A cervical collar (also neck brace) is an orthopedic piece of medical equipment used to support the cervical portion of a patient's spinal cord, and their head. It is also used by emergency medical services personnel for victims of traumatic head or neck injuries, [1] and can be used to treat chronic medical conditions.
Whenever patients have a traumatic head or neck injury, there is a danger of spinal cord injury, which could lead to paralysis or death. In order to prevent this, patients may have a collar placed by medical professionals.[2] The cervical collar only stabilizes the top 7 vertebrae, C1 through C7. Other immobilizing devices such as a Kendrick Extrication Device, or a backboard must be used in order to stabilize the remainder of the spinal column.[3] Additional testing such as X-rays will later determine if a cervical spine fracture exists. A common scenario for this injury would be a patient suspected of having whiplash due to a car accident.[4]
A cervical collar can also be therapeutic. It can help realign one's spinal cord and relieve pain,[5] though it is usually not worn for long periods of time.[6] Another use of the cervical collar is for strains, sprains or whiplash.[4][2] If pain is persistent, the collar might be required to remain attached to help in the healing process.[2][5] A patient might also need a cervical collar, or may require a halo to support their neck during recovery after surgeries such as cervical spinal fusion.[7]
References
- ^ Mistovich, Joseph J.; Brent Q. Hafen, Keith J Karren (2000) (in English). Brady Prehospital Emergency Care (6 ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. pp. 662. ISBN 0-8359-6064-1.
- ^ a b c "Neck Strains". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/neck-strain. Retrieved 2008-03-07.
- ^ Mistovich, Joseph J.; Brent Q. Hafen, Keith J Karren (2000) (in English). Brady Prehospital Emergency Care (6 ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. pp. 662. ISBN 0-8359-6064-1.
- ^ a b "Whiplash". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/whiplash. Retrieved 2008-03-07.
- ^ a b "Cervical Disc Disease Treatment: Physical Therapy and Other Options". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/physical-therapy-other-options. Retrieved 2008-03-07.
- ^ "Office Ergonomics - Other Treatment for Injuries Related to the Workstation". WebMD. http://women.webmd.com/tc/office-ergonomics-other-treatment-for-injuries-related-to-the-workstation. Retrieved 2008-03-07.
- ^ "Cervical spinal fusion". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cervical-spinal-fusion. Retrieved 2008-03-07.
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