Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Neck braces?

I asked my doc about this several months ago. He said that if I wanted to sleep with a soft collar at night...go for it. It holds the chin up. Without the brace, I would sleep with my chin on my chest. That is not good for the back of the neck. Thus, I've the brace only at night to help hold the head/chin back.

Betty

Rox,
I have two braces, one a very sturdy and rigid fitted and adjustable, the neurosurgeon gave me and another to sleep with. They both serve to align the neck and ease the pain.
They both work well and ease the pain. He cautioned me to use when only when in pain, to keep the muscles from getting weak(they rely on the brace). It feels like traction and keeps my head and neck supported. The brace gets second looks alot and cringes on people's faces! I tell them I get HBO with and antenna. Arthur

I have a neck brace I use primarily when traveling by car for long distances. The vibration from the road is too much for a long time and the neck brace helps that some.
On really bad neck pain days, I may like you use a towel or heated "beanie" bag wrapped tightly around my neck, and hold the front down with my hands so I can breathe.... yeah REALLY that tight.
I use the beanie bag at night, but only to leave my head in position without a pillow. Other wise, sleeping on my back, my head would lean to one side or another.
Hope you find some relief.
Darla

"Starting today, your kindness will lead you to success" from a recent fortune cookie

Hi arthur, 2 questions for you!



1. I see in your profile you have a fused neck...is the eck pain the result of the fused neck, or has it been the part of the inflammation process by which the neck is fused? (Sort of a chicken-or-egg question.)

2. I see you do hapkido....is this a martial art and if so do you really do martial arts w/ a fused neck??? (I've always wanted to take kenjutsu at a dojo I have a pamphlet for, but it's too far away. besides, I can't fight my way out of a paper bag!!!)

Rox
SURIYAH!!!


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Rox,

I tried some of the regular neck braces and they were the worst. Then I went to a hospital supply store near my house and saw a “microwave heat pack” for the neck and thought I’d give it a try and it works great. Whenever my neck gets bad, which is often, I throw it in the microwave and put it on and it feels great. (I’m wearing it now). I’ve also been able to fall asleep with it on because its soft, filled with those “ beanies”. I searched the web to find the one I use to give you an idea. I use the one in front, in the picture.
http://www.orthobionics.com/rehab1/hotcold/microwaveheat.htm

Martin

I had a brace years ago the only thing it did was to fuse my neck even more we can not win whatever we do
Stay Well
Sandra

Rox,
yes, inflamation(pain) caused the fusion(more pain) it's all about the pain!, my iron levels are very low, which I believe enhances fusion, the AS is more active in my upper torso, mostly the neck. Hence the Methadone! Yes Hapkido is a martial art, its Korean and combines Taekwondo(kicks) Jujitsu(hand manipulations, submissions) and Horando(throws and takedowns).Been at it 4years. Five days a week; 2 hours. Now a Red belt third level; in the fall I will test for Black! I went to Hapkido because the neurosurgeon said no more!.I pitched(softball, two national championships) and anything hit back at me could with a quick movement injure my spinal cord. I do not roll, or allow myself to be thrown. However, by carefully controlling my center with excellent training partners I have advanced. The instructor, Black belt 4th don watches me and advises me, he knows of my AS and he is stunned, that people with AS-Our site and people! can overcome obstacles. The streching for 20 minutes before every class is the secret to my sucess. I'm looking at Tai Chi for the healing portion of the art. Rox I can't go on much longer with the physical battle it takes every day, hour and minute the pain exists to function at a high level of partiscipation. I really believe any type of exercise, from moving a foot to running a half-marathon(on Saturday) like Steve holds off the AS. Please ask me any questions, anytime, I will try to be of some help. Good Luck on your neck. Arthur p.s. I hear they have Tai Chi tapes, but interacting with others in a class does wonders! Peace

Funny you should mention it. I have low iron, low ferritin and a neck that's killing me. At least it has been the last few days with this thunderstorm weather we are having. I had to give up sports because of my neck and back.

porph,
I'm going to the Doc to see about a hemotologist, this iron thing needs to be solved. I know the meds disallow absorbtion of iron etc. I will post as I get results. Arthur I love florida, i do not use meds there. I guess my body likes the humidy!