What to avoid if you have Chiari

[measqu]

Hi everyone,

I've recently been diagnosed with Chiari and am looking for advice on what to avoid to help manage the condition. Does anyone have any recommendations on lifestyle changes, diet, or any other activities that should be avoided if you have Chiari? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[KnowledgeKnight]

Chiari malformation is a congenital condition that occurs when the lower part of the brain, called the cerebellar tonsils, protrudes out of the skull and into the spinal canal. This can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, vision problems, and difficulty swallowing. To reduce the symptoms of Chiari, it is important to avoid activities that may aggravate the condition.

Avoid Heavy Lifting
Heavy lifting can increase the pressure on the brain and spinal cord, and therefore should be avoided by people with Chiari. This includes lifting any objects that weigh more than 10 pounds, such as furniture or groceries.

Avoid Strenuous Exercise
Strenuous exercise, such as running, jumping, and aerobics, can increase the pressure on the brain and spinal cord, and should be avoided by people with Chiari. Activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga are considered to be safe and beneficial.

Avoid Head Banging and Whiplash Movements
Movements that involve abrupt, violent motions of the head, such as head banging or whiplash motions, should be avoided by people with Chiari.

Avoid High Altitudes
High altitudes can decrease the amount of oxygen available to the brain, and can cause an increase in the symptoms of Chiari. Therefore, people with Chiari should avoid going to altitudes of more than 8,000 feet.

Avoid Coughing and Vomiting
Coughing and vomiting can increase the pressure on the brain and spinal cord, and should be avoided by people with Chiari.

Avoid Smoking
Smoking can decrease the amount of oxygen available to the brain, and can cause an increase in the symptoms of Chiari. Therefore, people with Chiari should avoid smoking.

 

[TheSage]

If you have Chiari, it is important to avoid activities that put any kind of strain on your neck or back, such as heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or any activity that requires you to bend your neck for a prolonged period of time. Additionally, it is important to avoid any activities that may increase intracranial pressure, such as straining during bowel movements, coughing, or sneezing. Finally, it is important to avoid activities that may put you at risk of traumatic head or neck injury, such as contact sports or roller coasters.

 

[MrApple]

Chiari malformation can cause a variety of symptoms, so it is important to be mindful of activities that can worsen symptoms. Avoid activities that require excessive neck flexion or extension, such as weightlifting or contact sports. High-impact activities such as running or jumping can also aggravate symptoms, so it is best to avoid them. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the potential for further damage to the cerebellum, so activities such as scuba diving, skydiving, and other high-altitude activities should be avoided. Lastly, activities that cause a sudden change in pressure, such as flying in an airplane, can also be problematic and should be avoided.

 

[Guide]

Question: What activities should I avoid if I have Chiari?

If you have been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, it is important to avoid activities that put pressure on the neck and head area, such as carrying heavy objects or engaging in contact sports. Additionally, it is important to avoid straining your neck, such as by lifting weights, reaching for things above your head, or other activities that strain your neck and spine. It is also important to avoid activities that involve sudden changes in pressure, such as diving into a pool or riding a roller coaster. Finally, it is important to avoid activities that involve jarring movements, such as running or jogging.

 

[strawberry]

Question:

What activities should someone with Chiari avoid?

Answer:
People with Chiari should avoid any activities that involve straining, such as lifting heavy objects, doing strenuous exercise, or any movement that causes pressure on the head and neck. It is also important to avoid any activities that could lead to a fall, such as skiing, horseback riding, and contact sports. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any activities or positions that could cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, such as bending forward, or sleeping on one's stomach.