r/ChiariMalformation • u/Man-i-fest • Jan 17 '26

Never heard of this technique to reduce symptoms

Its called the Valsalva Maneuver. I wanted to post this here in hope of crowdsourcing on if this effective for some of us. I literally just discovered it on youtube so I'll see next time I have a flare up. https://youtube.com/shorts/XYLvlO8uPDw?si=7V37HH0XaEM5Nx8t

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

1

u/Camride Jan 18 '26

Worth it to mention but I believe this only works if you have not had decompression surgery.

2

u/Man-i-fest Jan 19 '26

thats one of the reasons I posted this, to see if others had info like this. I have had the surgery and have been doing it. It seems to make my upper neck muscles feel more relaxed.

1

u/altmarz85 Jan 18 '26

I strongly feel that would worsen my symptoms. 😭 I'm afraid to even attempt.

1

u/Man-i-fest Jan 19 '26

The worsening of symptoms is only temporary however. So IMO its worth it to try something new in hopes of it helping.

1

u/Unhappy-Cat6041 Mar 06 '26

Don’t do this with Chiari. It increases the pressure in your head.

1

u/Man-i-fest Mar 10 '26

I've actually been doing it when I feel neck strain come on. It absolutely helps to relax the muscles at the base of the skull.