Attempting to Be Active While Living With Chiari Malformation & Cranio-Cervical Instability

When living with Chiari Malformation and/or Cranio-Cervical Instability (CCI), the idea of “being active” carries a very different meaning than it does for most. While many view exercise as a straightforward path to strength and vitality, for those of us living with these conditions, movement can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield, never knowing which step will set off a cascade of symptoms.

Recently, I had the opportunity to see a beautiful waterfall while traveling for business meetings. What I thought would be a light, 1-mile walk turned into a 4-mile trek...uphill, on uneven ground, with unexpected twists and turns. For most, it would have been a refreshing workout with a gorgeous view. For me, it quickly turned my body upside down.

Halfway through, my body began to protest in ways that only someone with Chiari or CCI can fully understand. It felt as though my insides were vibrating, my vision distorted, my balance compromised…I could almost feel myself walking sideways. The threat of vertigo loomed, and I knew my nervous system was overwhelmed.

Thank God my husband was with me, guiding me back safely to the hotel. Once there, I reached for a tool I never travel without: my BEMER. I immediately laid down and ran a special 20-minute program designed to support the autonomic nervous system, helping shift the body from “fight or flight” into the parasympathetic state, where true rest and digest can occur.

By the end of the session, my body had found its footing again. I could stand tall, process my thoughts clearly, and feel more like myself.

Living with these conditions means our fight-or-flight response can be triggered at any time…sometimes by situations others see as ordinary or even enjoyable. While we can’t always avoid the unexpected, what matters most is how we support our bodies through it. For me, having tools like BEMER at my side makes all the difference in navigating life with more resilience, grounding, and grace.

If you’re walking this path too, know that you’re not alone. Your experience is valid, your boundaries matter, and it’s okay to redefine what “being active” looks like for you.