I used to have a back brace and loved it. My hubby bought me one for my birthday yesterday but I have to return it. It isnt really comfortable but will get a different one.

I also used to have support stockings and want to get them again.

Heating pad is always a good thing.

Tennis balls =3/$! store- put in long athletic sock!w/knot between ball & ea end then cut a slit in end to slip hand thru(i can't hold on to anything w/hands but can hold w/open palm)this way the move around & don't go rollin everywhere! can roll them up & down legs shoulders or just sit against them for just right pressure!
put inside neck pillow or reg pillow they get right in spots w/out being to hard
pt tapes two together but then they don't roll around indepently great for hips

get the home traction machine by Sandersw/carry suit case $1,000
easy to get in & out & gets about 65-90lb pressure great for neck Doc can RX & get insurance paid for it!
also my hand braces if my hands arn't sprained then my neck doesn't hurt pain refered!
back braces even the one that looks like sport bra keeps proper posture w/out doin it will ease neck/head aches!

again two twnnis ball inside your pillow one on ea sideof neck! really helps mine!

also just saw that new full size bed pilow made w/the tiny foam beads! $29 i think lookin for site can't find it! i have two star shaped pillow w/the tiny beads really gets formed right to my head! great want the full size pillow!
what about the neck massgers w/heat! MEIJERS has it for xmas gifts!

Good mattress and pillows
Quality clothing, socks and undies materials and shoes
Good posture and ergonomic settings
Regular stretching, yoga, massage (touch therapy)
No repetitive motion
Things the PT can do

That's all I have

My best "thing" at work is a wrist pillow - gel type - that lives on my mouse pad. I used to be so sore at the end of the day - heel of my hand and wrist hurt from banging around on the desk when I used my mouse. I like the kind that's not attached to the mouse pad because I can put it exactly where I want it.

For those who work, a good fitting adjustable desk chair is critical. They're pricey ($300+) so it's going to be a "reasonable accommodation" issue with your employer. Everything adjusts on my chair - back, seat, arms, tilt, everything.

My newest favorite thing is my Shake Weight - 2.5 lbs and a good upper body workout in six minutes flat! Now I just need to remember to do it!

I recently bought a teeters inversion table and it works well; takes some getting used to. I have my husband wrap a towel around my neck and gently pull; love it!!!!! learned this technique from a chiropractor.

I think I will try a back brace like Lorena72 if I can find one with a good fit. bought one before but had to return it because they are all different size wise and should be tried on.

I went thru 4 beds within a 2 yr period. The one I ended up with was the top of the line tempurpedic (sp?) and got free financing for 2 yrs which was good because it was so expensive. Best bed ever (even better than the sleep number).

I actually use ice packs for my back/hip/neck/shoulder areas. I know it sounds counter intuitive, as I have sensitivity to cold outside in the winter time, but it worked WAY better than heat for me. One fibro site said that if you have radiating pain from the trigger point site that ice can be more effective than heat. Just don't put the cold directly on your skin.

The other "miracle" that my physical therapist introduced me to is the Thera-cane. It's a plastic, cane-like thing that allows you to give yourself a massage on your back, neck, hip and shoulder area without stressing your other muscles while doing it. Do a search on it and you'll find lots of sources online to purchase from. I absolutely love it!!!

I am familiar with the theracane from my myofascial book... it's goodto hear your feedback on it.

I really appreciate everyone's ideas and feedback here. Lots of good info.

i saw in BJs today (warehouse store that i said I wasn't going to go to anymore!) a "sidesleeper pro" pillow. SHaped a little like a hook, with an indentation for your ear (great idea... one of the problems I've had with some pillows I've tried is that it hurts my ear) I considered getting it but want to do a little more research to hear what real users think first.

I use a shoulder heating pad, electric, made by Westinghouse. I got it on QVC, or HSN, and had it replaced when it stopped working. they sent me another one free of charge. It really helps with my shoulder and neck pain.

I use a hospital bed, a down quilt, and a cotton ewe from cuddlewe, over my mattress.

the best treatment is Xyrem, it gives me deep sleep and helps with the pain and exhaustion. I hate having fibro, my father had it too.

I like this topic. I had asked about pillow recommendations a while ago. After doing some research, I decided on the gel pillow. I have trouble with sore glands and ears from sjogren's and needed something very soft feeling. These pillows I guess have pieces of gel--they don't lose their shape and are soft and squishy but still firm enough for side sleepers. (I'm a stomach sleeper) And, best of all, they were $10 at walmart online only.

I also use a theracane, though sometimes don't have the strength for it. I have a pillow-like thing that goes around your neck that has heat and massage, and also one that you put in a chair that has three areas of massage. Both are great, especially for the heat, but the massage can also hurt if you are very tender.

I wear warm-up suits all winter at home. Get them larger and they are roomy and non-restricting. I finally found a bra that doesn't hurt. It isn't supportive for larger sizes, which I am, but it keeps things under control without pain or irritation. It was advertised as a sleep bra in the paper, and if you google sleep bra, there are a couple there. Mine was from clearpoint direct. I still rip it off when I get in the door, though.

You know what my favorite find was last year? For my neck pain and swollen/sore glands, I found a winter scarf made from blanket material at walmart cheap. I wrap it around even indoors and it works almost as good as a microwave thingy. Soft, warm, cozy--I even wear it to bed on bad nights.

If you have heat issues, I was warned to stay away from Tempurpedic [ after the fact -with my pillow. I also experience pain in my ears after lying on side and I constantly have to turn from side to side. I have a very soft body pillow that I put between my knees to help take pressure off back and for arms as well [ physical therapist recommended sleeping position] Bamboo clothing and bed linens are the coolest that I've found. Soma has Bamboo gowns called " Cool Nights " and also clothing which is loose and comfortable. They have outlets and also online for end of season clearance much better pricing. Just introduced to Aetrex by Lynco Orthotics for my shoes. I have pain in feet and difficulty with shoes. These have helped more than any that I've tried. " Bed Buddy" is brand of heat packs that I use, and they don't seem to be as heavy .
Tuesday Morning has best price that I've found for Bamboo sheets for the quality. Recently had to get new mattress [ Comfortaire ] and they gave me Bamboo pillows which I'm using now. Tried so many different pillots- Sharper Image had one of the best, but no longer in business. Also, from Relax the Back, an ugly lumbar pillow- air that adjusts to the contour of your back. Use it in car as well as anytime I sit. Couldn't do without it. Also, foot rest from Relax the Back as well. My feet don't touch the floor with most chairs or recliners, and this was something that I learned at Pain Clinic. They said you could use a telephone directory, but those are now thing of past. Mine is older one that was a discontinued , but it is of great help to support back. Also was told when riding or sitting to keep arms at correct height to use a small pillow to raise them to take pressure off my shoulders. Sorry for length, but tried to cover what helps for me.