When your doctor advises cervical collar and what are the benefits?

Introduction

Cervical collars, commonly referred to as neck braces, play a vital role in supporting the neck and spinal cord, especially during recovery from injuries or surgeries. These medical devices, including soft collars, hard collar neck braces, and specialized cervical orthoses, help immobilize the neck and limit its movement to prevent further damage.

When prescribed by a doctor, cervical collars can aid in the healing process, alleviate neck pain, and offer relief from conditions like cervical spondylosis and cervical radiculopathy. If you are experiencing neck pain or recovering from an injury, the Best Neck Pain Specialist in Bangalore, Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah, can guide you on the right type of cervical collar and its usage for effective recovery.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the purposes of cervical collars, their types, benefits, and essential tips for their proper use.

Neurowellness, No.1 Neck Pain Treatment Clinic in Bangalore aids in the healing and treatment of cervical collar injuries.

When your doctor advises cervical collar?

A cervical collar is often recommended to provide neck stabilization and support the spinal cord. It limits head and neck movements, reducing strain on affected areas. Doctors typically advise the use of a cervical collar for short-term recovery from injuries, surgeries, or chronic pain.

The following are some conditions that may necessitate the use of a cervical collar, or your doctor may recommend a cervical collar:

• Trauma and Whiplash: After car accidents or falls, a cervical collar protects the neck and prevents further injury. It stabilizes the spinal area, aiding recovery from trauma or whiplash.
• Post-Neck Surgery: Patients recovering from neck surgery often use rigid cervical collars to restrict side-to-side and back-and-forth movements, reducing the risk of complications.
• Nerve Compression: Cervical collars can temporarily relieve nerve compression in the neck, minimizing pain and discomfort.
• Cervical Spondylosis: This age-related condition causes wear and tear in the neck’s cartilage and bones. A cervical collar provides temporary relief by reducing strain on the neck.
• General Neck Pain and Stiffness: For patients with severe neck strain, a cervical collar can ease muscle tension and provide immediate support.
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Doctors are reconsidering the use of cervical collars for long-term therapy.

When a patient wears a collar for an extended period of time, muscle deterioration increases. Furthermore, doctors believe that in many patients who use a collar, pain relief may be due to the collar’s psychological support as well as its physical support. After a whiplash-type injury, a collar should not be worn for more than 10 days. However, you may require assistance for an extended period of time following surgery or a traumatic injury.

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Types of cervical collars:

• Cervical collars come in different styles tailored to specific needs. Choosing the right type depends on the nature of the condition and the doctor’s recommendation.

  Soft Collar:

Soft collars are made of foam rubber, polyethylene, or inflatable materials, offering mild neck support. They allow some forward and backward movement while restricting side-to-side motion. Soft collars are often prescribed for minor neck injuries or temporary pain relief.

Rigid Collar:

Rigid collars are made with a hard plastic shell and a foam or vinyl core. These collars provide maximum restriction, immobilizing the neck to prevent any movement. They are essential for post-surgery recovery or severe injuries requiring high-level support.

Pediatric Cervical Collar:

Designed specifically for children, these collars provide the same support and immobilization as adult collars but are customized for smaller necks and sensitive skin.

Sport Collar:

A subset of rigid collars, these are used in high-impact activities like motorsports. They protect the neck from sudden movements or collisions during sports such as motocross or racing.

Cervical Orthosis and Neck Support Belt:

These advanced devices offer comprehensive neck and spinal support. Often used in long-term care, they combine stability with comfort for patients with chronic neck conditions.

Benefits of a cervical collar:

• Neck Pain Relief

Cervical collars can be used for pain management and immediate relief under the supervision of a trained doctor. If a person is experiencing severe neck pain, it is best to consult a doctor about wearing a neck brace in order to be prescribed an individual treatment plan and receive an accurate assessment of neck pain.

• Neck or head trauma

Following a severe head or neck injury, a neck brace or cervical collar is usually worn. It greatly aids in the stabilisation of an injured person’s cervical area, including the spinal cord and skull, as well as the prevention of further injury.

• Recovery

Cervical Collars are your best bet for a quick recovery after a whiplash injury, traumatic head or neck injury, or spinal surgery. A cervical collar relieves stress from the injured area of the body while also immobilising it.

• Cervical Radiculopathy is treated

Another dreadful disease that can be effectively treated by wearing a neck brace is cervical radiculopathy. It is a pathological process that involves the nerve root and is caused by spondylosis, disc herniation, or tumour, resulting in nerve root avulsion.

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Tips to wear a cervical collar:

Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah known as the Neck Pain Specialist in Bangalore has shared few tips to wear a cervical collar:

• Instead of excessive resting or sitting, move. Walking, for example, can help keep your neck muscles from stiffening up. Muscle tension may delay your recovery.
• Maintain proper posture. Avoid slouching or hunching over. Maintain a straight back, shoulders back, and a straight head with your ears over your shoulders.
• Avoid soft, low-slung chairs. This can have an impact on your posture and put additional strain on your neck.
• Lifting or carrying anything heavy should be avoided. Avoid strenuous activity as well, such as running or other high-impact movement.
• Except when cleaning it or as directed by your healthcare provider, keep your collar on at all times.
• Make sure your collar is snug but comfortable. If the collar does not fit snugly enough, it will most likely not provide the necessary support, which could result in additional pain or injury. If it’s too big, it might rub against your skin, causing irritation or blisters.
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Summary:

A cervical collar supports and protects the neck and spinal cord. These collars are typically used to treat neck injuries, neck surgeries, and some cases of neck pain.  If you are facing any such problems (neck or spine related), visit NeuroWellness spine and brain care centre, we will provide you with the best advice for your health since our main motive is “you should be healthy”.

We hope this blog might be helpful to you! For additional subtleties kindly contact Neurowellness – The Best Neck Pain Specialist in Bangalore and Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah known as renowned Back Pain Specialist in Bangalore.

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