tips from olecyn:

1) I now sleep with two extra pillows - one in between my DH and I, at the top of the bed; if/when I roll onto my left side, I rest my hand on the pillow, rather than stretching it out horizontally. The stretch was problematic for the left ulnar nerve/elbow. The second pillow is one I "hug" at night. It's about the same width as my shoulders...so it keeps the shoulders from rounding in and collapsing on the brachial nerve.

2) Chin tucks. Doing chin tucks when driving helps relieve the strain in the upper traps.

3) I remove all hair ornaments from my hair while driving. I found that elastics/pony tails/hair clips put my head in a "chin forward" angle, which increased the strain.

4) I've added a 6" Tempurpedic foam cushion to my bed. It has *drastically* reduced the problems with compression of the arms/falling aleep feelings I had in my arms at night.

5) I now read on the couch with2-3 pillows piled in my lap to elevate the books.

6) Headset, headset, headset.

7) Ibuprofen when I first start to tighten up. Add muscle relaxants when I flare up - stoicism does NOT help.

8) Warmth. microwave socks, heating pads, jacuzzi soaking, a trip to the local spa with a sauna/jacuzzi/masseuse.

9) Biofeedback. I'm constantly checking myself. Am I gripping the steering wheel too hard? Am I cocking one hip while standing? Am I leaning against a table or wall, putting pressure on the arms/shoulders?

10) Reserve yourself. I now have a yard guy, a house cleaner, and get my car washed and waxed by others. It's not worth compromising my health.

It can help, with a lot of work and self-awareness.

Sandi

Warmth. microwave socks,

I'm curious about how you use the microwave socks. On your hands? It sounds like it would be helpful.

I like the microwave socks idea.... I use a pillow between my arm and body when I'm driving, reading, etc. Heck, I should probably use one at work.

If you are flared, put one of those thermacare wraps on your thoracic out let at the base of your neck before you go to bed and you will feel better in the morning. The wraps are expensive for everyday but I find they help with flares.


This is the one I find works the best:
http://www.thermacare.com/products-a...-shoulders.jsp

Sometimes you can find cheaper brands in dollar stores, discount chains, or drugstores in poorer areas.There is also a japanese product that is similar and cheaper but I have only seen it in stores that specialize in household products for japanese people.

Good call Lisa!! I actually use two different things like this that I find in several different Asian markets: Tiger balm, and SALONPAS (see attatched image of packaging). Both are ben-gay-esque but SALONPAS is a patch to slap on whereas Tiger balm is a cream. They are kinda icy feeling and don't smell too terrible.

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I have just found the Salonpas patches you mention Thursday - they are on ebay (isnt everything!).

I've just ordered some as they seem quite reasonably priced to me.

Hi Billy, the microwave socks is where you fill a large sock with rice and can microwave or chill it in the freezer....there is an article on here somewhere about it - i made one for hot and one for cold and they are good!

Actually the one I use is different than these, thermacare is a 12 hour heat pad that is safe to sleep with, it's the 12 hours of continuous heat application that seems to bring down the flare.

I didn't find Salonpas to help but I know other people do.

Here is what all the loops will look like together and where to put your head.(pretend you are the bunny rabbit and that the traction device is attached to a doorknob.) Please click on the pictures below to see them enlarged!

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