hi all has anyone got spine damage, and how do you co... - NRAS

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hi all has anyone got spine damage, and how do you cope with it, the hospital told me to wear a bead coller at nightime but i cant stand it

jaqi1 profile image
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jaqi1
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Ooh that sounds painful. I was told years ago that I had osteo in my upper spine and have terrible trouble getting comfortable at night, frequently waking with neck pain. I try all sorts of pillow combinations..sometimes one, sometimes two, sometimes a v shaped pillow which I can hug and sometimes no pillow at all. I'll be interested to see what others say about this but I imagine a collar would be a preverbial pain in the neck!

Paula x

earthwitch profile image
earthwitch

Ask to see an occupational therapist for advice on sleeping, beds and pillows. They can show you different types of pillows and supports, and even assess to see if you would be better off with some kind of adjustable bed.

Treesha profile image
Treesha

I am awaiting the results of xrays but have had back and neck pain for many years. I find stretching excercises and massage helpful. Also i try to keep on the go as much as poss so the dreaded stiffness keeps at bay. Apart from that a good mattress is good and anti inflamms and paracetamol and hot bath when things are bad ( like now for me ) take care xx

lorann profile image
lorann

Hi Jaqi, I am late reading this, but perhaps I can help. I do have alot of spine damage and have had 8 spine surgeries including the neck, now reinforced with a metal plate and screws. Not that you necessarily need to go there, but I am wondering if you have had an MRI, or a scan that would define what vertebrae and nerves are causing you pain.

Aside from that, the Physical Therapy department gave me a round pillow, called a cervical pillow, to put under my head and neck when I lay on my side, so the head doesn't drop into an unnatural position. Makes all the diference in the world.. I sleep much better on my right side, gives the spine and surrounding muscles more relaxation than trying to lie flat. Hope you find some relief! Loret xx

jaqi1 profile image
jaqi1 in reply to lorann

hiya thank you for yr reply, yes i have had an mri scan and it does show damage to the first 5 vertebrae's and nerve damage. but the doc is reluctant to do an operation, he has given me the neck brace and exercises to do. i do the exercises even though it is very painful and all i hear is loud clicking noises. thanks for your advise i might try and find 1 of those pillows. i'm glad yr pillow gives you some relief. xx