Neck Collar Soft

Neck pain is one of the most prevalent and costly health problems in the United States. Among US residents, 50–70% will experience neck pain at least once in their lives, as many as one-third are affected each year, and about 10% suffer from neck pain at any given time.
Soft cervical collars are the least restrictive, allowing the closest to normal range of motion. As many as 76% of patients report reduced pain with their use. Although the collar may be of symptomatic benefit, there is no evidence on long-term outcome. Many physicians cite anecdotal evidence of their clinical utility and soft cervical collars are often prescribed by convention for patients complaining of neck pain.
Hard collars are most commonly prescribed for cervical spine stabilization following either trauma, surgery, or fractures/dislocations. 
Some conditions that may require the use of a cervical collar include the following:

• Whiplash and trauma. If you’ve been in a car accident or sustained some other kind of injury, like a fall, a cervical collar may protect your neck and prevent further injury.
• Neck surgery. A cervical collar helps to prevent injury after surgery by limiting rotation, as well as side-to-side and back and forth movements.
• Nerve compression. Cervical collars are occasionally used to reduce pressure on the nerves in the neck.
• Cervical spondylosis. A cervical collar may cause temporary relief from pain caused by cervical spondylosis — an age-related condition that’s caused by wear and tear of cartilage and bones in the neck.
• General neck pain or stiffness. A cervical collar may help to take some strain off your neck muscles.

Tips for wearing a cervical collarIf you need to wear a cervical collar, your healthcare provider will likely give you specific instructions about what you should and shouldn’t do while wearing it. In general, when wearing a cervical collar, it’s best to:

• Move instead of resting or sitting too much. Gentle movement, like walking, can help prevent your neck muscles from stiffening up. Stiff muscles may prolong your recovery.
• Focus on good posture. Try not to slouch or hunch over. Keep your back straight, shoulders back, head straight with your ears positioned over your shoulders.
• Avoid sitting in soft, low chairs. This can affect your posture and put extra pressure on your neck.
• Avoid lifting or carrying anything heavy. Also avoid strenuous activity, like running, or other high-impact movement.
• Leave your collar on at all times, except when cleaning it or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Make sure your collar fits tightly, but is comfortable. If the collar doesn’t fit tightly enough, it likely won’t provide the support you need, which could cause further pain or injury. If it’s too loose, it could rub against your skin and cause irritation or blisters.

How to sleep with a cervical collar. Here are a few tips for sleeping with a cervical collar:

• Make sure your mattress offers good support. A mattress that’s too soft may not give your neck the support you need.
• Try to keep your neck in a neutral position, not bent forward, backward, or to the side.
• Don’t sleep in a twisted position. Try to keep your neck aligned with your body.
• Try sleeping on your back with a thin pillow. Using extra pillows can put extra pressure on your neck.
• To get out of bed, first roll gently onto your side. Then, swing your legs over the side of the bed and push up with your arms.

How to bathe with a cervical collar. It’s usually easier to take a bath rather than a shower when wearing a cervical collar. You can bathe as you normally would, but it’s important to keep the cervical collar dry and out of the water. Placing plastic wrap around the collar may help to keep it dry. If you do take a shower, you may find using a handheld shower nozzle will help to minimize neck bending and movement.