Cervical collar

Cervical collar often referred to as C-collar or Neck brace is an orthopedic aid designed to help the patient suffering from cervical or spine related injuries or pain in relieving pain and help in the recovery process. It supports the neck, head and a portion of the spine and reduces the gravitational load or weight on the vertebral column providing the much needed rest assisting the recovery. The cervical collar has several form factors and designs meant for supporting different parts of the head and neck depending on the requirements as estimated by the orthopedic team based on the individual patient's condition. Some of the most commonly used designs are:

• Cervical collar rigid small to support the chin and sides of the jaws; meant for short term uses during recovery.
• Soft collar meant to give all round support to the head and part of the weight of the head is transferred directly to the shoulder area. Made from flexible laminated foam materials and comfortable to wear. Meant for use for longer durations
• C-collar soft with side supports for short intervals of time. Partially restricts head movements sideways.
• Special customized designs such as Philadelphia collar, C-collar hard with adjustable braces etc for specific applications.

Some of the design considerations in all of the above are minimal discomfort to the user, elimination of incidence of rubbing against hard materials by providing suitable padding, ease of removal, fixation and amenability to adjustments as deemed necessary during its sustained usage.

Irrespective of the individual design or form all cervical collars are designed to relieve the patient of weight of the head and neck wholly being supported by the cervical vertebrae segments and restriction of movement to assist in forced rest aiding the recovery of tissues. Use of the C-collar is resorted to in treatment of head traumas, injuries to neck and certain chronic medical conditions affecting the cervical region. It also helps in re-alignment of spinal cord relieving severe pain especially with movement of the head. These devices are used by paramedics as a preventive measure while transporting victims of neck or head injuries to ER for proper medical/surgical care. This ensures that the condition is not worsened due to movements and road shocks. Whiplash injuries to the neck due to automobile accidents, mishaps in high risk sports such as motorcycle racing, motocross, roller skating, snowboarding, skating, speed boats etc. often require use of cervical collar.

Use of cervical collar ensures that the weight is partially taken by the supporting collar relieving load off the vertebral column and pressure on the spine. It also partially or in case of bed ridden patients wholly restricts movement ensuring rest to the tissues in neck and shoulders assisting in the healing process. Use of the collar also helps in stabilizing the neck area after corrective surgery to the head or neck or following realignment of spine. Durations of use of the collar daily and intervals between its use and total number of days of usage etc are determined by the condition of the patient. Instructions for the use as decided by the orthopedic team and physiotherapist are to be followed meticulously. Self-medication is a tendency and should be avoided in this case. Prolonged use has the associated risk of atrophy related secondary problems, due to continual inactivity by the tissues.