Perils of having hair washed in a bad position

SIR – The major problem with having your hair washed in the sitting position, with the back facing the basin and the neck hyperextended (Letters, March 18), is not mere discomfort – but the risk of a stroke.

As one ages, osteoarthritis develops in the neck. This results in the formation of small bony protuberances (osteophytes). The arthritis causes the discomfort felt with neck extension; but, more seriously, the osteophytes can press on the vertebral arteries as they pass through canals within the bone of the vertebral bodies.

These arteries supply blood to the posterior part of the brain. Their occlusion may result in a posterior stroke, causing visual, sensory, motor and swallowing problems, as well as dizziness and impaired balance.

For this reason, it is best to avoid hair-washing in this position when a “certain age” has been reached. Dr William Saywell Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk SIR – I suffered a mini stroke last year, and my hairdresser now kindly washes my hair sideways, or with me standing up.

It certainly makes a difference to my neck. Della Donn Manchester SIR – As a physiotherapist with an ageing neck of my own, I can sympathise with patients who suffer pain and prolonged symptoms as a result of having their necks forced into extension to have their hair washed.

There have been reports of people suffering a stroke as a result of this procedure, as it puts undue pressure on the carotid and vertebral arteries.

It’s time we ladies had an alternative to the “back wash”. My husband’s barber uses a forward position to wash his hair. I think I may go there in future. Sally Roberts Harrogate, North Yorkshire