ALS Neck Support

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, where the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. Yet, through it all, for the vast majority of people, their minds remain unaffected. An als neck support can be helpful in improving quality of life.

In response to a request for an ALS neck support, we have been working with Mr. Smith, an ALS patient with progressive weakening of his neck muscles, it has grown increasingly difficult to hold his head up and developed dropped head syndrome.

We donated 2 of our products for his evaluation.

“I have been using your neck support for about three weeks now. I am happy to report that it has been a great experience for me in alleviating my problem of muscle fatigue when using my computer with its head tracking device. The only modification I would recommend would be adding something to the inside of the neck ring that would act as a barrier, to guard against the skin breakdown that will result with prolonged use of the device.”

“I have found that it provides excellent and comfortable support, especially when I am riding in our van. The inflatable cells provide the much needed support against the “bobblehead” effect that I experience while riding in my strapped-in wheelchair. I am not able to use my computer with the new one because I need the flexibility that the other affords me. Other than that one limitation, I find that the new one provides everything I need from a neck support.”

We had donated to a clinic in England a Air Neck Traction for testing with their ALS patients and unfortunately, the results were not very positive. So, it really depends on the circumstances and each individual will be different. The inflatable collars provide an option for use. Obviously, they are not designed as an ALS neck support, however, some will have success, where other will not. It remains an option as an assist and we were pleased they had some benefit.

We hope this can provide some insight into some options. ALS is a very difficult situation to deal with and any help is certainly welcome. We hope you will take the time to visit the ALS Association and we also encourage you to donate what you can to help support those in need and to help find a cure. It really matters. For the caretakers and family members, you all remain an inspiration and are my heroes.

Headmaster Collar

Savant Headrest

Head Support System

Drop Head Band