Pneumatic cervical collar

Anyone using a cervical collar?  My neurologist suggested I get one to relieve some of the pressure and pain on my neck.  I'm in alot of pain!  No meds are helping.  I finally got a doctor to admit that my symptomology is coming from CHIARI!  Just happened this past Friday.  He's convinced.  It only took 10 months.  My neck hurts all the time and is very stiff.  Fatigue is incredible.  I have the occipital headaches every day.  I had an EMG on my face in March and I do have Bells Palsy with sensory neuropathy.  My left side of my face is always numb.  Temple still numb and hurting & eye and mouth still drooping.  The neurologist is telling me that the numbness is coming from the Chiari.  The compression on my spine is the culprit.  Chiari surgery is inevitable.  Searching for a 2nd opinion.  I have a Chiari specialist at NYU, but want to seek out another opinion. NYU rec. the decompression surgery.  Just want to make a responsible decision.  Hope all is doing well with my fellow Chiari friends. XO  

[selmaS]

HI, I had a collar yrs b4 I ever got a dx and it did not help, in fact it made mine feel worse and now that I know there is an issue with my odontoid that could explain some of the reason as to y this made me feel worse.I also was told I had cranial instability and u would think this would be a benefit....my big fluffy pillow works better for me for long car rides as the collar  just did not help.

  DO u have a 2nd NS to visit?...TCI is right up there in Great Neck.....

  Let us know how the collar works for u...as we r all diff, u may have better success then I did : )

  "selma"

[trebmal2]

Thanks for your feedback.  I'm going to try it.  Can't hurt to try.  Need something to try and relieve this pressure!!  I'll let you know how it works.  :)