A cervical collar, also known as a neck brace, is a medical device designed to provide support and restrict movement of the neck. Its main purpose is to prevent further injury to the cervical spine, the upper part of your backbone located in the neck. These collars can be made of soft foam or more rigid plastic, with the choice depending on the specific support needed. The device helps to keep the head and neck in a neutral, aligned position.
Understanding When a Cervical Collar is Needed
A cervical collar is used in situations involving potential neck trauma or after certain medical procedures to stabilize the cervical spine. Common scenarios include car accidents, falls, or other traumatic injuries where a spinal injury is suspected. The collar helps to prevent uncontrolled movements, such as whiplash, which could worsen an existing injury or lead to new damage to the spinal cord.
Cervical collars are also applied following neck surgery to support the healing process and limit rotation or side-to-side movements. While they can offer temporary relief for chronic neck pain, their long-term use for these conditions is discouraged due to the risk of muscle weakening and stiffness. Applying a cervical collar should be done by trained medical personnel, as improper application can be ineffective or even harmful.
Step-by-Step Cervical Collar Application
Applying a cervical collar requires careful attention to maintain stability and ensure proper fit. Before beginning, ensure the patient’s head and neck are held in a neutral, in-line position, meaning the nose should be aligned with the belly button and the chin level. This manual inline stabilization is important throughout the process to prevent any unwanted movement of the cervical spine.
The first step involves selecting the correct collar size, which is determined by measuring the distance from the patient’s chin to their shoulder or sternum. This measurement helps ensure the collar will adequately support the chin without causing hyper-flexion or hyperextension. Once the correct size is chosen, some collars require locking mechanisms to be secured and the chin piece to be deployed forward before application.
Next, carefully slide the back panel of the collar behind the patient’s neck, ensuring it is centered evenly. The Velcro straps on the back piece should be positioned between the earlobes and the top of the shoulder. With the back piece in place, position the front piece of the collar, scooping it up under the patient’s chin so that the chin rests comfortably and flush against the chin support.
Finally, while firmly holding the front piece, wrap the ends of the collar snugly around the neck and secure the Velcro straps. Alternate tightening the straps, one at a time, until the collar is snug enough to restrict head movement but not so tight that it impedes breathing or swallowing. The goal is to ensure no large gaps exist between the collar and the patient’s neck, indicating a proper and supportive fit.
Key Considerations After Application
Once a cervical collar has been applied, ongoing monitoring and care are important to ensure patient comfort and prevent complications. Immediately after application, a neurological assessment should be conducted to establish a baseline and identify any changes in sensation or movement in the arms or legs. This assessment should be repeated regularly to monitor for any neurological deterioration.
Regular skin checks are also important, as the collar can cause pressure and irritation. The collar should be carefully removed at least once daily, while maintaining manual inline stabilization of the head, to allow for cleansing and inspection of the skin underneath. Patients or caregivers should clean the skin with mild soap and water, thoroughly dry the area, and avoid using lotions or powders that could trap moisture or cause further irritation.
The fit of the collar should be re-evaluated each time it is reapplied, ensuring it remains snug but not overly tight. Signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, speaking, eating, or swallowing, or new or worsening pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs, warrant immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate an improper fit, increased pressure, or a worsening underlying condition.