Hi Penny & Jonathan,
When my neck pain was so bad that I couldn't find a position to allow to sleep... a nice squishy ice pack helped, and the Lidocaine patches my NS prescribed. (I have to use extra tape, they don't want to stick too well near the hairline!) I bought a memoryfoam-type pillow with that lumbar roll on the one side.
It seemed to subside a bit - once I LEFT IT ALONE! I stopped swimming, and learned I will never visit the Chiropractor again (that was before dx). I think I'd been pushing it too hard with the swimming, but I hope at my first meeting with the NS, he will allow me to start back with some gentle swimming. Massages helped a lot (just don't let them push your head up, you know chin to your chest direction), and I'm currently doing acupuncture once a week.
My neck is flared up again this week, and the pain seems to be "wider" and "longer" yesterday & today. But, I'm not in tears trying to find a sleep position so far. Don't get me wrong - it's still hard to get in that sleep zone, but not as bad as when there was any neck manipulation going on. I don't know how others do with PT, but I'd be afraid to do it during a flare up.
Penny, maybe it's too much too soon for your neck pain?
Lisa
Thanks Angie...soooooo true, this above list was made under the guise it was meant for a true chiari specialist.
The only other thing I would add is find out how many other people he has treated with simmilar conditions.
HI...can we ask who u r going to see?...I am glad u got the appoint...and I know all to well as does everyone here that emotional roller coaster u go thru b4 and during each visit.
We do have a list..Well.....until he gives u his dx and suggestions it can be diff to have all the questions ready u will want to ask....so,
I suggest u have someone go along to take notes...bcuz we can bcome deer in headlights and forget to write things down....
Ask how to contact the dr afterward in regards to questions u thinks of after u get home.
U wan to know how they do surgery if it is suggested....endoscopy.... bony decompression or PFD...w/ duraplasty...and what kind of patch.
Will he check u for tethered cord...Ehlers Danlos....and other related conditions.
What % of benefits does he feel this will offer.
If no surgery then what treatment options r available..... pain management.....will he monitor u...how often.....
After surgery...how often will he monitor u.....
Is everyone in the OR covered by ur insurance and do they get all the info when u sign up w/ the drs office.....how much do u need to do extra?
How long after surgery do u need to remain in the area?
I am sure someone else will give a few more ideas.....
Good luck
"selma"