Neck Band For Pain
Contents
- 0.1 Is neck band good for neck pain?
- 0.2 What is a neck band for pain for?
- 0.3 Is a neck brace really worth it?
- 0.4 How long should I wear a neck brace?
- 1 What is the fastest relief for neck pain?
- 2 Is it safe to use a neck stretcher?
Is neck band good for neck pain?
Cervical collars, also known as neck braces or C collars, are used to support your spinal cord and head. These collars are a common treatment option for neck injuries, neck surgeries, and some instances of neck pain. There are different types of cervical collars.
- Which one you need will depend on your type of neck injury or the underlying cause of your neck pain.
- Read on to learn more about the benefits of a cervical collar as well as the potential side effects, especially if it’s worn long-term.
- If you want tips on how to sleep or bathe with a cervical collar, we’ve got that covered, too.
The purpose of a cervical collar is to support your neck and spinal cord, and to limit the movement of your neck and head. They’re typically meant for short-term use while you recover from an injury, surgery, or pain. Some conditions that may require the use of a cervical collar include the following:
Whiplash and trauma. If you’ve been in a car accident or sustained some other kind of injury, like a fall, a cervical collar may protect your neck and prevent further injury. Neck surgery. A cervical collar helps to prevent injury after surgery by limiting rotation, as well as side-to-side and back and forth movements. Nerve compression. Cervical collars are occasionally used to reduce pressure on the nerves in the neck. Cervical spondylosis. A cervical collar may cause temporary relief from pain caused by cervical spondylosis — an age-related condition that’s caused by wear and tear of cartilage and bones in the neck. General neck pain or stiffness. A cervical collar may help to take some strain off your neck muscles.
Cervical collars come in soft and hard varieties. Soft collars are usually made from materials such as felt, foam, or rubber. They fit snugly around your neck and sit below your jaw. Some doctors may prescribe them for temporary relief from moderate neck pain.
Soft collars are unlikely to help manage more serious neck injuries. One study looked at the use of soft cervical collars on 50 patients with whiplash. They found that the soft collar reduced movement by an average of just over 17 percent. The researchers concluded that this wasn’t enough to provide adequate immobilization to have clinical benefits.
Hard collars are usually made from plexiglass or plastic. They restrict head rotation and side-to-side movement more than softer collars. They often have a chin support to allow the muscles in your neck to relax. Hard neck braces are often prescribed for severe neck pain, spinal fractures, and trauma injuries.
- Although cervical collars can help support and protect your neck in the short-term, research has shown that long-term use of a cervical collar may lead to weakening and stiffening of your neck muscles.
- In cases of acute injury, this is largely unavoidable.
- However, if you’re dealing with moderate neck pain, you may want to minimize the amount of time you wear a collar or ask your doctor about alternative treatments.
In recent years, many medical professionals have discouraged the use of cervical collars for people dealing with a traumatic injury. This change of opinion is largely due to safety concerns and a lack of research showing that the use of cervical collars leads to beneficial health outcomes.
Some safety concerns with traumatic injury include potential breathing obstruction, increased brain pressure, and increased jugular blood pressure, If you need to wear a cervical collar, your healthcare provider will likely give you specific instructions about what you should and shouldn’t do while wearing it.
In general, when wearing a cervical collar, it’s best to:
Move instead of resting or sitting too much. Gentle movement, like walking, can help prevent your neck muscles from stiffening up. Stiff muscles may prolong your recovery. Focus on good posture. Try not to slouch or hunch over. Keep your back straight, shoulders back, head straight with your ears positioned over your shoulders. Avoid sitting in soft, low chairs. This can affect your posture and put extra pressure on your neck. Avoid lifting or carrying anything heavy. Also avoid strenuous activity, like running, or other high-impact movement. Leave your collar on at all times, except when cleaning it or as directed by your healthcare provider. Make sure your collar fits tightly, but is comfortable. If the collar doesn’t fit tightly enough, it likely won’t provide the support you need, which could cause further pain or injury. If it’s too loose, it could rub against your skin and cause irritation or blisters.
Here are a few tips for sleeping with a cervical collar:
Make sure your mattress offers good support. A mattress that’s too soft may not give your neck the support you need.Try to keep your neck in a neutral position, not bent forward, backward, or to the side. Don’t sleep in a twisted position. Try to keep your neck aligned with your body. Try sleeping on your back with a thin pillow. Using extra pillows can put extra pressure on your neck. To get out of bed, first roll gently onto your side. Then, swing your legs over the side of the bed and push up with your arms.
It’s usually easier to take a bath rather than a shower when wearing a cervical collar. You can bathe as you normally would, but it’s important to keep the cervical collar dry and out of the water. Placing plastic wrap around the collar may help to keep it dry.
If you do take a shower, you may find using a handheld shower nozzle will help to minimize neck bending and movement. It’s important to wash your collar daily to prevent bacteria growth. Not cleaning your collar frequently can lead to skin irritation if bacteria is allowed to grow. You can wash most soft collars in a sink with warm water and gentle soap, and then lay the collar out to dry.
Don’t use harsh soaps, detergents, or bleach. These may cause a skin reaction. You can clean hard collars by replacing dirty pads and rinsing the front and back panels. When you put your cervical collar back on, it’s important that it fits properly. If the collar isn’t tight enough, it can cause your skin to rub, which could lead to pressure sores and irritation.
The length of time that you’ll need to wear a cervical collar depends on your specific condition. For moderate neck pain that’s not caused by a sudden injury, it’s often recommended that you don’t wear a cervical collar for more than a week. Extended use of a collar can cause your neck muscles to stiffen and weaken.
If you’re wearing a cervical collar for serious neck pain or a sudden injury, talk with your doctor about how long you need to wear it. A cervical collar is used to support and protect your neck and spinal cord. These types of collars are typically used for the treatment of neck injuries, neck surgeries, and some instances of neck pain.
What is a neck band for pain for?
Description. Cervical/neck collars are commonly used by patients who have had a surgical intervention of the cervical spine, to immobilise the neck. It is also used for the treatment of neck pain, caused by acute trauma or chronic pain.
Is a neck brace really worth it?
Studying 8,000 patients – Action Sports did have a lot of data to work with. Over a nearly 10-year time span, they had more than 8,000 assessable patients (enough data to ask questions about them). Of those injured patients, 3,803 wore a brace and 4,726 did not; close to an even split. Critical neck injuries were far less common among riders wearing a neck brace. Action Sports EMS graphic. Brace wearers had fewer injuries no matter how the group looked at their data. Some 443 riders not wearing braces had clavicle fractures compared to 291 with braces.
- There were 702 cases of non-critical cervical spine injuries without braces and 109 cases with a brace.
- Of course we have to consider confounding variables.
- For example, brace wearers may be more cautious, less prone to risk taking, and therefore may ride in a more safe fashion you say.
- Seriously? This is amateur motocross.
Not a sport someone takes up because it is safe. So I think we can dispense with that notion. Not all of the findings are as convincing to me. Death from cervical spine injury occurred in four cases without a brace and one with a brace. Hard to draw conclusions from small numbers, so they presented this as a 69 percent increased risk of death, perhaps to make it appear more convincing.
- This particular piece of data also had an important notation.
- The brace wearer had undergone a cervical fusion (after a prior injury) that made his neck rigid and more likely to be injured in a subsequent crash.
- Well, that dashes the notion that brace wearers were more cautious! I would venture that I am on solid footing as a medical professional in recommending that competitive motocross, where there is a high risk of crashing, is a very bad plan for someone who has had a compete (all bones) cervical fusion.
I also question their assertion that pre-hospital care intensity is reduced in brace wearers. That may be true, but it also may reflect care protocol or individual provider bias, even if that latter is subconscious. Seeing a rider crash, and knowing that the rider was not wearing a neck brace, generally leads to spine immobilization. Though some people think a neck brace increases the chances of a collarbone fracture, the EMS team found otherwise. Action Sports EMS graphic. Bias against neck brace use among racers persists, however, and data alone may do little to change opinion. The common “wisdom” Action Sports cites as reasons for not wearing a neck brace needs to be addressed.
How do those myths die a not-so-quiet death? With a celebrated champion who advocates for safety — and device use — and demonstrates success while using the device, of course. On social media. Speaking to all age groups. Because it works for her or him. But not as a marketing ploy as a paid corporate spokesperson selling a device that they do not use.
Where could we find one of those, I wonder On RevZilla alone, neck braces from five different manufacturers are available for purchase in a host of sizes and configurations. Dr. Leatt, a South African physician and motorcyclist, brought his first neck brace to market in 2004.
Some 14 years later, debate, disbelief, and a seemingly entrenched mythology remain. ABS was introduced by BMW in 1988 as an electronic-hydraulic system — 30 years ago — and there remains debate about whether this is a good or bad thing. Kind of like neck braces. Is a neck brace necessary for commuting? Perhaps, depending on where your commute takes you, how spiritedly you approach it, and in what weather.
For competitive motocross? Essential gear, in my opinion, each and every time.
How long should I wear a neck brace?
When to stop wearing your collar – The collar is usually worn for a period of twelve weeks to support your neck and prevent movement around the injury site but this can alter depending on your healing rate and your consultant’s opinion. After your final X-ray you will be advised if your bones have healed sufficiently for you to be able to remove the collar.
The specialist nurse or physiotherapist will discuss this with you and give you further instruction at this point. You will be advised to wean yourself from the collar gradually to prevent sudden strain on your neck and also to help to strengthen your neck muscles slowly to minimise discomfort. You will be given advice for this and we recommend you decrease the time spent in the collar daily over a few days.
You may feel stiff initially in the affected part of the neck when you start to wean the use of your collar. This is normal and will improve as your activity levels increase. Many patients regain the movement in their neck through natural recovery and gentle movement throughout the day.
- Some people require further input and will be referred to physiotherapy to help improve the mobility of the neck.
- This will be decided after your review on the ward.
- Once out of the collar, you should try to maintain a good upright posture.
- The collar will have supported you up until this point and slumping will cause additional strain on your muscles.
Heavy lifting should be avoided and return to activity should be controlled. If you have any specific activities you wish to return to please ask your nurse or physiotherapist for advice.
Can you sleep with a neck band on?
Home care – There are 2 types of cervical collars:
Soft collar. A soft collar is often used for neck pain. You may to wear it all the time or only during certain activities. Rigid collar. This type of collar is used to make sure that the spine doesn’t move. Rigid collars are used after a trauma to prevent spinal cord injury from spine movement. A rigid collar may also be used before or after spine surgery. It helps to prevent movement and to promote healing. Your healthcare team will tell you if and when you can take the collar off, such as during some activities.
General instructions for wearing your collar:
Unless told otherwise, wear the collar whenever you are out of bed. You may take it off for sleep and for bathing. When lying down, support your neck with a small pillow or rolled-up towel under the neck. When adjusting your pillows, try to keep your neck in line with your upper back (neutral position). Pillows shouldn’t be so thick that they bend your head forward. Don’t wear the collar longer than advised by your healthcare provider. This may lead to further stiffness from lack of neck movement.
What is the fastest relief for neck pain?
Hot and cold therapy – Using ice packs or heating pads can help relieve neck pain fast. Ice reduces inflammation, while heat relaxes stiff muscles. For best results, you may alternate the two for about 20 minutes several times a day.
Is it safe to use a neck stretcher?
Over-the-door cervical traction – An over-the-door traction device is for home use. You attach your head and neck to a harness. This is connected to a rope that’s part of a weighted pulley system that goes over a door. This can be done while sitting, leaning back, or lying down.
- Generally, it’s safe to perform cervical traction, but remember that results are different for everyone.
- The treatment should be totally pain-free.
- It’s possible that you can experience side effects such as headache, dizziness, and nausea upon adjusting your body in this manner.
- This may even lead to fainting.
Stop if you experience any of these side effects, and discuss them with your doctor or physical therapist. It’s possible for you to injure your tissue, neck, or spine. You should avoid cervical traction if you have:
rheumatoid arthritis postsurgery hardware such as screws in your neck a recent fracture or injury in the neck area a known tumor in the neck area a bone infection issues or blockages with vertebral or carotid arteries osteoporosis cervical instability spinal hypermobility
It’s important that you follow any safety instructions and recommendations provided by your doctor or by the manufacturer. Make sure you’re performing the movements correctly and using the appropriate amount of weight. Don’t overexert yourself by doing cervical traction for too long.
- Discontinue use if you experience any pain or irritation or if your symptoms get worse.
- There are several exercises that can be done using cervical traction devices.
- Make sure to listen to your body and go to your own edge or threshold in terms of stretching and the duration of your exercises.
- To use an air neck traction device, place it around your neck and adjust the straps as necessary.
Then, pump it up and wear it for about 20–30 minutes. Do this a few times throughout the day. You can wear the device while doing activities where you tend to slouch. To use an over-the-door neck traction device, you’ll usually you’ll start with about 10–20 pounds of pulling force, which can be increased as you gain strength.
Your physical therapist can recommend the right amount of weight for you to use. Pull and hold the weight for 10–20 seconds and then slowly release. Continue this for 15–30 minutes at a time. You can do this a few times throughout the day. A Posture Pump is used while you’re lying down. Do a warm-up before using this device.
Slowly turn the head side-to-side, then forward and backward, and then lean the neck from side-to-side. Do each exercise 10 times. Then, attach the portable device to your head and increase the pressure so it tightens around your forehead. Once it’s pumped, wait 10 seconds before releasing the air.
Do this 15 times. Then inflate the unit and relax in a comfortable position for up to 15 minutes. Make sure you’re not pumping it too much, especially in the beginning. Once you release yourself from the pump, keep your head in line with your spine as you come into a standing position. Repeat the warm-up routine.
You may also wish to incorporate stretching into your daily routine. You can use accessories such as exercise balls or resistance bands. Yoga is another great tool to relieve neck pain, and there are plenty of cervical traction exercises your physical therapist may be able to recommend that don’t require any equipment aside from a bed or table.
Cervical traction may be a safe, wonderfully effective way for you to resolve neck pain. It may provide you with numerous improvements to your body, inspiring you to do it often. Ideally it will be effective in relieving neck pain and enhancing your overall function. Always talk to your doctor or physical therapist before beginning any treatment.
Touch base with them throughout your therapy to discuss your improvements as well as any side effects. They can also help you to set up a treatment plan that addresses exactly what you need to correct.
What happens if you wear a neck brace for too long?
Wearing a brace for too long can make neck stiffness worse and weaken the neck muscles. You can try using heat or ice to see if it helps.
When do you wear a neck collar?
Conclusion – In whiplash patients, most studies suggest that early mobilization and activity is superior to immobilization and soft cervical collar use. However, more recent studies have not found any long-term benefits of early aggressive treatment as compared to immobilization.
Therefore, no definite conclusion can be drawn about the efficacy of cervical collars in this population. Our conclusions are that cervical collars should not be universally recommended to all whiplash patients. However, for patients who find it useful for symptom relief, a soft cervical collar for 10 days or less has not been shown to have any adverse impact.
Rigid cervical collars have a well-established role in the acute management of trauma patients to prevent instability of the cervical spine. They also may play a role in the conservative treatment of certain types of cervical fractures such as nondisplaced axis fractures and C2 body fractures.
- However, since most of the studies done in patients with fractures, were case series and lacked an adequate control group, no specific recommendations can be made in this population.
- Several studies suggest that hard cervical collars may play a role in the conservative management of cervical radiculopathy.
However, sufficient evidence is lacking to advocate its routine usage. Further studies are needed for patients with non-traumatic axial neck pain, and radicular pain with or without trauma to understand the role that cervical collars may play in their management.
Should I sleep with neck brace?
Best Sleeping Position for Neck Pain | Sleep Foundation Pain can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep Medscape Reference Medscape is on online destination for healthcare professionals worldwide, offering expert perspectives, drug and disease information, and professional education.
And neck pain is no exception. Nearly 10% of people UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights.
have neck pain and approximately 70% of people with chronic neck pain experience poor quality sleep. Research shows that certain sleeping positions can trigger neck pain National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.
And contribute to lower sleep quality. Quality sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind, Physical and mental health, immune function, and thinking are all impacted UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes.
UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. by a lack of sleep. To experience the full benefits of sleep, experts recommend that most adults get at least seven hours National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.
Of sleep each night. By sleeping in a supported position, people with neck pain may find relief and get the quality sleep they need. We highlight the best sleeping positions for neck pain, as well as potential causes of nighttime discomfort and tips for getting a better night’s rest. Studies suggest that a majority of adults National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.
sleep on their side. Side sleeping may lower the risk of pain in the spine and neck National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.
- And may provide other benefits like reduced snoring National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.
- And acid reflux.
- National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.
To help prevent stiffness in the neck muscles, should keep their head and neck aligned with the rest of their body. This alignment can prevent excess weight National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.
- From being placed on the neck and causing discomfort.
- To achieve proper alignment, side sleepers can choose pillows that keep the head in a neutral position.
- For some side sleepers, a larger pillow or stack of pillows UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes.
UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. can prevent the head from sinking too far toward the mattress and triggering neck pain. However, side sleepers may want to avoid pillows or stacks of pillows that are too thick. Side sleepers can also modify their current pillows for support. One strategy is to roll up a hand towel and insert it along the long edge of the pillowcase. The shape of a rolled towel can be changed to fit the natural curve of the neck and fill the space between the side of the face and the shoulder.
- After arranging pillows for support, side sleepers can test to see if the combination aligns the head and neck with the rest of the body.
- One way to check for proper alignment is to take a picture of the sleeper lying on their pillows, then determine if their neck is in line or if the pillows need further adjustment.
Back sleeping is the second most common among adults and is often recommended for people with spinal pain. Back sleeping with proper head and neck alignment may help decrease pain in the neck. Back sleepers may find relief from neck pain by adjusting their position with a few pillows.
- A small pillow at the base of the neck can keep the head in a neutral position, while placing a pillow beneath the knees or thighs can keep the muscles along the spine flat and relax muscles in the neck.
- Another consideration for back sleepers is the placement of their hands during sleep.
- Research suggests that certain hand positions can activate muscles in the upper back and neck, causing the body to rotate and move the spine out of proper alignment.
Back sleeping with the hands to the side or on the chest may reduce neck and back pain. Stomach sleeping with the head facing one side is not recommended for relieving neck pain. Sleeping on the stomach may increase weight on the neck and limit recovery from pain.
Compared to side and back sleepers, report the greatest amount of neck pain during the day. Stomach sleepers may be able to train themselves to or side to reduce neck pain. One way to change a habitual sleep position is to place pillows around the body to prevent turning onto the stomach until the new sleep position is established.
Common sleep habits and daytime activities can strain or cause tension in the neck muscles and lead to neck pain.
- Poor support: Insufficient support during sleep can trigger pain in the neck and other areas of the spine.
- Sleep position: Some sleep positions, such as stomach sleeping, can cause neck pain.
- Poor posture: Looking up or down at a computer screen, sitting too long in one position, and carrying heavy bags or purses can all affect the neck and upper back muscles.
- Stress: Tension in the neck can arise from psychological stress. Stress can also slow down recovery from pain.
In addition to adjusting their sleep position for better alignment, sleepers with neck pain can make small changes to their sleep spaces and incorporate new steps into their daytime routines. For some people with neck pain, a firmer mattress can help support the neck during sleep.
Special neck pillows can also provide additional support. Some people with neck pain find relief by applying heat or cold to the painful area before bedtime. Experts recommend using this approach for a maximum of 15 minutes each session. To protect the skin, use a heating pad on a low setting or an ice pack wrapped in a towel.
People should be sure to stay awake Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. when using heat or cold to avoid potential injury. Daytime posture, such as hunching over a desk, can contribute to neck pain and tension.
- Small adjustments, such as sitting up straight with the chin tilted down as little as possible, can help train the body to adopt a more neutral posture.
- Neck stretches and rotations, shoulder rolls, and other gentle exercises can help relieve neck pain and prevent the pain from recurring.
- If possible, these movements can be performed daily.
A physical therapist or other health care provider can recommend targeted exercises to meet an individual’s needs. Meditation and mindful breathing techniques may relieve stress and prevent tension in the neck. Gentle forms of exercise such as yoga and tai chi can also help with relaxation.
Some people may find it helpful to consult a psychologist or other mental health professional who teaches strategies for managing stress and pain. Both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen are often recommended by health care professionals for treating neck pain. However, like all drugs, these medications have risks, so it may help to speak with your doctor about pain-relieving medication.
Your doctor can also help you explore prescription medications if over-the-counter drugs do not provide enough pain relief. A soft brace worn around the neck can relieve pain Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers.
- And keep the neck from moving.
- Neck braces can be worn occasionally while sleeping if the neck pain disrupts sleep.
- However, use of neck braces during the day should be limited to three hours for no more than two weeks to avoid delaying recovery.
- Neck pain is a common problem with possible causes UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes.
UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. In most cases, people with neck pain recover after limited treatment. However, you should inform your health care provider as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms along with neck pain:
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness in the legs
- Unexpected weight loss
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Pain in the arm or jaw
- Neck stiffness and immobility
- Lubit, R.H., & Bonds, C.L. (2019, August 21). Sleep-wake disorders. Medscape.
- Isaac, Z. (2021, November 16). Management of non-radicular neck pain in adults. In S.J. Atlas (Ed.). UpToDate.
- Cary, D., Jacques, A., & Briffa, K. (2021). Examining relationships between sleep posture, waking spinal symptoms and quality of sleep: A cross sectional study. PLoS One, 16(11), e0260582.
- Maski, K. (2021, February 19). Insufficient sleep: Evaluation and management. In T.E. Scammell (Ed.). UpToDate., Retrieved April 20, 2022, from
- Consensus Conference Panel, Watson, N.F., Badr, M.S., Belenky, G., Bliwise, D.L., Buxton, O.M., Buysse, D., Dinges, D.F., Gangwisch, J., Grandner, M.A., Kushida, C., Malhotra, R.K., Martin, J.L., Patel, S.R., Quan, S.F., Tasali, E., Non-Participating Observers, Twery, M., Croft, J.B., Maher, E., Heald, J.L. (2015). Recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult: A joint consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 11(6), 591–592.
- Skarpsno, E.S., Mork, P.J., Nilsen, T.I.L., & Holtermann, A. (2017). Sleep positions and nocturnal body movements based on free-living accelerometer recordings: Association with demographics, lifestyle, and insomnia symptoms. Nature and Science of Sleep, 9, 267–275.
- Cary, D., Briffa, K., & McKenna, L. (2019). Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review. BMJ Open, 9(6), e027633.
- Ravesloot, M.J., van Maanen, J.P., Dun, L., & de Vries, N. (2013). The undervalued potential of positional therapy in position-dependent snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: A review of the literature. Sleep & breathing, 17(1), 39–49.
- Khoury, R.M., Camacho-Lobato, L., Katz, P.O., Mohiuddin, M.A., & Castell, D.O. (1999). Influence of spontaneous sleep positions on nighttime recumbent reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The American journal of gastroenterology, 94(8), 2069–2073.
- Lee, W.H., & Ko, M.S. (2017). Effect of sleep posture on neck muscle activity. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(6), 1021–1024.
- Isaac, Z., & Dec, K.L. (2020, September 3). Patient education: Neck pain (Beyond the basics). In J.G. Elmore (Ed.). UpToDate.
- A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2022, April 1). Neck pain or spasms – self care. MedlinePlus., Retrieved April 20, 2022, from
- Moley, P.J. (2020, November). Neck pain. Merck Manual Consumer Version., Retrieved April 20, 2022, from
- Isaac, Z. & Kelly, H.R. (2021, March 16). Evaluation of the adult patient with neck pain. In S.J. Atlas (Ed.). UpToDate., Retrieved April 20, 2022, from
: Best Sleeping Position for Neck Pain | Sleep Foundation
How do I know what size neck brace I need?
Measure around your neck to determine size and measure from bottom of your earlobe to just above your collar bone to determine height. Choose best size and height. NOTE: This measurement is only a guideline.
Does a neck brace help pinched nerve?
Cervical Radiculopathy Nonsurgical Treatment – Pre-treatment for cervical radiculopathy is always nonsurgical which includes: Soft Cervical Collar – This is a medical device that wraps around the neck. Doctors advise patients to wear a soft to allow the muscles to limit neck movement. This can help decrease the pinching of the nerve roots that accompany the movement of the neck.
- Physical Therapy – Distinct exercises can help relieve pain, strengthen neck muscles, and improve motion.
- Medications – In some cases, medications can help improve your symptoms.
- Oral Corticosteroids – Short-term use of oral corticosteroids may help relieve pain by reducing swelling and inflammation around the nerve.
Steroid Injection – Injecting steroids near the affected nerve will reduce inflammation. do not necessarily relieve the pressure on the nerve caused by a narrow foramen or by a bulging or herniated disk, but they may lessen the swelling and relieve the pain long enough to allow the nerve to recover.
At what point is neck pain serious?
Schedule an office visit – Call your doctor if you have neck pain that:
- Worsens in spite of self-care
- Persists after several weeks of self-care
- Radiates down your arms or legs
- Is accompanied by headache, weakness, numbness or tingling
Can neck pain be psychological?
Neck pain from emotional pain: How often does it happen? – Unfortunately, many people who experience neck pain don’t realize how common it is for their discomfort to be a symptom of emotional stress. According to a study by InformedHealth.org, neck-related chronic pain (or pain that lasts three months or longer) is very frequently associated with emotional stress.
Is it normal to always have neck pain?
Overview – Neck pain is common. Poor posture — whether from leaning over a computer or hunching over a workbench — strains neck muscles. Osteoarthritis also is a common cause of neck pain. Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Seek medical care for neck pain with numbness or loss of strength in the arms or hands or for pain that shoots into a shoulder or down an arm.
What are the side effects of neck band?
The bottom line – A cervical collar is used to support and protect your neck and spinal cord. These types of collars are typically used for the treatment of neck injuries, neck surgeries, and some instances of neck pain. Cervical collars come in soft and hard varieties.
- The soft type of neck collar is often used for moderate neck pain, while the hard collar is typically used for severe neck pain, spinal fractures, and injuries.
- Although a cervical collar may be a useful tool for short-term treatment, research has shown that wearing one for an extended period of time may lead to weakening and stiffening of the neck muscles.
Reference: DMEforLess offers cervical collars and other quality medical equipment, for less, Connect with DMEforLess.com to learn more about health tips and savings at (888) 681-7456.
What is neck banding?
What Are Neck Bands? – As mentioned above, neck bands are lines that run across the front of the neck, either horizontally or vertically. Horizontal neck bands, also known as necklines or necklace lines, run across the front of the neck. They are typically caused by the natural aging process and can become more prominent over time due to the relative lack of fat in the neck area, as well as factors such as weight loss and prolonged sun exposure without UV protection.
- Horizontal neck bands can contribute to the appearance of sagging or in the neck and may result in a loss of contour underneath the jawline.
- Vertical neck bands, on the other hand, refer to two strips of muscle that run vertically down both sides of the neck.
- These bands are caused by contractions of the platysma muscle, which is the most superficial muscle layer in the face and neck.
While neck bands generally become more apparent as a natural part of aging, genetics and lifestyle can play a role as well. Exercise and muscle activity can also contribute to the appearance of neck bands.
What is a neck band?
1 : a usually ornamental band worn about the neck 2 a : the part of a garment that encircles the neck and finishes the neckline the neckband of a sweater b : the band of a shirt to which a collar is sewed or buttoned
Why do I have neck bands?
Common Causes of Platysma Bands And Their Treatment Options Platysma bands are the vertical cords that appear in the neck as one of the first signs of aging. What causes platysma bands is still a topic for research. Some studies suggest that platysma bands are the result of sagging skin and a loss of muscle tone, and so treatment should focus on tightening the skin and muscle.
- Other studies suggest that platysma bands are caused by the muscle, not sagging skin, and so treatment options should focus on denervating the platysma muscle.
- Platysma bands, or vertical bands in the neck, are one of the first signs of aging, especially in female patients.
- Although current theories posit that platysma bands are caused by sagging skin and a loss of muscle tone in the neck, a recent study suggested that platysma bands are actually caused by the muscular activity during the aging process.
In this study, the researchers showed that platysma bands were not secondary to sagging skin as had previously been thought., the researchers concluded that the activity of the platysma muscle causes these bands and saggy skin then follows. When it was thought that platysma bands were caused by a loss of skin laxity and muscle tone, doctors treated them by tightening the skin and muscle.
- With this new data that it is caused by muscle activity and is not due to sagging skin, a new treatment has been suggested.
- The new suggested treatment is to denervate the platysma muscle, or to cut off the nerve, instead of focusing on tightening the skin around the neck.
- Platysma are a thin, broad sheet of muscles, positioned on each side of the neck.
It is divided into two separate and distinct sides, which meet in the center. As these muscles become weaker and separate, the unwanted platysma bands develop. Platysma bands can be a source of anxiety for some patients, so fortunately, there are treatments available, both surgical and nonsurgical.
- · BOTOX is a nonsurgical option that can be used to treat platysma bands.
- Your doctor will apply small amounts of BOTOX in the band to relax the muscle.
- This improves the appearance of the platysma band with minimal downtime, but it is not permanent.
- Patients will need regular BOTOX treatments.
- · A is a surgical method to treat platysma bands.
This procedure involves reconstruction of the platysma muscles. Your surgeon will rejoin the separated sides of the muscles and then tighten the platysma. With more research being done into the causes of platysma bands, treatment options have been able to improve to directly address the causes.