[BostonFern]

I don't have a diagnosis of RSD yet. But I have a lot of nerve pain that makes me frantic.

I realize that one way to reduce the pain to make my body comfortable, so these days I developed an urge to wrap myself with comforter on bed. While I enjoy the comforter, I also realize my posture is too poor for the osteoarthritis in my neck.

Has anybody figured out a way to sit in bed with the right posture?

[Brambledog]

I always try not to spend too long in bed sitting up because it's just too soft and tricky to get right....my back and neck always end up aching (I have degenerative problems in my cervical and lumbar spine).

The best I can do is to wear a shawl or warm soft scarf to keep my neck warm, and to use at least 3 pillows behind me - a good solid one in my lumbar area, and two behind my middle and upper back. That keeps me pretty upright. The other trick is not to do anything (ie typing lol ) that means your neck is bent forward for long periods as that's a killer and can take days for me to get over!

If I'm going to be there a while I also try to support my head behind with a pillow, as that seems to help. If your mattress is very soft then it might just not be possible to do - sitting on a really soft surface inevitably curves your spine if you're not constantly straining to keep straight. Ouch.

If I'm feeling in need of cosiness, I prefer to spread a warm blanket over my sofa, and have another to go over me. Then I'm in a better position for my back, but still warm and supported. Plus as a bonus, going to bed later on is a change of scene!

Good luck and I hope you find a way that suits you.

Bram.

[heatherg23]

I have RSD and back/neck problems so I'm familiar with your issue. Since I spend all day every day laying in bed I bought the mattress genie. It makes your bed into an adjustable bed. I inflate it every morning.

Besides that....I have to put my 3 pillows vertically otherwise my lower back as no support. Getting a back brace, even a cheap one, would keep your back straight. I have horrible posture with my neck when laying down. I'm tall and my head doesn't have anything to rest in. It's passed the top of the pillow. That's why my neck hurts plus the arthritis.

You just have to train yourself, in a way, to keep your back and neck in the correct place. I used to play the piano so I've always had good back posture. When I'm not laying down...I had to train my neck to be in the right place.

Hope you feel better really soon!
Heather

[BostonFern]

Bram and Heather,

I appreciate your advice: pillows behind head, bed genie, back brace are good ideas that I could not have.