I just bought a pillow from Amazon, for your neck.

ZAMAT Adjustable Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, Odorless Neck Pillows for Pain Relief, Orthopedic Contour Pillows for Sleeping with Cooling.

I love it, they have other great pillows, big ones for your body.

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member

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A MySpond...

Im liking a soft, u shape pillow for many spots…

My daughter uses a pregnancy pillow. She has had major back surgery and the pillow helps her be more comfortable when sleeping.

Hi @A MySpondylitisTeam Member ! I thought I responded to this incredible helpful comment 🤯. I really appreciate you taking the time. I’ve been looking for a YouTube video that is specific to AS and Kyphosis.

I’ll keep you posted but if have anything handy that can walk me through it (and is qualified) then please let me know. Thank you again!!

I hope you’re flare up ceases in exchange for a season of less pain and energy!!! God bless you!

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A MySpond...

@SherriLawer
Looking at my video doorbell recordings of my walking to the mailbox over the years teaches me how AS impacts my spine and walking. I definitely have the typical barrel walk and the head bent forward look of AS.

PILLOW STRETCHING
After spine stretching and exercises, I place a standard pillow lengthwise with my spine on the bed or floor. The edge goes from about C4 toward the bottom Thoracic joints. I place a rolled up cotton towel or a cervical pillow under my C3/C4 joint. The goal is proper alignment of spine, not any contortion or forced spinal alignment. I rest in this position. Sometimes I feel a joint(s) pop into place.

So, I work hard everyday at spine exercises, spine stretching, and passive stretching.

ADDITIONAL DEVICES

SMALL BACK STRETCHERS
I did buy something similar to the "Everlasting Comfort ® Back Stretcher for Lower Back Pain Relief - Get Spine Decompression & Back Decompression" through Amazon. I found that the plastic wears out over time. Anyone 145 lbs or less would find this a perfect passive stretching device. I'm 175lbs (with 14 lbs of metal in my back), it lost structural strength after several months of daily use. Not bad for a $20 plastic device.

BACK ROLLER
It does give one the idea how to use a back roller on the floor with a thin pillow. Take rest periods on the roller, starting with the pelvis S1/L5 joint, pause 30-60 seconds for each joint going up to the shoulder blades, then reverse the direction. Try lifting your pelvis while relaxing spine muscles when targeting middle of the back. Important note: do not strain a painful joint, avoid self-injury. Bone spurs could dig into spinal crevices and pinch the spinal cord. So, be very careful and respectful of your spine.

Always consult your PT and/or Orthopedic staff before attempting this.

Passive upper Thoracic through Cervical stretching can be done with passive serpentine exercises. Additionally, instead of a roller, use a pillow (try folded in half). Let gravity work gently for you.

The most painful/inflammatory days requires less stretching and exercises.

There is another passive stretching exercise I developed and consulted with my Neurosurgeon and PT before using. Someday I will write about that one. It is the only safe way I can do passive stretching of C3 and above.

Important note: A chiropractor, who has training in AS, will be a good resource for alignment of the spine. Also, a PT that has a doctorate and training in AS also will be a resource.

If I didn't answer your question, ask again. After 7 days, my severe AS flare-up currently continues. Must stop writing for today. Not sure what I wrote above, hope it makes sense. Hopefully, this is readable.

Best wishes to you.