Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by 99 on December 26, 2009 at 1:31pm

do not go without your mask to long
last august i was not well and went without my mask and had to build up my usage
until i loved my mask again

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on December 26, 2009 at 6:40pm

Exactly what type of pain are you having? Is it in the neck area? Back of you neck? Side of your neck?

Have you tried BenGay or something similar?

If it was due to your sleeping wrong, such as in an awkard position, you may have something out in your neck and a trip to have it put back in would help probably.

Try to use your machine since you are not getting restful sleep without it.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mack D Jones, MD, SAAN on December 26, 2009 at 9:52pm

Kay,
99 and sleepycarol are absolutely correct in telling you to use your mask every night. It is possible that doing without your mask could make your neck pain worse. Repeated drops in blood O2 levels are not likely to help no matter what the cause of your neck pain. Meanwhile, your brain, heart and the rest of your body will thank you for the oxygen, not to mention your sympathetic nervous system and your need for uninterrupted sleep.

It is not possible to diagnose your neck pain with any degree of accuracy here on this site. You could have a simple "crick" in your neck from lying in an awkward position like I have had from time to time. Some local heat, massage, using a cervical pillow and a little time will usually take care of it.

If it persists, however, you should see your PCP and have it checked out. I do not recommend having anyone twist or pop your neck like some chiropractors have been known to do. I have seen patients who have had stokes, herniated discs and quadraparesis from such maneuvers.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion