The Cervical Collar.

FYI>>>>

Here is a photo^> of the CERVICAL COLLAR that I purchased yesterday under the advice of my Physical Therapist "Matt" at the Cleveland Clinic this past week.

No, that is NOT me in the photo. It shows the box that the collar was packaged in.

Technical Info:

• 2394 Soft Foam CERVICAL COLLAR
• OTC Professional Orthopaidic
• a Truform OTC Brand
• division of SAI, Cincinnati, OH  45209
• Universal Size NARROW (various specialty sizes available)
• comes with removable sock-like material cover plus an extra cover
• Hand washable
• cost at my locally owned pharmacy > $10.49

I most likely will graduate up  to  a metal frame type neck/chin/head support somewhere in the future...

But, for the time being, the lightweight relatively inexpensive foam cervical collar was recommended.

One of the questions that I was asked at my Clinic appointment was IF I was having issues with "head drop"...

I kind of hesitated in giving an answer...

as, I hate to admit to the increasing physical issues I am developing.  There have been times, especially as I tire towards the end of the day, I do have difficulty in staying awake AND that includes a lot of almost nodding off...or "head drop". I am able to control the 'drop' without too much problem when I am not tired. My husband notices it when we are driving in the car. 

And, so, I connected it to just being sleepy....but, after some thought, I realized that for the past year, as I sat at the computer such as now...that my neck and shoulder muscles are gradually weakening

I find that my head/neck frequently are shifting forwards...aka dropping.  I try to correct my seating position....only to catch myself in the forward head drop position once again.

Making it a point to wear this while working around the house and in particular to wear it while sitting at the computer seems to be a good plan.

• This #2394 Collar is soft yet firm enough to give support.
• It is economical especially for temporary use.
• Allows for substantially easy movement.
• Can help to relieve some pain.
• Has a 'hook and loop' closure for easy on and off and adjustment.

*>  BE SURE you consider the thickness or height of the collar. As, a salesperson advised me, be sure NOT to get one that is to high for my neck....(I have a short neck, and she must have noticed that:) ) 

Now for the negatives:

It says it can be worn while sleeping...I would be careful about that as you could end up over stressing muscles of the neck and shoulders...or worse.

...and, IF you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea as I do, wearing it while trying to sleep (laying down at least) could make for some BIG problems with breathing...

<SO, I SAY, do not wear while sleeping! >

I am a sweater...no not the knit kind...the kind that perspires quite easily.

Having a low level of the heat intolerance range, I am quickly affected when the temperature rises...(my most comfortable temp range is between 60-72').

I've had 'hot flashes' since I was in my teens....and, so, they were not confined to going through the part of my life during menopause etc. and, wearing things meant for keeping warm, is not always a good thing for me.

The FOAM, is something I am finding comfortably warm at the moment, but since it has barely made it about 55' yet this spring, I know that the discomfort of an insulating thing around my neck, is going to become unbearable soon enough.

I hope this FYI was/is helpful to you :)