Cervical collars are firm, comfortable support for the neck. Have you injured your neck in an accident or spent too many long hours with your smartphone or computer, or degeneration of bones is catching up with you in old age. These are the reasons for an aggravating pain in the neck.
What is a Cervical Collar Used For And Their Side Effects?
There are various types of medical supplies, like cervical collars. The specific type you will need depends on the problem and methods to alleviate the pain.
Come and explore the kinds of medical equipment available online and gather interesting information on their benefits. Also, discover the length of time they can be utilized and how you can be accustomed to it while asleep and taking a shower.
Why do you need one?
The right posture is not maintained while working. Due to an injury, the cervical collar piece of medical equipment enhances and rectifies the posture by supporting the neck and spinal column. The collar helps in steadying the neck and firmly supports it while traveling or immobile. The cervical collar supports and aids in quick recovery or guides in slow but steady healing. Thus, it is a great idea to buy medical equipment online and lead a pain-free life.
When is it time to use one?
Whiplash and trauma – if you severely jerked your neck while driving at breakneck speed and suffered traumatic injuries or if you fell awkwardly and injured your neck, the cervical collar can aid in preventing further damage to your neck.
Neck surgery – anyone who has undergone a surgical procedure of the neck and requires support until the neck regains in strength is recommended to use the medical equipment.
Nerve compression – Awkward posture, strain in the neck while sleeping in an awkward position, complaints of nerve compression can use the collar and relieve the pain in the neck.
Cervical spondylosis – Elderly suffering from cervical spondylosis can ease the pain slowly as the collar helps in reducing the pressure on the cervical and reduces pain immensely. A disease caused due to degeneration of bones in the advancing years.
Stiffness in the neck – A wrong sleeping position can irritate and aggravate the neck muscles, forcing the person to use a collar to reduce the strain and relax the muscles along the neck.
A quick look at the variety of medical supplies – Cervical collars
The cervical collar comes in two varieties:
Soft- The softer version is composed of felt, foam, or rubber-like materials. They fit comfortably onto the neck and provide ample support to the injured region. Doctors recommend this treatment for a brief period to alleviate the stress on the neck and spine.
Severe injuries sometimes take longer to heal with soft variety cervical collars
Medical research has claimed that 50 patients suffering from whiplash did not recover as predicted. The softer cervical collars were not successful in reducing neck movement; 17% movement was minimized. The soft version is recommended for slight injuries of the neck.
Hard cervical collars
Cervical collars of the hard version are supplied. It is composed of thermoplastic or plexiglass. They are tough and provide support to the neck firmly. The neck has restricted movement, and the chin support lessens the pressure on the spine and neck muscles providing relief after some time.
The harder cervical collar advised for grievous neck injuries or injuries that take longer to heal, Fractured bones of the neck, and traumatic injuries.
Does prolonged wear of cervical collars affect?
The cervical collar is advised in cases where the recovery of the patient is in a short time. The cervical collar is not advisable for a long duration of time.
Prolonged medical equipment has to lead to neck muscles losing their power and complaints of stiffening muscles. The recovery from the injury that takes a long time needs prolonged use where the little one’s use of the collar may be minimized. Light exercise of the neck can help ease the pain.
Medical doctors and caregivers have discovered an alternative treatment for traumatic injuries and reduced the use of cervical collars related to safety measures like medical supplies.
It has displayed some major concerns while in use reduced supply of oxygen to the brain, increased pressure on the major organ the brain, and erratic increase in blood pressure, which is a matter of deep concern.
How to wear a cervical collar?
The doctor will suggest care while using the medical equipment of the cervical collar. The doctor will share the method of use and warn you against what must not be done.
Some ideal precautionary measures to be followed while using a cervical collar-
- A little exercise helps to strengthen the neck muscles. Avoid sitting for long hours.
- Maintain a good body posture. Avoid slouching and prefer sitting on a straight back chair.
- Avoid carrying or lifting heavy weights and brisk activity. Keep away from muscle strain.
- Wear your collar throughout the day except while having a shower or follow the doctor’s guidance.
- Always make sure the collar is worn and fits correctly to improve and heal the injury quickly. Be careful that the collar does not rub awkwardly against the skin and give rise to unnecessary blisters.
Where is it available?
Cervical collars are available online on many websites. Check out the different varieties using the term medical supplies or medical equipment and avail the offers by buying medical equipment online.