Editing Cervical collar (section)

== Other uses ==
Cervical collars are used much less commonly for things outside of cervical injury and precaution. These uses include cervical radiculopathy, sleep apnea, and patients on [[Continuous positive airway pressure|CPAP]] ventilation. Most studies for these conditions are small scale and limited.{{cn|date=November 2023}}

In a 2009 study, it was shown that patients with a confirmed recent diagnosis of [[cervical radiculopathy]] who had a cervical collar applied had greater decrease in pain after 6 weeks compared to patients who did not have one applied. When these patients were followed up after six months, almost all of the subjects had complete or near complete resolution of any pain and/or disability, regardless if they had a cervical collar applied or not.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dmytriv M, Rowland K, Gavagan T, Holub D | title = PT or cervical collar for cervical radiculopathy? | journal = The Journal of Family Practice | volume = 59 | issue = 5 | pages = 269–272 | date = May 2010 | pmid = 20544046 | pmc = 3183940 }}</ref>

[[Sleep apnea]] can be worsened by anterior flexion of the neck or posterior movement of the mandible when sleeping supine. Cervical collars are used to prevent these movements when sleeping in these patients. Small scale studies have failed to show any improvement in oxygenation, snoring, and/or apneic episodes with the use of cervical collars at night. These patients can experience discomfort and feelings of strangulation at night if the collar is not fastened properly.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bordier P, Lataste A, Orazio S, Papin J, Robert F, Bourenane G | title = Soft cervical collar in obstructive sleep apnoea: a pilot study | journal = ERJ Open Research | volume = 7 | issue = 1 | pages = 00431–2020 | date = January 2021 | pmid = 33732743 | pmc = 7950809 | doi = 10.1183/23120541.00431-2020 }}</ref> Despite this, some practitioners still apply cervical collars for sleep apnea.{{cn|date=November 2023}}

Patients on CPAP ventilation can often have suboptimal positioning due to pain, discomfort, or lack of knowledge. Similarly to patients with sleep apnea, patients on CPAP need optimization of their neck position to keep their airway clear of any obstruction. Specifically, posterior movement of the mandible is to be avoided as to not cause the strap of the CPAP to come off. Also, limited head movement while on CPAP is desired to optimize oxygen flow in and out of the device. Cervical soft collars are used to try to achieve both of these goals. In a small study analyzing the use of cervical collars in patients on CPAP ventilation with a history of sleep apnea, a significant benefit was observed.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Prigent A, Grassion L, Guesdon S, Gonzalez-Bermejo J | title = Efficacy of the Addition of a Cervical Collar in the Treatment of Persistent Obstructive Apneas Despite Continuous Positive Airway Pressure | journal = Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine | volume = 13 | issue = 12 | pages = 1473–1476 | date = December 2017 | pmid = 28728616 | pmc = 5695995 | doi = 10.5664/jcsm.6852 }}</ref>