Tighten the straps, one at a time, until they are the same length on both sides. The collar should fit tightly. Physicians advise their patients to use cervical collars to successfully treat cervical radiculopathy with due rest and some exercises thatprovided by a physical therapist. Cervical Collar Types Cervical collars are used much less commonly for things outside of cervical injury and precaution. These uses include cervical radiculopathy, sleep apnea, and patients on CPAP ventilation. Most studies for these conditions are small scale and limited. [ citation needed]

The reason why you require the collar will determine the length of time you require it for. Your consultants will make this decision. A spinal brace is a device designed to limit movement of the spine. It is most commonly used to manage spinal fractures but can also be used for other reasons such as supporting your spine after surgery. You will also need to be able to sit comfortably in the spinal brace, walk short distances and be able to walk up and down a flight of stairs (if you have them at home). The spinal brace should be kept on at ALL times except when lying flat – y ou do not need to wear your brace in bed, unless you have been instructed otherwise by your physiotherapist or consultant. You may need to wear a collar overnight. If this is the case your physiotherapist will teach you how to apply and remove the collar. a b Mistovich JJ, Hafen BQ, Karren KJ (2000). Brady Prehospital Emergency Care (6ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. pp. 662. ISBN 978-0-8359-6064-9.

Key points to remember

Cervical collars are incorporated into rigid braces that constrain the head and chest together. Examples include the Sterno-Occipital Mandibular Immobilization Device (SOMI), Lerman Minerva and Yale types. [9] Effective Usage Duration [ edit | edit source ] Even though cervical orthoses are effective for short term pain relief, they are not an alternative to physiotherapy treatment. However, if used appropriately, cervical orthoses can be an effective adjunct to a patient's treatment program. Eternally lie flat if the collar requires to be opened. You or someone else should review your collar before you go out of bed. Do not permit anyone to adjust the collar except they are trained to do it. Bathing and showering are not permitted unless you are given special instruction from your consultant. Showering may be permitted but you must discuss this with your healthcare team. It is important you are completely comfortable with your collar prior to discharge, please ensure you ask to see one of the Spinal nurse specialists or experienced health care professionals should you require more support or advice.

After your final X-ray you will be advised if your bones have healed sufficiently for you to be able to remove the collar. The specialist nurse or physiotherapist will discuss this with you and give you further instruction at this point.Replace the front section by scooping the collar along the breast bone to ensure the chin piece sits firmly under the chin for support. Leave the Velcro tabs undone.

Even though the term "Cervical Collar" has been widely used, the standardised and universally accepted term is now cervical orthosis. The name should be given depending on the parts of the body the orthotic device is supporting, such as cervical orthosis, head cervical orthosis or cervico-thoracic orthosis for example. Returning to work will depend very much upon the individual and the type of work you do. It is important that you ask your Neurosurgeon when it is safe to return to work. Driving is not permitted while wearing the hard collar. Lifting Nash J (October 2015). "Cervical Collar: Skin Care Needs of the Patient Wearing a Cervical Collar" (PDF). Barnes-Jewish Hospital. In a 2009 study, it was shown that patients with a confirmed recent diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy who had a cervical collar applied had greater decrease in pain after 6 weeks compared to patients who did not have one applied. When these patients were followed up after six months, almost all of the subjects had complete or near complete resolution of any pain and/or disability, regardless if they had a cervical collar applied or not. [21] Breathing control in the lying position ( Brace off). Put one hand on your upper chest and one hand on your abdomen just below your rib cage. Relax the shoulders and hands. As you breathe in, allow the abdomen to rise, and as you breathe out, allow the abdomen to flatten. There should be little or no movement in the chest. Try to slow your breathing down. Using this exercise often helps decrease muscle tension and relieves pain.Some children with less severe injuries may only need to wear the hard collar for comfort, as it often provides pain relief following soft tissue injuries. Johnson RM et al. Cervical orthoses. A study comparing their effectiveness in restricting cervical motion in normal subjects. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1977; 59(3): 1185-1188. You may feel stiff initially in the affected part of the spine when you start to reduce the length of time spent in the spinal brace, this is normal, and will improve as your activity levels increase. The physiotherapist will provide you with exercises to improve this, and also to build up the muscle strength in your spine. If required, you may also be referred for out-patient physiotherapy to further support your recovery. Rogers L (2017). "No place for the rigid cervical collar in pre-hospital care". International Paramedic Practice. 7 (1): 12–15. doi: 10.12968/ippr.2017.7.1.12. ISSN 2052-4889.