Cervical Collar: Types and Facts

Different people use cervical collars for different medical purposes. The cervical collars, which are most commonly used by people suffering from cervical pains, are hard cervical collar and soft cervical collar. Both of these collars are used to support and protect the neck but the difference lies in the intensity of the problems for which they are used.

Soft collars are less restrictive than the hard collars. They allow wide range of movements and neck motion and close to 76%, people report of reduced pain post the use of soft cervical collar. The soft cervical collars can be used as a protective and support aid even in the case of minor neck pain. Experts have different opinion on the use and effectiveness of the cervical collar. Though, many people do connect the use of cervical collars as a pain relief aid but at the same time, the conjecture on cervical collar’s prolonged use is that can cause immobilization, if used for long and also hinder the body’s natural healing process. If cervical collars are used for a prolonged period, it is said that it might cause immobilization, which can further cause secondary damage and structural changes in the muscle, bone, capsular or tedious tissue. However, it is rather presumptuous to suggest that only the use of cervical collar can alone cause such structural change. Before you use an orthopedic aid, it is best to seek advice from a physician. A physician will better guide you on the use of cervical collars.

The hard cervical collars are is chronic neck pain, post neck surgery or post a serious injury to the neck because hard cervical collars is more restrictive in terms of motion of the neck in comparison to the soft collar. The hard cervical collar is custom made to fit the injury spot and it restricts extension and flexion movement to a great degree. They are most commonly used to provide shoulder support and stabilization to the neck and spine post trauma, surgery or dislocation. Reported adverse effects of hard cervical collars include pain, breathing problem, immobilization, and increase in physiological dependence on the collar. Most of the physicians advise for the use of hard cervical collars for a week or so post the injury/surgery/trauma/fracture and post that the patients can switch to soft collars. The prolonged use of hard cervical collars is neither advisable, nor required.

The use of cervical collars in cervical pain is a topic that is hugely debated over, the research that is available on the use and effect of cervical collars does not brush off or truly accept the role of cervical collars in treating neck pain but there are patients and health experts who talk of the effectiveness of the cervical collars. There are many health experts who argue that the effectiveness of the cervical collar may vary from person to person and whether cervical collar is effective or not also depends on the neck condition and severity of the problem. If you think that, you need to buy soft collar or hard cervical collar, consult your doctor first and then make a decision.