A cervical collar is a medical device used to support and immobilize the head and neck during medical treatment. It is recommended for people that have sustained an injury, have undergone surgery involving the neck or for spinal diseases or fractures of the cervical vertebrae, since these conditions may require complete immobilization of the neck region in order to prevent further damage from movement. It can also reduce pain by restraining movement and help stabilize the patient’s physical position. Cervical collars are often advised by healthcare professionals following certain forms of stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spasticity conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy (CP) as well as after neurological conditions like Bell’s Palsy which require proper positioning while sleeping. Cervical collars are most often used when other treatments such as physical therapy, medications or surgery have been tried first with little relief. In some cases cervical collars can also be used to prevent further harm to a person if they suffer a seizure or fall suddenly due to muscle weakness.
Introduction to cervical collars
A cervical collar is a device used to provide discreet support and immobilization of the neck. It is often recommended for people suffering from conditions such as whiplash or neck sprains or strains, particularly after an injury or surgery. When used for therapeutic purposes, a cervical collar can help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and improve healing times.
Cervical collars vary in design from soft, foam-padded collars to hard rigid ones made with thermoplastic materials like polyethylene. They also come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate both adults and children. They can be used either by wearing them continuously throughout the day or only when needed during activities that may https://www.serestocollars.net/product/flea-tick-collar-8-month-prevention-for-small-dogs-2-pack-by-seresto/ otherwise cause pain or discomfort.
Before using a cervical collar, it’s important to seek advice from your doctor so that you get the right size and type of collar tailored to your specific needs. This will ensure maximum effectiveness and comfort while using the device.
When is it necessary?
Cervical collars are a simple, noninvasive treatment option to help relieve neck pain or stiffness. In most cases, they can act as an effective form of medical care when worn properly, especially if you suffer from chronic neck pain.
However, not every case of neck pain requires the use of a cervical collar. It’s always best to consult with your physician first, so they can better evaluate your condition and determine if one is necessary. In some cases, a cervical collar may be necessary to provide additional support for the area or help reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area.
In general, it is advised to use a cervical collar for short periods of time only when absolutely necessary, such as after an injury or surgery (or even during recovery from both). It should never be used for long-term wear or for more than six weeks at a time without consulting with your doctor.
Different types of cervical collars available
Cervical collars come in a variety of styles and applications. Depending on your condition and the size of your neck, there are many different types to choose from that provide varying degrees in support and comfort.
One type is the rigid cervical collar, which provides extra stability for patients whose necks require additional stabilization due to their angle or degree of pain. It is commonly used after surgery or in cases of severe neck trauma. This type is also very helpful in promoting healing as it requires less movement than soft neck collars would provide.
Then you have soft foam cervical collars, which provide improved levels of comfort but with less rigidity than rigid collars. Soft foam collars offer more customization for adjustable sizing and often come with removable covers for personalized comfort levels. These are ideal for low-impact activities like sitting at a desk or typing on a computer, offering necessary protection without getting in the way of those everyday tasks.
Finally, contoured foam collar pads can provide extra support while flexing to fit the shape of your neck better than traditional foam designs could accommodate. Contoured design gives cushioning without compromising stabilization, so they’re great choices when there’s a need to tie up loose ends on compromised areas around patient’s necks and shoulders!
The right fit for you
Getting the right fit for your cervical collar is an important step in making sure that you get the most out of this potentially useful device. The primary measure you’ll want to take when ensuring you have the proper fit is to make sure that your chin fits snuggly into the back & front edges of the cervical collar. If it’s too big, it won’t provide enough support, while if it’s too small, there may be pressure points on neck.
Once you’ve confirmed a good fit, another key component of selecting a cervical collar is making sure it offers adequate suspension & cushioning under your head & neck. This prevents any undesired movement from occurring and relieves any tension or pressure in those areas. Cushioning will also ensure that the pressure is distributed evenly throughout your neck with no pain points.
Benefits of cervical collars
Cervical collars are often advised to alleviate neck pain or other symptoms in the neck, shoulders and upper back. They provide support and help reduce the motion of the cervical spine while you heal from an injury, sprain, strain or cervical disc herniation.
The main benefit of wearing a cervical collar is that it helps to maintain proper alignment of the spine while you recover from a neck condition. It helps keep your head upright and restricts movement that could cause further damage to the neck muscles and spine. By helping to minimize motions like turning and tilting your head, it can help to decrease inflammation associated with manual therapy such as massage therapy or physical therapy stretches.
Moreover, since the collar keeps your spine in a neutral position, it can help reduce pain by reducing pressure on areas where sensation is impaired. In some cases, a cervical collar may be used for 3-6 weeks to allow time for healing and rest before undertaking activities that may cause more discomfort in the area. Not only does this provide relief for immediate pain relief after an injury but it also helps prevent further depreciation of tissue around injured areas due to movements from inadequate postural control which can sometimes lead to long term issues.