies without the massive headache. my oldest rubbed down my shoulders again and i numbed it over and over with biofreeze. thanks again and i'll see what i can find for a memory foam pillow! these feather pillows were perfect for me for the last few years...but the neck needs something new i guess!Take care... 

Hi ,

my neck also stiffed from last year and i faced lot problem, but i use to sleep on my back i don't remember when last time i sleep on my shoulders,

But i use to take Memory foam pillow , its not enough for me cause i need to get memory mattress to support my back also.

i prefer you to try Memory foam hope it will work and try to take some heat pad if u still feel pain.

wish you good health .

Hi Bugs - I have the same problems and use a variety of 'methods'. From my ever constant down pillow - that I wrap/tuck around my neck to support each side under the ears. To using a foam neck pillow (the blow up ones are *useless) but the foam are excellent especially for watching TV! To my very soft cervical collar. Also at times full support with down pillows (basically sitting up) AND the neck pillow. Whatever feels as though it will work at the time I use.

Have the same probs as Sue, vis-a-vis turning one's neck for any length of time - that is a no-no: this can also be problematical whiilst driving as unable to full turn head to check over shoulder - makesa for blind spot scares! Also get probs swallowing and then the dysphonia and the coughing fits. Both irritating.

Bless the AS jigsaw. What a melange of problems

Molly
Keeping on Keeping on (as one does...)

hi molly,

what you've found to work for your neck sounds a lot like me, so i thought i'd share this. the neck pillow i got was from brookstone. it is some kind of squishy material inside (reminds me of my feather pillow the way it conforms to my body). it came with a removable soft cover (that really comfy soft material they are using for robes and blankets and everything now). i love this neck pillow so i bought another. before that i tried a few that i hated.

how do you like your memory foam one?

sue

So sorry to read that you're going through so much neck pain and the problems that can run with that.

I have and do have the feeling of difficulty swallowing due to the changes in my neck to the point that I am somewhat phobic about choking.

I like Sue's many ideas. When that neck, upper spine and shoulder area gets into spasm its a giant nuisance.

Swimming is great or just exercise in the pool. I find if I do a lot of full length arms extensions very gently it helps loosen the spasm or the tight feeling in my neck. I often strike the folks in my office as a crazy person as I wander about with my arms outstretched looking like a giant human letter T, but it seems to make my neck feel so much better. I also do a stretch with hands fully extended in front of me and all my fingers (particularly the pinkies) stretched out as wide as possible.

Ultrasound, acupuncture or some gentle massage helps immeasurably tooto keep my miserabel neck and shoulders not so miserable.

Sure hope you find something to feel better.

To be completely honest, I am a broke college student so I got mine at Walmart. It is shaped so one side is higher than the other and so that your neck is curved naturally. It was like $15-$20. I don't have the reciet anymore but the tag says it is made of Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foam and its finished size says 20"x12"x4"/3" Hopefully that helps.
- Angie

Hi back Sue

Got my neck pillow from an airport store in the USA, not a memory foam - they were fresh out - but just a foam. Love it to bits. Carry it with me everywhere, and the best of all neck pilloiws that I have ever bought: airplanes, coach, train, car, armchair and settee and of course bed - essential also for the dentist chair! Mavellous also to take when travelling - there is nowt better than one's own pillow

Meant also to comment on loss of height. Phew - 4.25" My old cervical collar is now too high, and the only 'off-the-shelf' one that I can wear is a real soft, filled with miniscule particles that 'mold'. Comfortable, though sometimes could wish for a firmer model - but that would have to be custom made.

Interestingly, had physio and 'Tens' machine on my neck not so long ago. Seemed to work a treat. Even got my voice back! That was after some two years of fighting darn dysphonia. Physiotherapist called me this morning to find out how I was doing, was pleased to tell her that the Tens really seemed to help. Would be interesting to get some studies on that aspect. Anyways, went out and bought my own Tens machine. Trouble is, trying to get the pads to the 'right' placement. Need another set of hands to help me out... (Needless to say, sans the Tens treatment dysphonia back, spasmodic.)

Molly
Keeping on Keeping on

Hey Ang,

Yeah, whenever my neck is acting up I find it hard to just open my mouth. Course I'm sure Sue won't complain and neither will my waistline. But yes, when it gets bad, its pure agony. I can't find anyplace for relief.
I hope you're able to find relief soon.
My neuro-surgeon appointment will be this coming Monday the 7th.

Take care my friend,
Glenn

hi steve,

i just had to comment on your stretching your arms.
when we're out and i start doing that, my husband wants to know
where the airplanes are cause he says i look like i'm at the airport
flagging in the airplanes

sue

hi molly,

good to hear about the tens.
i'm going back to PT next week to get a TENS/IF to try again on my upper back and neck myofacial pain. Karen also swears by it. i was going to buy one but my insurance wouldn't cover it and it was over $700, so we'll try to get it through PT. I tried it in the past when things were more of a mess and it didn't seem to help then, but i think i was too involved then. now, i think it might have more of an effect. your description is encouraging.

sue