I have the Edgelow Protocol kit and had that type of PT, my threapist made me a "home neck traction" thing-a-majig and I love to use it and listen to a meditation CD I got from the library.

First you get someone to help you loop the hand towel from the base of your neck to the top od your head- almost like a unicorn :P. Tie the towel into place up there then tape around the tie just to make sure its secure.
Next, connect the theraband to the towel loop so you have a chain.
Then, do the same with a rope, connecting it to the theraband.

How it all comes together:
The rope end goes on a door handle. Put your head in the towel end, with it around the base of your neck and the tied end close to your forehead/ hairline (think unicorn haha) then you sit down close to the door and slowly lay down. Scootching away from the door on your back until the chain gets taut and you begin to feel a pull through your neck. \
You can move away as much as you want. Also if your arms are too sensitive to fall to your sides, you can use a belt to loosely bind them in a folded arm, yet relaxed position across your belly. I listen to Jack Kornfield's Meditation for Beginners Disc 1 because it talks about pain a little bit.
The pull for me is such a relief. I feel my neck elongate and the feeling of compression goes away. My PT said its ok to do this for as long as you want too! I swear it is the best active thing I've done for discomfort throughout my TOS/ RSI experience and I recommend it wholeheartedly!

If this sounds like something you'd like to try and my explanation was too hazy, let me know. I'd be glad to post a picture of the traction thing and what it looks like in use.

I know I asked for new suggestions recently - thanks for the replies.

At the moment I have to ensure plently of soft cushions or large soft cuddly toys to use to support arms and neck. Have an adjustable bed but still need lots of pillows and then some of those microbead cushions under arms and hands, also have a large cushion but animal shaped which is useful as head supports arm and prevents slipping plus the legs help stop my head from rolling sideways which does not help either.
I also try and do the sitting up with the palms upwards etc explained in earlier reply.

I really wish I cold just lie down flat as am sure it would help aleviate some of the traction related pain. I find myself getting lower and lower when seated. Obviously this is not something can do when going out which thus limits going out anywhere. Any suggestions on making car journeys etc comfortable.

Hx

A tip for those who never got comfy with expensive theraputic pillows w/ memory foam:

I've never had it recommended, but I actually sleep with one of those microbead (moshi) pillows at night. It helps me immensely!!! The spandex covering made me feel a little hot but I've slipped it in a regular pillowcase and it works like a champ

Riding in Cars-

I know having a smooth driver works wonders- no fast stops or starts, no rough shifting or swerving.
Automatic { just smoother} vs manual shifting

Easily adjustable seats - slightly reclined
Padding for seat belt straps
Pillows or pads for arms/ neck

You can get a waiver for the seat belt law due to health reasons - if the belt pressure bothers too much or you need to lay down.

some members make a bed type set up in their vehicle

These may not be practical things, but I'm mid-flare so this is fresh in my mind:

1) don't ask me complex questions: I can only give yes or no answers right now.

2) dont ask me what you can do for me (repeatedly): i will ask for help if I need it.

3) Leave me alone.

4) if I ask for something to drink, don't give it to me in a heavy cup or in glass: light-weight plastic, preferably with a lid or straw so I don't spill it in bed. Don't make me reach out to grab it.

5) get me something to throw up in - just in case.

6) I need quiet.

7) please have my phone in bed with me in case I need to call 911.

8) please have all my meds near me.

9) I likely won't want anything to eat as pain makes me nauseous.

10) leave me alone. This will pass. if I'm no better in 24 hrs, call 911 for me.

The Rice Sock! This might seem like an obvious home remedy, but I just made one and I don't know why I haven't done it sooner!!! From the microwave, it works great as a heat pack. Straight from the freezer, its a icy pack. Make two so you can do contrast therapy I got the specifics on how to make one from the WikiHow website here http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Rice-Sock
I suggest going thru the entire page, there are some valuable Suggestions and important Warnings. I've been putting a glass of water in the microwave with the rice sock when heating it to prevent fires and add a bit of moisture to the heating process. My screaming tendonitis pain is now more of a chattering pain with the help from my socks. Ask someone to make you one or two today!! It really takes zero skill and time

added tip: socks w/o a bended heel works great!

Hi

I am new to site, but I would be very interested to see a picture of the neck traction. I believe it would help me. Thanks very much.

Cecily, I see you are new to the neurotalk community. Welcome!!! Glad this looks like something that could help. Just stick with me- I hope to get the photo up before next Sunday!

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