The soft cervical collar is constructed of foam rubber and covered with a stockinette material. Normally, the closure is achieved with Velcro. Depending on the patient’s pathology and body structure, physician and/or orthotist will determine the proper height of the collar. When worn, the soft cervical collar is a reminder to keep in head and neck in a restricted position. It is the mildest design of cervical immobilization. Cervical collars are applied to blunt trauma patients all the time. And most of the time, the neck is fine. It’s just those few patients that have fracture or ligamentous injury that really need it.

The Cervical Collar provides firm, comfortable support which helps to relieve neck discomfort while providing extra support. Cervical Collar has a convenient hook and loop closure which allows the unit to be adjusted for a proper fit. The Cervical Collar is constructed of soft, porous cotton cover for comfort which is over polyfoam for the best support. Cervical collars are an orthotic device used primarily in the treatment of neck injuries and strains. The most common use of cervical collars is during recovery after surgery on the cervical spine. They are also used in whiplash injuries and conditions like Cervical Radiculopathy, which is caused by the nerves in the neck compressing due to herniated disks in the spinal cord. The main function of the cervical collar is to immobilize the neck and hold it in a gravity-neutral position 

Cervical Collar Hard Adjustable is used for supporting, immobilizing or adjusting the neck in the flexion, extension, or hyperextension position. Recommended where a rigid immobilization of the cervical region is required.

Anatomical shape.

Comfortable edge padding.

Adjustable height.

Slight weight.

Latex free.

The soft cervical collar is not designed to completely restrict motion. It depends on providing resistance to movement, which tells the patient to restrict their movements. The soft collar is made of felt. Felt collars generally have no room for ventilation, which makes them slightly uncomfortable to use.

Duration of Use: The maximum recommended time for using a cervical collar is one week. After the week lapses, the collar should be used less frequently. Using the collar for more than a week could cause problems like tissue contracture, muscular atrophy and patients could lose co-ordination.

Cervical Collar With Chin Applications

• Management of Cerebral Palsy patients.
• Cervical Spondylitis.
• Cervical disc disease.
• Cervical neuralgia.
• Fractures of cervical spine.
• Torticolles.
• Treatment of whip lash injuries.
• Post traction stabilisation.

Here are the factoids:

• There were no significant differences in rotation (2 degrees) and lateral bending (3 degrees) when applying either collar type or removing them (both about 1 degree)
• There was a significant difference (of 0.8 degrees) in flexion/extension between the two types (2-piece flexed more). Really? 0.8 degrees?
• Movement was similarly small and not significantly different in either collar when removing them

Prevent neck pain or injury:

Limit activity: This may help decrease the pain and swelling. Ask primary healthcare provider when it can return to the normal daily activities.

Support the neck while sleep: It may need to sleep without a pillow if sleep with the collar on. Make sure pillow is comfortable and supports the head and neck if sleep without a collar. It may need a special neck pillow. It may be more comfortable on a firm mattress.

Support the neck and back if sit most of the day: Keep computer monitor at eye level. Place documents are reading into a holder at eye level. Use a headset when talk on the telephone.

Article Posted By : wheelchairindia  On April 02, 2016lView All Articles

Article Source :

http://www.veethi.com/articles/is-applying-or-removing-a-cervical-collar-dangerous-article-3706.htm

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