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+--- Thread: Cervical collar and arthritis (/Thread-Cervical-collar-and-arthritis)
Cervical collar and arthritis - RNeil - 05-07-2020
I think wearing a cervical collar helps my sleep apnea and also helps me keep my mouth shut. I have been wearing one for maybe 6 months. Lately I have been wondering if it is aggravating the arthritis in my neck. I found this article that says going a long time without moving does make it worse. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/cervical-spondylosis-arthritis-of-the-neck/
I will stop wearing it and use tape to keep my mouth shut.
RE: Cervical collar and arthritis - Damiansd - 05-07-2020
Hello,
That is certainly interesting. My cervical collar doesn't fully restrain me. My neck still move and my jaw move a little. I try not to make it too tight. Considering the difference it has made for me I would be really nervous not using it again.
How tight do you have it?
I'll be curious to see how you fare.
Regards,
Damian.
RE: Cervical collar and arthritis - Melman - 05-07-2020
I've used a soft cervical collar for about two years without a problem. I wear it just tight enough to keep my chin from tucking. I believe yours is the first report suggesting that the collar does any harm. I'm not saying it hasn't contributed to your arthritis. We are all different. I think for most, however, only prolonged wearing of a collar for most or all of each day would cause muscle atrophy. I assume that you only wear it while in bed using APAP and that it's not too tight. You should be able to easily insert a finger or two between your neck and the collar.
Please let us know if not using the collar improves your arthritis.
RE: Cervical collar and arthritis - RNeil - 05-08-2020
It is not too tight, it is as Melman described. I only used it in bed. Today my neck feels better. I think I had more apnea issues. I tried to look at the data on Oscar, but I have some kind of SD card problem.
RE: Cervical collar and arthritis - SideSleeper - 05-08-2020
I use a soft cervical collar and it does help with leaks but doesn't really restrict my mouth and I can tuck my chin into the collar easily--it certainly doesn't stop all movement. I have cervical arthritis also and during a bad painful session about 2 years ago I wore the collar some during the day to help with pain--it didn't cause it.
RE: Cervical collar and arthritis - RNeil - 05-09-2020
I got the SD card issue straightened out. I just downloaded the data again and it worked. I am showing about twice as many obstructive apneas without the collar. I am also tired. I have been stressed lately and that may account for sleep issues and neck trouble.
RE: Cervical collar and arthritis - Damiansd - 05-11-2020
I trust you are able to sort out your neck and sleep issues. There is enough stress going around at the moment without having sleep issues.
All the best,
Damian.