A fairly common disease of the cervical spine is osteochondrosis, in the treatment of which various methods are used: medicines, physiotherapy, massage. There is another equally effective remedy - a neck corset that securely fixes the neck, inhibits the further development of the disease, and promotes a quick recovery.
Collar for the neck: definition of the concept
The neck brace is a tight roller fastened around the neck. It allows you to fix the vertebrae so that they do not move or move during movement. Consequently, the spinal segment becomes more stable, prevents pinching of the nerve roots, circulatory disorders.
This corset restricts the movement of the head, which provides complete rest to the vertebrae of the cervical region. Good fixation helps to improve the condition during exacerbation of the pathology, faster recovery.
Assignment of bandage
The neck brace is recommended for the followingdiseases and conditions of the vertebrae:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical region;
- stretching, bruising, myositis;
- pronounced scoliosis;
- fluctuations in blood pressure, darkening of the eyes;
- headaches and dizziness;
- the threat of ischemia, after a stroke;
- in the postoperative period;
- prevention of displacement or deformity of the cervical vertebrae.
In order for the product to be useful, not harmful, you need to consult an orthopedist who will help you choose the right collar: determine its appearance, stiffness, give recommendations on wearing.
Types and types of neck corsets
The bandage is a dense frame fastened around the cervical spine, limiting various head movements: flexion, extension, rotation. However, an orthopedic collar can be of several types, differing in the material of manufacture, the presence / absence of additional elements:
- Schanz's tire is a carcass made of dense material. The collar fastens around the neck, in addition to fixing, it performs the function of warming the tissues and improving blood circulation.
- With an inflatable pillow - consists of two dense strips, inside of which there is an air element, inflated with a special pear. This model completely repeats the biological features of the cervical region.
- The inflatable collar is a rubber frame filled with air by a special pear, it fixes the neck well, provides gentle tractionvertebrae.
- Collar "Philadelphia", a distinctive feature of which is a hole in the neck. The product eliminates the greenhouse effect, allows air to circulate around the neck.
The neck corset has differences in the degree of rigidity. The following types of structures are distinguished:
- rigid - the frame is made of a plastic tire;
- semi-rigid - composed of polyurethane;
- soft - they are based on an elastic, foamed polymer.
All types of bandages are made from hypoallergenic materials that are harmless to human he alth.
Schanz's tire
Schanz's orthopedic collar is the most famous product among corsets. It is characterized by simplicity of design, comfortable wearing, in addition, it is quite soft, while retaining its shape well.
This type of bandage is of two types:
- hard - the base is a plastic tire, the outer part is made of a soft material;
- semi-rigid/soft - polyurethane is used for the frame, characterized by softness, elasticity, and the ability to take the anatomical shape of the neck.
The Shants tire performs the following functions:
- restricts any movement made using the cervical spine;
- eliminates muscle spasms;
- corrects the disturbed position of the vertebrae;
- prevents vascular infringement;
- warms, restorescirculation;
- reduces the fear of accidentally turning the head during severe pain.
In general, this neck brace for osteochondrosis, by increasing the distance between the vertebrae and preventing stress in problem areas, has a positive effect on recovery processes, relieves muscle tension, relieves pain.
Bandage "Philadelphia"
This type of corset has a hole for tracheotomy, is made of hypoallergenic materials (light, but at the same time durable polyurethane foam), tightly and securely fixed by Velcro. Holds the head well, reduces pain.
The bandage is intended primarily for patients with tracheostomy: a special hole in the product allows you to control the state of the disease, provide proper care, and conduct the necessary examinations. In addition, this hole provides ventilation, preventing excessive sweating.
Philadelphia neck corset is recommended to be worn on the following occasions:
- when diagnosing osteochondrosis;
- in case of injury, bruise, fracture of the spine;
- when stretching the muscles of the neck;
- with strong mobility or displacement of the vertebrae;
- in the postoperative period;
- for neurological pain.
Rules for wearing a neck collar
In order for the bandage to be useful, to be really effective, it is necessary to take into account the rules for wearing it, the neglect of which can negativelyaffect the general well-being of the patient.
The main rules include the following:
- cervical collar is appointed by the attending orthopedist or vertebrologist, it is he who determines the type, type of construction, time of use;
- when first applied, the bandage is worn for no more than 15 minutes, then this period gradually increases;
- it is forbidden to use a corset at night;
- day the product is worn no more than 6 hours, regardless of breaks;
- after removing the collar, you can not be in a draft, change the temperature;
- during work it is recommended not to take off the corset, this can only be done during breaks;
- A neck brace that does not fit properly cannot be used, it must be replaced with another one;
- if the product does not hold the head well, it is displaced, it is recommended to tighten it tighter;
- The collar must be worn for at least a month, but the entire course of treatment should not exceed three months.
Contraindications for corset use
Despite all the positive aspects, the neck brace is not recommended for patients with some he alth problems, as the product may aggravate the situation:
- various neoplasms in the cervical spine;
- skin diseases;
- cerebrovascular accident;
- myocardial infarction;
- vertebral instability with risk of spinal cord injury.
In addition, a cervical corsetof the spine can also negatively affect the patient's well-being, therefore, if the following symptoms appear, you must stop wearing the product, contact the leading doctor and choose another method of treatment:
- persistent headaches;
- frequent dizziness;
- the occurrence of fainting;
- appearance of fatigue, weakness;
- nausea or vomiting.
Collar Tips
The correct choice of model largely depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's cervical region, purpose of use, age (adult, child). Often you have to try several corsets to find the perfect one. For some it is enough to wear an inflatable cervical collar to get rid of the problem, for others the Shants splint will help.
In order not to spend extra money, not to sort through various types and types of products, it is recommended to contact an orthopedist or vertebrologist who will study the features of the problem, take into account all the necessary factors and prescribe the corset that will become a good helper and remedy for the patient.
Thus, the cervical corset is characterized by a wide range of applications, has various types, types, is used as a preventive measure, for medicinal purposes, in the postoperative period. Its effectiveness largely depends on the correct choice of model, taking into account the rules of wearing and contraindications.
