From the Research
People with Chiari malformation should avoid activities that increase intracranial pressure or risk head trauma, such as heavy weightlifting, straining during bowel movements, contact sports, roller coasters, trampolines, diving, and activities requiring the Valsalva maneuver, as these can worsen symptoms like headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and balance problems 1.
Activities to Avoid
- Heavy weightlifting
- Straining during bowel movements
- Contact sports
- Roller coasters
- Trampolines
- Diving
- Activities requiring the Valsalva maneuver (holding breath while exerting)
- High-impact exercises like running on hard surfaces
Recommended Activities
- Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and gentle yoga
- Maintaining proper hydration and taking frequent breaks during exercise
Importance of Personalized Recommendations
Each patient should consult with their neurosurgeon or neurologist for personalized recommendations based on their specific condition severity, as activity restrictions may vary depending on whether the patient has undergone decompression surgery 2, 3.
Considerations for Daily Life
Patients with Chiari malformation may experience negative impacts on daily living and physical activities, even those with mild symptoms, and should be aware of the potential effects of their condition on their daily life 3.
Recent Study Findings
A recent study found that decompression was effective in Chiari I malformation-related cough headache, but atypical headaches responded less well, and the causal relation with Chiari I malformation remains uncertain 1.