�“A Pain in the Hypermobile Neck”�� Jeannie Di Bon MA PMA-CPT

John Ferman Email: info@edsawareness.com

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EDS Awareness “Educational Series”�February 22, 2022

Agenda

• Who are we?�
• What is our program?�
• Introduce our speaker

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- Q & A��

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

What is our Program?

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

Link to join Webinar

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84445643220 

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EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

Resources on www.edsawareness.com

• Disjointed Book Review�https://www.chronicpainpartners.com/disjointed-is-a-new-book-for-patients-with-heds-hsd-and-their-physicians/
• Article Misdiagnoses Happen. Medical Gaslighting Should Not https://www.chronicpainpartners.com/misdiagnoses-happen-medical-gaslighting-should-not/
• EDS Awareness Newsletter

https://www.chronicpainpartners.com/february-ehlers-danlos-news-updates/

Over 100 webinars; 60 expert speakers; 50 topics ‘� https://www.chronicpainpartners.com/webinars/

• EDS Healthcare Providers Educational program

https://ehlers-danlos-cme.org/

• EDS Nursing Educational program� https://ehlers-danlos-nursing-edu.org/
• EDS Leadership Program

https://leadeds.com/

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

Disclaimer

• This presentation contains general information about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and related conditions and the personal accounts, stories, observations and other non-medical representations of the EDS community who voluntarily participate in this program.  �
• The views and statements expressed in this presentation do not necessarily reflect the views of the EDSawareness.com group.�
• We do not assume or accept any liability for the accuracy, quality, suitability, and currency of the information.�
• The information is not advice, and should not be treated or acted upon as such. If you are having medical problems now -- call 911 in the US (or emergency services in your country).�
• Always consult your doctor before you start, stop, or change any part of your self-care or medical treatment.

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EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

“A Pain in the Hypermobile Neck”�� Jeannie Di Bon MA PMA-CPT

Jeannie Di Bon MA PMA-CPT

About our speaker:

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• Jeannie Di Bon is a Movement Therapist specializing in working with people with hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and chronic pain with over ten years’ experience.
• Her research and study encompasses Pilates, biomechanics, anatomy, neuroscience and pain management. 
• Jeannie has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and rehabbed her body and mind from chronic pain.
• She presents globally for EDS Awareness, the EDS Society and other charities. 
• Jeannie is also an educator of teachers and therapists in the field of hypermobility. 
• Her range of digital courses – among them, Movement Strategies for the Hypermobile Client– have proven very popular. 
• In July 2019, Jeannie launched The Zebra Club – a comprehensive collection of movement classes for people with hypermobility, EDS and chronic pain.  The Zebra Club was transformed into an App in November 2021.
• She is the author of two books Pilates Without Tears (2016) and Hypermobility Without Tears (2019).
• She is undertaking research into her movement method and hypermobility with UCL and Clarkson University in the United States.

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EDS Awareness Educational Series www.edsawareness.com

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February 22, 2022

A Pain In The Hypermobile Neck

Ideas and Solutions to Help Your Resolve Head, Neck and Shoulder Pain

Objectives

• Knowledge – what could be causing your pain?
• Tools – to help you recognise pain triggers
• Techniques – to help you manage your pain
• Confidence – in your ability to move without pain
• Expert advice – working with EDS / HSD clients for 14 years
• Solutions – effective and easy to do at home

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Pain Facts

• Chronic pain is extremely common in hypermobility / EDS
• 70% report having chronic pain before aged 20 (EDS Awareness 2016)
• Many different types of pain – Nociceptive, Neuropathic, Inflammatory, Visceral, Dysfunctional, Migraine
• Neck and Upper Back Pain cited as most looked for solution *
• Many people stop exercising due to fear, pain, instability or inappropriate exercises (Russek 2019)
• Nervous system interactions - sensitisation

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* recent poll on my social media channels

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Appropriate exercise is proven to help with pain

• Mobility – ability to start to move pain-free
• Calming of nervous system - desensitisation
• Strength – to support the body and mind
• Confidence – to try after years of disappointment
• Expert advice from someone who really gets it
• To feel safe and supported

Meet Jeannie

Jeannie Di Bon is a Movement Therapist specializing in working with people with hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and chronic pain for 12 years.

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She has studied Pilates, biomechanics, anatomy, neuroscience and pain management.

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She is a speaker for The EDS Society and other charities.

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She is an educator of teachers and therapists on hypermobility and EDS.

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The author of two books – Pilates Without Tears and Hypermobility Without Tears.

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Her online programme Strengthen Your Hypermobile Core is the subject of a research project between UCL in the UK and Clarkson University in the United States.

The problem

Who has visited a PT / physiotherapist / health professional for neck or upper back pain?

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Pain is a huge topic – this webinar is looking just at neck and upper back pain

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Possible causes

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• Biomechanical – eg ligament instability, alignment, postural, environmental
• Musculoskeletal – deconditioning, irritability, spasms, strain
• Nerve Impingements / Compression
• Chronic Generalised Pain
• Stress & Anxiety

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What is the neck?

• Neck is extension of the spine.
• Implications for whole spine.
• Implications for head, shoulders and arms.
• Thoracic spine impact
• Breathing
• Rib subluxations
• Tight in places and too mobile in others

Cervical Spine

• Consists of 7 vertebrae
• C1-C7
• Bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments & tendons
• Allows neck to move in all directions
• Should have a lordotic curve

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Muscular Structure

Upper Back Connections

The Head

10 pounds / 4.5 kg ave

• A baby head weighs a quarter of it’s whole body – how does it lift it up without pain?

Issues in our Tissues

Alignment Matters

Support from below

Possible Causes

• Alignment & Posture
• Laxity of joints
• Gravity
• Environment / Job / Home / Stress
• Instability / CCI / AAI
• Immobility in other areas
• Connective Tissue Quality
• Balance between muscle tone front & back of body
• Proprioception
• Balance – both physical and emotional
• Breathing
• Relaxation

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Solution Options

• Braces / physical aids
• Painkillers
• Acupuncture
• Diet
• Taping
• Awareness Training – Alexander Technique
• Meditation / Mindfulness
• Breathing Patterns – fix dysfunctional patterns
• Changing the nervous system response
• Safe and appropriate exercise programme

Small Steps

• Everything counts
• Progress not perfection
• Not performing an exercise
• Moving with awareness
• Small physical step is a huge emotional step
• Self-awareness, self-belief
• Confidence, inner strength, resilience
• Pacing is essential
• Research: Exercise is good for the body and mind
• The approach to the ‘exercise’ is key

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Where should I start?

• Breath
• Relaxation
• Alignment

Exercise Approach

What’s next?

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• Bent Arm Raises
• Arm Rolls / Arm Circles
• Press & Release
• Baby Extension
• Dumb Waiter
• Seated Rowing

What about strength?

Don’t be in a hurry – have you got tissue tolerance?

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• Bands
• Balls
• Magic Circle
• Hand Weights

CCI / AAI

Thank you

Any Questions?