Cervical collar
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A cervical collar (also neck brace) is an orthopedic piece of medical equipment used to support a patient's spinal cord and head. A cervical collar can help realign one's spinal cord and relieve pain,[1] although it should only be worn for as long as the doctor states, since collars are usually not worn for long periods of time.[2] After cervical spinal fusion, which can include joining metal plates or removing spinal disc from the vertebrae, a patient might need a cervical collar to support their neck during recovery.[3]
Another use of the cervical collar is for strains or sprains. When a patient might have a neck injury and require examination, they will be carried off in an ambulance with a collar attached.[4] If pain is persistent, the collar might be required to remain attached to help in the healing process.[4][1] If a patient needs to have X-rays taken of their head or neck, then the collar will remain in place until healing is done, such as in the cases of whiplash due to a car accident.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ 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 on 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 on 2008-03-07.
- ^ "Cervical spinal fusion". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cervical-spinal-fusion. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ a b "Neck Strains". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/neck-strain. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ "Whiplash". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/whiplash. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
