A cervical collar or neck brace is a piece of medical equipment used to support a neck. It also prescribes by emergency for those who have had the traumatic head or neck injuries to treat chronic medical conditions. Cervical collars also therapeutically help to realign the spinal cord and relieve pain, although they are usually not for long periods of time.
Cervical Collar Benefits
Among the most prevailing health issues within the world, one medical condition is neck pain. It’s calculable that concerning 40–60% experience neck pain a minimum of once in their lifespan. Further, one-fourth has reportedly affected once a year. Neck pain is a complicated and subjective experience for musculoskeletal causes. Cervical collar help you the following condition-
Neck pain
Concerning 90% of all neck pain problems are by chronic strain, stress, and acute or repetitive neck injuries. Under the direction of a physical therapist, it may use cervical collars for pain management and gain instant relief. However, if someone has excessive neck pain, it’s well they seek consultations from a health care provider concerning wearing a neck brace with an individual treatment set up and an accurate assessment of neck pain.
Neck or Head Injuries from Trauma
The cervical collar is usually worn when a head or neck injury occurs. It massively helps in an injured person’s cervical area like the spinal cord and skull and additionally prevents the chance of more injury. Cervical support additionally acts as a remedy for decreasing the probabilities of spinal injury, paralysis, or maybe death!
Helps in Early Recovery
Cervical Collars are the simplest bet for the quick recovery from whiplash, traumatic head or neck injury or spinal surgery. A cervical collar quickly releases stress off the wounded part of the body aside from immobilization of the harmed areas. So much so, several physicians advise their patients to wear this device till they’re through with the healing method or treatment.
Whiplash is a traumatic injury within the cervical spine region caused by hyperflexion, hyperextension, or rotation injury. Aside from exercise and physiotherapy for fast the recovery process, a medical practitioner typically advises the utilization of a soft cervical collar with some remedies to treat whiplashes.
Treats Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is another neck related issues which will be effectively treated by wearing a brace. It’s a pathological process that involves nerve root that will be arises from spondylosis, disk rupture or tumor causing the nerve root avulsion. Common symptoms embrace a burning sensation within the neck, tingling, or maybe numbness. As is that the case, tumors, disc rupture, and different physical traumas will culminate nerve harm that’s the root reason behind cervical radiculopathy.
Physicians advise their patients to use cervical collars to successfully treat cervical radiculopathy with due rest and some exercises that provided by a physical therapist.
Cervical Collar Types
There are various types of collars according to the support and indications. Soft collar or standard cervical collar is made from foam covered with stockinet and has a Velcro strap for assistance. It is done for minimal cervical spine injury. They are cut to mould throughout the neck and jaw of the patient, the size of the cervical collar is adjusted to the patient.
These soft cervical collars do not completely immobilize the neck however, they limit motion and are a kinesthetic reminder for the patient to diminish neck movement. Since the collar is below the chin and supports the chin, it lessens muscle contraction needed against the gravity forces to keep the head in a normal position. This soft collar does not absolutely immobilize the neck, it only restricts flexion and extension phase. These soft collars are a close fit around the neck restricts perspiration.
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Philadelphia collar
Philadelphia collar is a two-piece collar. One part is the back part of the neck whereas the other is for the front part and has a Velcro on the left and right sides for easier removal and attachment. The total cervical arch support helps in keeping cervical alignment. It is specially contoured for best stabilization and comfort. It is has a chin rest to make it suitable for the wearer and to provide more immobilization.
A Philadelphia collar is used to prevent head and neck movement later a spinal cord injury. It holds your neck muscles and gives your spinal cord and ligaments time to repair. The collar is constructed of hard plastic, with Velcro straps to hold it closed. The front portion has a chin cup. The back portion is curved and fits upon the lower part of your head.
How to Wear the Philadelphia Collar-
- It is superior to insert on the collar precisely so your spine is lined up properly. Request for help if you cannot wear your collar on by yourself.
- Rest on your back with both portions of the collar in easy reach.
- Particularly slip the back half of the collar below your neck and slide it into position.
- Place the top half of the collar on.
- Tighten the leashes to make sure the collar fits snugly.
Monitor your skin every day. Have someone else examines your skin if you cannot view it well. Your healthcare provider may suggest a gel pad if the collar irritates your skin. Gel pads help minimize the pressure on your skin.
Shower by the collar on. Following your shower, lie down to eliminate the collar. Possess someone cleans your neck and chin by warm water and soap. Soak the soap and dry your skin.
Eternally lie flat if the collar requires to be opened. You or someone else should review your collar before you go out of bed. Do not permit anyone to adjust the collar except they are trained to do it.
Contact a healthcare provider if you have-
- The Philadelphia collar is too tight or too loose.
- You possess back pain.
- You have a headache or neck pain.
- You have a red, painful area of skin under the collar.
Miami-J collar
Miami-J collar is very much comparable to a Philadelphia collar but can have a thoracic extension brace to protect also the thoracic spine, providing more protection to the spine. It also has a front and back part, also having a hole for tracheostomy purposes.
A Miami J collar is used to prevent head and neck movement following a spinal cord injury or surgery. A Miami J collar supports your neck muscles and gives your spinal cord including ligaments time to heal. It may further help your bones in your neck fuse, or move together. The collar is built of hard plastic, with Velcro straps to hold it closed. The front piece becomes a chin cup. The back piece is rounded and fits against the lower part of your head.
How do I wear Miami J Collar?
- It is necessary to put the collar on correctly so your spine is lined up accurately. Ask for an assistant if you cannot put your collar on by yourself.
- Fix the pads against the plastic. Each pad is formed to fit into one part of the collar.
Rest on your back with both pieces of the collar inside easy reach. - Slide the smaller part of the collar against the back of your neck and within the position.
Place the front of the collar against your chest wall. Keep it against your neck. Your chin should rest snugly and be centred in the chin rest. The sides of the front piece of the Miami j collar should be pointed up toward your ears. The sides of the back piece of the collar will overlap the sides of the front. - Apply the straps to attach the pieces. The bands should be tight enough to check your neck from turning from side to side. You can customize the length of the collar with a tiny dial at the back or side of the collar.
Make sure that no plastic is touching your skin.
- Get sure that no plastic is touching your skin.
- Review your skin every day. Have someone else inspect your skin if you are not able to see it properly. Notify your healthcare provider if your skin looks red or has sores.
- Shower including the collar on. Following your shower, lie down to eliminate the collar.
- Have someone wash your neck and chin with warm water and soap. Soak the soap and dry your skin. Do not put powders or lotions on your skin except your healthcare provider maintains it is okay. Replace the collar and secure the straps.
Keep a gauze over your incision as instructed. A bandage may check pressure or irritation from the collar. It may additionally catch drainage from your incision and check the collar from getting wet. Request your healthcare provider what bandages are okay to put over your incision.
Thomas-Type collar’s
Thomas-Type collar’s material is manufactured from vinyl plastic and has several small holes to give ventilation. This type of brace is comparable to the soft collar but provides more rigid support because of its material.
The common cause of pain in the neck is the cervical disc disease. In this condition, the neck starts to feel stiff. Cervical degeneration can occur in old age; However, the most causes of the disease are injury or trauma. As a result, moving the neck becomes extremely painful and in some cases, it can even lead to paralysis.
Cervical disc degeneration occurs in the discs and the cushions which lie amidst the vertebrae. An injured disc can lead to muscle spasms, inflammation, and long-lasting neck pain. In some cases, the degeneration can lead to numbness and pain in your arms because of nerve damage or nerve irritation.
Pain relievers, physical therapy, neck traction, exercises and lastly surgery are advisable for easing the pain in the neck. The cervical collar which is also helpful in managing the pain is the Thomas Type Collar. This type of collar keeps the neck in a rigid position which reduces the pain and helps in managing the pain in a better manner.
Thomas Type Collar which is Economic type that has a two-piece construction which is easier to adjust the height of the collar from three and a half inches to a maximum four and a half inches. The Thomas type collar is translucent, yet a ventilated plastic body which is covered with vinyl padding at the top and bottom edges. The closure of Thomas Type Collar is by overlapping the hook and pile contact which is quite easy to use.
The Thomas Type Collar is very comfortable cervical support which restricts the movement of the neck which then reduces the amount of pain you feel. With the limitations of movement of your head and neck, the healing process of cervical discs speeds up and you will feel better in just a short time.
Aspen collar
Aspen collar is comparable to both Miami-J and Philadelphia types but the padding material applied to the inner surface is a lot breathable than the other types. It also comes with a hole for tracheostomy purposes.
Aspen Collar Provides Motion Restriction
The motion limitation provided by the Aspen Collar has been scientifically assessed. Using fluoroscopy, researchers have documented both the translation and angulation of each vertebral portion through the entire range of motion.
Occipital Support of Aspen Collar
Contracting the Occipital Support Strap™ further customizes the collar by made an adjustable, three-dimensional “shelf” that cradles the back of the head.
Comfortable Pads of Aspen Collar
Aspen collar pads are intended to enhance comfort and combine with skin care protocols. Dense, clickable foam contributes extra cushioning to help defend against skin breakdown. Comfort is further magnified by hypoallergenic, cotton-lined replacement mats that cushion the interface between the “structure” of the collar and the tender skin surface of patients. This consideration to comfort helps promote improved patient compliance.
Skin Care From Aspen Collar
Aspen Cervical Collars is intended to help minimize skin breakdown while providing motion restriction. The architectural elements of the collar have been created to spread support across broad contact surfaces thereby lessening hot-spots that can cause decubitus ulcers.
Custom Support Aspen Collar
Aspen’s unique Cushion Flex Tabs™ enable the collar to conform to each patient as it is compressed for a custom fit.
