Feel Better When Head Is Supported?

[FarmerAmy]

I have noticed that I do much better when my head is supported. It is very difficult for me to sit up, but I can sit for longer if I am either supporting my head with pillows or if I can lean my head back on a head rest (like in the car).

Has anybody else experienced this? Do you have any thoughts on why this happens?

[brownsea]

the past three years ive been like this amy. i can manage to sit up unsupported for two to three hours before symptoms take over.

in the car i have a pillow to support my head, with the seat reclined which i find helps so much. at home im in bed with the support of pillows.

thought it maybe something to do with instability in the neck. i have eds also.

[tachyfor50years]

Add me to your list! Yes, but I don't know why.

[bunny]

I don't know that I'd say it's difficult for me to not have my head supported, but I feel much better when it is.

Especially when I'm dizzy, having my head supported feels much better. Hmm. Thinking this one through, I normally feel better in a reclined chair, but don't mind upright ones if my head is supported.

I recall reading something about neck instability with EDS patients, but I don't have EDS myself.

[HopeSprings]

Me too.

[Monstrosity]

I seem to do better when my head is supported.

[FarmerAmy]

Thanks for the feedback everybody! I am fairly certain I don't have EDS. I am the stiffest person you have ever met!

[Katybug]

I feel better with head support too but I have no reason why except that I have lost the cervical curve in my neck so all the weight of my head comes straight down my spine instead instead of being distributed throug the curve. I don't know for sure that is why the support helps but it's what I suspect.

[yogini]

Me too. It cld bar for a lot of reasons. Sitting up without support is work on your body, so it is easier on your system in general...kind of like leaning against a wall is easier than standing up on your ow. For me I don't have EDS, but I am hyperfexible in my shoulders. Ihave terrible posture and my neck and shoulders always hurt. Any support is a big help!

[peregrine]

I'm with yogini on this one - it takes a lot of effort to support your head on top of your neck, and when you have a limited amount of energy you may be able to put it to better use if you support your head, maybe? Not 100% sure.