A neck brace ( or support) is an orthopedic device used to immobilize your head in order to relieve neck pain and promote healing of injured neck muscles, tendons and other structures.
In the US & Canada, probably the most frequent need for a neck support is after neck injuries received in a road accident. There are more than a million car accidents each year in North America that require treatment for whiplash. In many of these cases, a neck brace will be part of the treatment. Neck braces are also known sometimes as cervical collars or neck collars.
According to a 2008 publication of the National Institutes of Health, “neck pain is one of the most prevalent and costly health problems in the United States”. The same publication also reports that between 50% and 70% of US residents will experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Up to one third of them experience it each year and one in ten is experiencing it at any one time.
Neck braces come in two forms – hard or rigid collars and soft collars. Soft cervical collars are usually made from felt, rubber or foam. In certain situations, a healthcare professional may prescribe a soft cervical collar for temporary relief of moderate neck pain. However, their effectiveness in managing more serious neck injuries is extremely limited.
Hard neck collars are usually made of more rigid materials such as hard plastic or plexiglass. These collars impose more significant restrictions on head motion such as side to side movements or rotation. Many rigid braces are also equipped with a chin support to take further pressure off the neck muscles. Healthcare professionals sometimes prescribe these braces for treatment of spinal fractures, head or neck trauma or severe neck pain.
A neck brace’s primary function is to relieve pain. It helps injured soft tissues of the neck support the weight of the head. This gives those tissues a chance to heal.
Neck braces also have a post operative role. After you have undergone spinal neck surgery, they can keep your neck bones properly aligned during the healing process.
In addition to the above uses, a neck support can be used as a precautionary measure while your doctor evaluates what type of injuries you have experienced and how serious they may be.
Although it is widely accepted that neck braces can be effective if used temporarily to relieve pain, many medical professionals are cautious about using them for an extended period of time. Research has shown that their long term use can lead to atrophy (weakening) of the neck muscles. Other concerns relate to possible breathing obstruction, pressure on the brain and increased blood pressure due to the pressure of a neck brace on the jugular artery.
To reduce the possible impact of these problems, we would advise taking the above precautions while wearing a neck brace:
Some questions you may have as you go about choosing your neck brace include:
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The LP Cervical Collar uses a hook and loop design for optimal user comfort and restricts head/neck movement to aid recovery from neck strains, and wry neck. Its polyester/nylon mix makes it the ideal solution for those with neoprene allergies.
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The Perfit Ace Collar is the ideal accessory for cervical spine immobilization and is also CT and MRI scan compatible.