Cervical collar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A cervical collar (also neck brace) is an orthopedic piece of medical equipment used to support a patient's spinal cord and head. A cervical collar can help realign one's spinal cord and relieve pain,[1] although it should only be worn for as long as the doctor states, since collars are usually not worn for long periods of time.[2] After cervical spinal fusion, which can include joining metal plates or removing spinal disc from the vertebrae, a patient might need a cervical collar to support their neck during recovery.[3]
Another use of the cervical collar is for strains or sprains. When a patient might have a neck injury and require examination, they will be carried off in an ambulance with a collar attached.[4] If pain is persistent, the collar might be required to remain attached to help in the healing process.[4][1] If a patient needs to have X-rays taken of their head or neck, then the collar will remain in place until healing is done, such as in the cases of whiplash due to a car accident.[5]
Collars are sized for persons of all ages and size, and they vary in color. They also can be hard or soft, although even hard ones will be layered with foam to provide comfort during healing, while soft ones are to benefit one in pain. Hospital ambulances usually always carry an array of collars.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Cervical Disc Disease Treatment: Physical Therapy and Other Options. WebMD. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ Office Ergonomics - Other Treatment for Injuries Related to the Workstation. WebMD. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ Cervical spinal fusion. WebMD. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ a b Neck Strains. WebMD. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ Whiplash. WebMD. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
