Cervical Spondylosis 'Delayed' Symptoms. How C/S Symptoms manifest themselves.

[McFly1]

This is a terrific thread. My C/S has recently been diagnosed, although I've been suffering symptoms for years (in particular the muggy head or headaches when waking). They have been getting worse these days. Gerry's advice on the sleeping position sounds very helpful. I've started to experiment with limited success to date but I'm hopeful. Certainly it is my experience that horizontal sleeping appears to be the trigger. I can be feeling fine most of the day, go to bed and then wake up 7 hours later feeling as though I have not been asleep at all - feeling as though I am jet-lagged.

Sleeping sitting up, or half-sitting up does seem to rest the neck a bit. Until it tries to drop down that is. I wonder have you experimented with a soft neck brace during sleep? I was wondering if this might be helpful in conjunction with sleeping in a semi-upright position. That way the neck would be kept in a good position, even when I nod off.

[gerry the neck]

Hi McFly1

Just happened to be browsing today....so, bit of luck there seeing your comments. Thanks for the comments....I always try to get at the bits that are overlooked in other advice. Seems you have noticed the beneficial changes that can occur with changing sleeping postures....have to admit I don't get a lot of positive response on that management technique, so, glad to hear it might be working somewhere other than my own bedroom !

Firstly, I'd like to confirm that it works for me. Been doing it for nearly 3 years now, and few headaches resulting. Still got arm/hand issues, but without the muggy head it's so much easier to deal with those. Last year I had what they call 'mimicked thoracic outlet syndrome' (pain in shoulder/arm/hand and cold sensation in hands) which is a recognised CS referred symptom. It lasted about 3 months, was sore, but no different from any other pain issue, and easily managed without a sore head. Somethings working, without the meds.

Re the sleeping postures....I've thought a lot about ways to support upright whilst sleeping, especially on a sofa. Even considered a Polystyrene mould to help maintain posture. Without that, I tend towards pushing sofa against a slightly higher( 1 foot) set of drawers, and using 2 or 3 soft pillows to support semi upright. Best for a 'nap', because inevitably I slip downwards gradually....but it works....A sore stiff neck has eased many times....and once that's achieved, other maneouvres are possible. Have to admit, I have difficulty with anything around the neck itself. When lying down horizontal, for headaches, I also found a soft proper cervical pillow (ridge around outside and raised bit in middle...but 'soft') useful, but haven't used for a long time....I just nap or sleep on sofa when things get a bit rough, and it eases. I used to take painkillers almost every day, now it's less than once a week.

Glad to hear you're having similar experiences....maybe we're onto something here ! How nice would it be to replace other CS patients' medication reliance with such a simple alternative. I think it's an issue which is screaming out for some exposure....something that can only seemingly be achieved by word of mouth, or posting.

Regards
Gerry