Exercise Tips for Chiari Patients
The first and most important exercise tip for the person who has just been diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation is to keep on walking. Walk right out of that doctor’s office, while remaining calm and relaxed. There is a possibility that you will never experience the symptoms associated with the condition. But then, you might be one of the unlucky Chiarians who has lived a life with headaches caused by their cramped brain pushing through their lower skull and into their spinal column. Whether you currently have symptoms or not, after getting your doctor’s okay, remember to keep on walking—or running, or dancing, just continue to exercise. Strong scientific evidence shows that physical activity has a therapeutic effect on people with all sorts of health challenges, including those people with Chiari Malformation. The type of exercise recommended will depend on the stage and symptoms of the Chiari patient.
Let’s Get Started:
- Make sure your health-care providers approve of any physical activities you are currently doing. If you are starting a new exercise program, talk with your medical team to determine what physical activity would be best for you.
- If your fitness level is low, start slowly with shorter sessions (five to ten minutes).
- Take frequent breaks during activity if needed.
- Choose exercises that don’t put stress on your neck such as walking, cycling or water exercises. These are low-impact activities, which involve large muscle groups and can be done continuously.
- Wear cushioned, support tennis shoes to reduce neck and cerebellum pounding. Before purchasing your shoes, look into which shoes are specially made for walking and running. Test the shoes in the store before buying them.
- Avoid sports and activities that strain your neck such as football, soccer, basketball, or tennis.
- Be careful of any physical activity that puts you in jeopardy of falling and creating trauma of any type.
- Avoid lifting more than 15 pounds when strength training or backpacking. Heavy lifting is generally not recommended, especially if you have an associated syrinx.
- Listen to your body. Stop exercising if the activity exacerbates symptoms like increasing headache pain, nausea or dizziness.
- Focus while exercising. Many Chiari patients have problems with balance and coordination. On days these symptoms seem worse, avoid crowded gyms and health clubs.
- If you are experiencing some numbness in your hands and feet, choose a sitting exercise such as riding an exercise bike.
- On some days you will not need a list of do’s and don’ts when choosing your exercises. Headache pressure can increase with simple acts like bending over or stretching overhead. This can happen when the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) becomes restricted or blocked.
- On the days when your symptoms are worse, allow yourself to take the day off from exercise, without guilt. Sometimes complete rest will be just what the doctor ordered!
What is Chiari Malformation?
Chiari Malformation is a serious neurological disorder in which the lower part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and into the spinal column, putting pressure on both the brain and spine. This crowding of the brain and spinal cord produces a “cork” effect which disrupts the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This condition can cause extreme headaches, neck pain, weakness, balance problems, numbness in limbs, visual disturbances, respiratory problems, trouble swallowing and speaking, and a host of other problems. Decompression surgery would be necessary if symptoms progress to the point of imminent nerve damage and paralysis.
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We appreciate guest posts! Each article submission is reviewed by our board of experts before it is accepted for publication. Thank you for your inquiry!
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CHIARIANS are NOT supposed to exercise… PERIOD.
This article is nothing but hogwash written by a gym rat.
We appreciate you taking the time to comment on our article about exercising with Chiari Malformation. You said, “CHIARIANS are NOT supposed to exercise… PERIOD.” That statement would clearly be the easiest way to approach the subject of physical activity and Chiarians—very black and white. However, we believe this “all or nothing” thinking does not consider each unique individual.
The exercise tips listed in the Chiari article were written to help people obtain general information that may or may not apply to them. However, we feel the first tip is essential for all patients before they begin any exercise program: Make sure your health-care providers approve of any physical activities you are currently doing. If you are starting a new exercise program, talk with your medical team to determine what physical activity would be best for you.
You also wrote, “This article is nothing but hogwash written by a gym rat.” Actually, the article was written by a person who has a Chiari Malformation. She had decompression surgery in 2008 and I can honestly say she is not a gym rat!
All the information found on our website is intended to be of general informational use and not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatments. Our organization is a participating Supporter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, believing in most cases that some activity is better than none. Our organization is also a network supporter of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association Exercise is Medicine™.
Hi
I have recently been diagnosed with chiari malformation.
I go to the gym atleast four times a week, I’m just worried there is certain things I shouldnt be doing?
Thanks
Hi, thanks for your question!
We would recommend following the general guidelines found in the article on exercising with a chiari malformation. Did you speak with your doctor about any limitations you might have because of the chiari? Unfortunately, we do hear over and over that patients often feel like they have not had their questions answered by their doctors when it comes to exercise and their illness. I’ve had a doctor tell me to avoid yoga. Later, I questioned her again about my exercise limitations and practicing yoga. She admitted that her “advice” to me came from her limited knowledge of yoga, thinking yoga was simply standing on one’s head.
The bottom line is: Always listen to your body. If an exercise movement hurts, stop doing it. Pay attention to what your body tells you during your exercise and throughout the entire day after your physical activity.
We will be posting more articles on Exercising with a Chiari Malformation.
Thanks for your comment! Best wishes for good health and active, happy days!
Thanks for this article! I am a Chiarian who doesn’t have the classic headache symptoms normally associated with this disease. I’ve tried to stay active throughout the time since I was diagnosed (almost 10 years ago).
From what I understand, the most problematic exercises are those that strain the spine and cause a valsalva maneuver type of response. My neurologist has advised me to avoid lifting that might cause this kind of strain. Otherwise, I have not altered my normal cardio routine at all.
I might have this disorder, but I’m not going to sit there and get fat and out of shape, no matter what happens. That will just make things worse, I know it.
I’m looking forward to more articles on exercising with Chiari!
Thanks!
Hi Brett,
Thanks so much for your comment! I’m sure your post will inspire others to keep moving. (Of course, that’s after they get the okay from their physicians!)
We appreciate you sharing your neurologist’s suggestions on exercising with this condition. Headache and neck pain in Chiari I are often exacerbated by cough and Valsalva maneuver. That is a great suggestion to avoid lifting or doing any exercises that cause this reaction.
We will see you soon with more info on physical activity and chiari malformation!
P.S. Great news to hear you don’t suffer from the Chiari-type headache symptoms!!
The post is very good.
Hello,
I’m a 46 year old woman, who has had headaches all my life (from the time I was 4) and what the doctors call visual migraines since I was 20. I am fairly sportive and trained in martial arts for 11 years, and jogged since I was 13.
Last year while weight training I could not lift my arms over my head my ears starting buzzing and the room was spinning at an alarming rate. and I passed out. My trainer decided that it might have been because I did not eat enough. The next day still feeling unwell I proceeded a two hour drive to visit my daughter, the whole drive I felt my right side of my face to be numb or asleep. I had problems seeing in my right eye. I returned home that night…and felt my legs were asleep…went to work the next day and my boss suggested I see
a doctor as I was slurring my words. After 24 hours they were able to tell me I had Chiari Malformation 1. and recommended I see a neurosurgeon.
I waited 8 months (in Canada)…this surgeon had not looked at my CD from the hospital that I brought of my MRI, and wanted to operate the next month (December 2010). I asked how many of these operations he has done…he said the hospital does 2 per year. I thanked him and said I would get back to him. I asked my family doctor for a second opinion. I’m still waiting (it has been another 9 months) to see a second neurosurgeon, in another province at a neuro hospital.
It has been over a year since the diagnosis, constant bad headaches (24 hour around the clock, waking up at night because my head is sore) vision problems, numb legs that I trip and fall down. I have missed a lot of work due to not being well. Hard time swallowing, etc.
I resorted to researching this myself …and went to see a Homeopath who referred me to an Osteopath. I explained to her what I had and brought pictures etc. She did some mild inner layer stretching of my core, and proceeded to carefully (and I stress if you don’t know how to do this, don’t try it) to circulate my blood and fluids in my head. That was in February 2011 and to this date (August 2011) my headaches are gone. I can swallow!! I continue to see her every 2 to 3 weeks the numbness in my legs come and go. and if I over do it or exhurt myself the headaches are back. I still want to see a neurosurgeon but wonder if I would not end up feeling worse??
Osteopath is not the same as a chiropractor (bones) or a massage therapist (muscles).
They go below the muscles and work with the layers of tissue that wrap around the nerves. I feel she was a God sent.
I just returned from holidays in Europe and have been fine, walking a lot has helped. I lost 20 lbs..like your other reader I refuse to sit and get fat and sicker. I will start weight training again using 2 lbs weights SLOWLY and work with my Osteopath until I see my second opinion. Exercise is very important, but know your limits. Drinking a lot of water keeping hydrated is also important.
Do you know of anyone who has refused the operation?
what is your opinion on that? I will not hold you responsible for my decision…I just don’t like the idea of someone opening my head…
Thank you for your time
Ann
Hi Ann,
Thanks for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and decided not to have the surgery. If the pain from the headaches gets really bad, I might reconsider in the future. I have been put on meds for the CSF pressure…that seems to help. I still am able to go the the gym and workout. Although, I have to stay away from certain exercises and machines.
Hayley
Made writers might make this material intriguing, but you handled the idea. I enjoyed studying your opinions and concepts. To be sure together with a lot of whatever you have written right here.
My daughter was diagnosed with Chiari at age 16. She struggles with headaches but we have found an accupuncturist who does cranial-sacral therapy and this has helped tremendously. Surgery is always tricky and I would explore other options 1st as surgery has not always been the answer according to what I have read.
my name is ryan my brother has this and he has really really bad leg pain is there anything he can do to make them not hurt so much he has his 215 but that is not helping much. please help
I am recently diagnosed and also opting to not have surgery. My neurosurgeon actually recommeded this – as my symptoms- though painful and annoying- are not stopping me from living my life.
Exercise is important, but I think my symptoms really got worse when I was playing a contact sport (roller derby- a lot of hits and falls). The increase in head pressure, ear pressure and spots in my eyes is actually what lead me to my diagnosis – before that doctors just said “you’re one of those people that get headaches”.
Now I have been taking it easy (walking, yoga), but know that being fit will make me feel much better. So thank you for this post and helping to point me and others with CM in the right direction!
Hi Kris,
Thanks so much for your comment. I can see how the hits and falls during roller derby would make your Chiari symptoms worse! It’s wonderful that you’ve adjusted your exercise to help you live a better life!!
Hi Admin
Can you give me more information with respect to the nerve damage that can occur? what aggrevates it? how can it be prevented?
Do horse riding and running aggrevate CM type I?
Thanks
Hi,
I am 49 and was diagnosed with Chiari a year ago. I have been very healthy all my life and the only thing that led me to the Chiari diagnosis is a slight tingling near my mouth which led to an MRI. My herniation is 17mm, which is large, however, a neurosurgeon has told me that it is not interfering with flow etc and I am to continue to live my life as I always have. I will admit, that many of what I think are symptoms are caused, now, from anxiety, such as the lump in my throat. I feel a slight weakness in my arms at times and a little nauseous. I have been put on anxiety meds for a short time to see if these symtoms disipate. However, I still experience some weakness in my shoulders and arms as well as some nauseousness. I have tried to continue with my exercise routine, mainly yoga, but when I add any aerobic exercise such as step classes or cycling, the nauseousness and weakness seems to return, only stronger for a time. I wish I could understand what is happening during this aerobic exercise, when doctors tell me it is ok to continue…I have been checked for a sprinx in my cervical spine only and it was clear.
I have looked all over the internet to try to find an explaination of what might be happening during aerobic exercise with Chiari…but I have found nothing to help me understand why, or why we shouldn’t do it. Is it harmful to the herniation if symptoms increase temporarily? I have very few symptoms and live a pretty good life considering. I just don’t want to do myself harm. I anyone has any answers or has found a good site, please let me know! I would appreciate your help!
Thanks, Hal
I was just diagnosed with type 1, and my doctor told me to exercise to my heart’s content. She said my malformation is not serious enough to prevent me from doing the things I enjoy and that I should only stop if I feel excessive pain from it.
To the person who said people with chiari are never supposed to exercise, that’s absurd! Everyone needs physical activity. You just have to tailor yours to your physical ability, and that includes modifying it to accommodate chiari malformation.
I have a question..I am overweight and was diagnosed with a chiari last year. I have a clean bill of health otherwise no diabetes no heart disease blood work labs came back great! my doctor was impressed..However my MRI showed a 6mm herniation. I went to 2 nuerosurgeons one said I would benefit from surgery the other said my chiari was from being overweight! The other said my weight has nothing to do with why a chiari developed. I have bad headaches blurry vision pain in my ears neck pain and the list goes on and on..What does everyone think? I am overweight but, active. However I know I have to loose weight because It will make me sick if I dont! Can anyone comment on this? what do you think?
CC,
There is no way that your Chiari malformation had anything to do with your weight. I’ve never read anything to indicate otherwise. However, losing weight will make you feel better all around. Some of your symptoms might have nothing to do with Chiari at all.
If you are having severe symptoms I would talk to the neurosurgeon again (not the one that said your weight was the cause) and get an opinion on which of your symptoms he or she would attribute to Chiari.
Best of luck.
Hi all
I was diagnosed last year I work in the fitness industry and exercise vigorously 4 / 5 times a week. I actually feel better when I do exercise especially if I have been having ‘weird symptoms’.
I agree with Jade keep going tailor your training if you need to and dont put your life on hold unless you have to.
I refuse to let this weird things beat me!!
Love to you all, Lorraine
I was just diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and my symptoms are numbness and shooting pains in the arms and legs. I also have a syrinx running the complete length of my spine. I am researching doctors and stting up apointments so I can have surgery. Has anyone had the surgery and if so how soon can I continue exercise afterwards? Is it true I will never be able to do things such as go on rides at theme parks? I have a 9 year old daughter who I am planning on taking to Disney World. I’d hate to take her there and send her on the rides herself. I’m hoping life can go on as it was before.
Michelle
I am currently going through tests and we think its chiari malformation, i was told 2 years ago my brain was too low in my skull but was assured it was very common and nothing to worry about although i have suffered with many of the symptoms mostly neck and ear pain for around ten years now, I am in so much pain i have been signed off work and while i wait for more tests and diagnosis i was wondering what to avoid all round not just excerise and if theres anything i can do to releave th pain? any help would be appreciated
Hi, this blog is a God send…thank you!! I was diagnosed 2 years ago and my symptoms are pretty bad at this point but surgery has not been mentioned…yet. I live in Boston and unfortunately, there aren’t too many doctors with Chiari experience, so i’ve been forced to be my own advocate. Im wondering what medications people have tried for this. I read above that someone was prescribed medication and it has helped. Thank youand please keep this blog up, its so helpful.
well i did like this, but actually people with chiari arent suppose to exercise if it invovles upper body or lifting. running and dancing is fine. it is important for them to get an ok from the doctor if it does involve with lifting. also cc it can affect your weight, but its not a cause.
all it does is make it harder
I just found out I have chiari at 41. I agree that appropriate exercise is extremely beneficial to alleviating symptoms. If I am not feeling well, but force myself to go for a run, I generally feel better while running, and symptoms stay at bay for 8-12 hours after. I even ran a half marathon this year. I think that running is one of the things that keepsake stress in check. I definitely don’t feel like I could lift more than hand weights, but do find yoga to be helpful.
I was diagnose with CM, 3 years ago in June after having my 4th child. I had the decompression surgery that Sept. and have been doing good. I have been excercising quit a bit lately. I run about 4 to 5 miles a day or bike about 10 miles. I really think you need to listened to your own body and decide which is best for you. Personally sitting on the couch having a pitty party for myself would be the easiest way out but I have four kids and an amazing husband to live for life is too short to not enjoy and you really cannot enjoy life if you not healthy. Now i’m not saying im this little skinny thing cause Im not.. After having 4 kids and chiari surgery you are bound to put the pounds on. I was right at 200 lbs. when I decided I had to do something about it and no longer sit on the couch and have that party. Now im still no skinny but have lost 40 lbs. and have never felt better in my life. Now I still have alot of problems but I refuse to let them rule my life, I still have a ways to go. If I can do it anyone can.. I didn’t start out running 5 miles right of the bat. It’s taken a good year to get there. But if I can I know that anyone can. Mind over matter is a good phrase. But listen to you body especially your head(LOL) when its time be done.. even if it is only 50 feet its a beginning. Thanks for the article I really enjoyed it. Remember Chiari is something you have to deal with it is not who you are or it will overcome you. Good luck to all you Chiarians I really do feel for you. This last 3 years have been pure hell but i will not let it run my life.
Hi Mitzi,
Thanks so much for your encouraging words!! You are such an inspiration for so many people that are going through similar life challenges! I love how you said that Chiari is not who you are but rather something you have to deal with. Sounds like you are dealing with it head on!!
Mitzi, I also have Chiari…had decompression surgery 5 years ago. I still have trouble running. The pounding makes my headaches worse. Were you always able to run? How do you do it?? Congrats on getting off the couch and taking action!!
Hi. I was diagnosed with Chiari malformation about a month ago. I don’t have those terrible headaches/migraines people usually have with chiari. What I have is bad dizziness. I had to be in bed for two weeks in a row because t was hard to stand up without feeling I was going to fall.
I love exercising, and in the last few days I started to going on walks. My dr. Didn’t recommend me to run because of my dizziness and I might fall, but I want to exercise more.im a Zumba fanatic, I’ve done it or 4 years and not being able to do it is driving me crazy. Do you think it would be ok to do zumba?
Thanks!
Hi Marianne,
I sure understand your frustration about not being able to do the type of exercise you love to do! Did you ask your doctor about starting up your Zumba classes again? I think that’s the first step that should be taken. Hopefully, your doctor will give you the okay soon! In the meantime, keep walking (maybe walk while listening to Zumba-type music)! Best of luck and health to you!!
Hi everyone, I was recently diagnosed with Chiari 1. My symptoms went on for years, achy body, sore hips, extreme head pains…
I am seeing a neurosurgeon on May 22 in Alberta, just wondered if there is anyone close to talk to who might have had the surgery or let me know what drugs have helped.