How Do I Choose the Best Cervical Brace?

Cervical support is an auxiliary treatment instrument for cervical spondylosis, which can play a role in braking and protecting the cervical spine, reducing nerve wear, reducing traumatic reactions of intervertebral joints, and is conducive to the resolution and consolidation of tissue edema and prevent recurrence. Cervical support can be used for all types of cervical spondylosis, especially for patients with acute attack, cervical disc herniation, sympathetic nerve type and vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis.

Chinese name: Cervical collar
Foreign name: Orthosis Cervical

Definition: Cervical Spondylopathy Assistant Therapy Apparatus
Indication: Cervical spondylosis
Effect: Tissue edema subsides and solidifies to prevent recurrence

Cervical collar classification

The cervical collar is commonly called the neck collar as an auxiliary treatment device for cervical spondylosis, which belongs to a type of medical external fixation brace, which is mainly used for cervical fracture fixation and dislocation reduction ^[1] . There are three common cervical collars:

1. Cervical collar 1. soft cervical collar

The soft neck support is made of felt or similar material. The front of the neck support is short, the size of the cushion is suitable for the shape of the lower jaw, and it "supports" the cheeks, so that the head-condylar-neck is in a slightly flexed position, the rear is higher, reaching the pillow, and can be used as a reminder when touching. , Prevent the head from leaning back, and avoid overstretching the neck.

2. Cervical collar 2. Inflatable cervical collar

The inflatable neck brace is made of soft plastic and is worn on the neck when inflated. The other is made of rubber, like a spring, which is first worn on the neck and then inflated. The amount of inflation can be determined according to each person's neck size, use and condition. This kind of neck support is more practical, because the size and contour of the neck of any two people are different. Unless you make a specific neck support according to each person's situation, you can't fix the neck in the ideal posture and achieve the expected result. Function, this neck support compensates for this deficiency, as shown in the figure.

Inflatable neck brace

3. Cervical collar 3. hard cervical collar

The hard neck support is made of hard plastic, and some have a metal support or adjuster, which has a larger fixing and limiting effect. It is mostly used for the acute and serious injury of the neck, such as the fixation of cervical spine fractures and dislocations, as shown in the figure.

Hard neck brace

The choice of cervical collar

Different patients need to wear different types of cervical collars. The following data should be measured:

1. Neck height: The vertical distance from the angle of the mandible to the supraclavicular fossa. This measurement should be consistent with the height of the cervical collar. If the patient's measurements are between two consecutive models, try the smaller model first.

2. Neck circumference: The maximum circumference of the neck. This measured length should be consistent with the neck circumference.

Indication for cervical collar

Fracture and dislocation of cervical spine

2. After cervical traction and before and after cervical surgery

3. cervical disc herniation

Cervical spondylosis

How to wear neck support

Taking the hard neck brace as an example, the wearing steps are as follows:

1. After selecting a suitable neck support, place the back of the neck support behind the patient's neck so that the neck support is centered.

2. Place the patient's jaw securely in the groove on the front of the cervical collar. The neck support presses against the back to ensure effective fixation and comfort.

3. Adjust from both sides with Velcro to fasten the neck support without affecting the patient's normal breathing.

How to wear a cervical collar

Cervical support

1. Restrict cervical spine activity, reduce repeated friction and bad stimulation on the compressed spinal cord and nerve roots, and help the edema and inflammation of the spinal cord, nerve roots, joint capsules, muscles and other tissues to resolve.

2. Increase the intervertebral space and intervertebral foramen, reduce or even relieve the stimulation and compression of nerve roots.

3. Relieve muscle spasms, restore the balance of the cervical spine, reduce the internal pressure of the intervertebral disc, and cushion the pressure of the disc around.

4. Retract the facet joint space, release the synovial incarceration, and restore the normal sequence and relationship between the cervical spine.

5. Straighten the vertebral artery twisted between the transverse process holes and improve blood oxygen supply to the vertebral artery.

6. The cervical spinal canal is elongated, the spinal cord is stretched, the ligament folds are flattened, and the spinal canal volume is relatively increased ^[2] .

Cervical collar precautions

1. Clean the neck skin and change the pad 1-2 times a day.

2. Neck care: Use a soft brush dipped in warm or cold water and detergent to clean the neck support, wipe it with a towel, and dry in a cool place. Do not use a hair dryer or dry in the hot sun to avoid deformation.

3. Continue to wear a cervical collar for 3 months after discharge, avoid strenuous exercise of the neck, continue to exercise limb functions, and stop doing some activities of excessive cervical spine.

4. The cervical collar can be worn during the day and removed at rest. Long-term application of the neck support will cause atrophy of the neck and back muscles and joint stiffness, so the wearing time should not be too long. After the symptoms gradually reduce, it should be removed in time to strengthen muscle exercise.

5. Before stopping using the cervical collar, you must go to the hospital for a review before deciding to stop using it. ^[2]