A cervical collar, also known as a neck brace, is a medical device intended to support and protect the neck . It keeps the neck in a neutral position and thus: Decreases neck and head mobility; Reduces the load on the cervical vertebrae and other structures; Promotes muscle relaxation. It may be necessary to use a neck brace in several situations, like after: A surgery Fractures and injuries Road accidents are a common cause of neck injuries, the so-called whiplash effect, in which the neck undergoes a sudden and rapid back-and-forth movement. To relieve neck pain or cervicalgia, which can have several causes: Nerve compression in the neck; Bone and cartilage wear and tear with advancing age, causing excessive curvature of the neck or cervical spondylosis; Neck stiffness due to muscle tension, stress, poor posture, among others. Cervical collars should only be used following medical advice and always in accordance with all instructions given. Types of neck braces There are three main types of neck braces, which differ in the levels of protection and mobility restriction they allow. Soft; Semi-rigid; Rigid. The more they are, the greater the protection and restriction of movement. The choice of a neck brace is made by the doctor and depends on the type of injury or cause of pain and the particularities of each patient. Soft cervical collars are: Made of foam or rubber, lined with soft fabric and have a Velcro closure. Placed so that they are adjusted to the neck under the lower jaw. Best used to alleviate temporary pain problems and during short periods. Semi-rigid cervical collars are: Made of foam or rubber, reinforced with a plastic structure; May or may not have support for the chin. Rigid cervical collars: Are generally made of plastic materials and foam in the contact areas; Usually include a chin support and may even include a chest support; Greatly limit extension and rotation movements of the head and neck; Are generally used after surgery or in the case of a serious injury. General precautions when using a cervical collar When the use of a neck brace is indicated, the teaching on its use is usually carried out by the doctor and other health professionals: How to place, adjust and remove it; When to use it, for example always, only during the day, short periods during the day; Predictable period to use; Allowed and not allowed positions. Need to move and types of movements you can and/or should make; Monitoring and maintenance of care of the skin under the collar. Furthermore, each cervical collar may come with its own instructions for use , particularly for cleaning. These are general precautions: Maintain correct posture; Do not carry heavy weights; Do not hold children on your lap; Do not drive; Avoid tiring and impactful movements; Ask for help whenever necessary to take off and put on the collar, to clean it and to monitor the condition of the skin. Seek medical care If you are advised to use a cervical collar, especially following surgery or trauma, be sure to seek medical care if you notice: Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs; Difficulty breathing, speaking, eating or drinking; Inability to maintain neck immobilization; Irritation or damage of the skin under the collar that does not resolve. Autor: Maia Gonçalves Meet the orthopedics clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
