After 40 years, almost 80% of people suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. The reasons for the development of such a pathology are many, especially when you consider the modern sedentary lifestyle, a total immersion in the virtual world. Therefore, inflammatory processes in the cervical spine are already found in young people . There are quite a lot of measures to combat this ailment - for example, the Shants collar with cervical osteochondrosis has positive reviews. It is worthwhile to figure out what kind of device it is and what indications it has for use.
The purpose of the collar
The Shants collar is sometimes simply called a neck splint, which serves as a temporary replacement for the support device. This device has the shape of a frame made of flexible material, it fastens around the neck and fixes the vertebrae.
The Shants collar has the following effects on the cervical spine:
- It does not allow bending in the cervical spine.
- It has a warming effect.
- It has a slight massage effect.
- Eliminates the load on the cervical muscles.
- Normalizes blood circulation in the damaged area of the spine.
When wearing such a collar, the patient feels complete peace in the cervical spine, which ensures a reduction in pain.
Varieties of collar
This device has several options.
- A fixture that has an inflatable mechanism between strips of material. After fixing on the neck, inflation takes place using a special pear. In the process of using this collar, the vertebrae are stretched and the pressure on the blood vessels is eliminated, the blood flow is normalized.
- The Shants collar with cervical osteochondrosis, the photo shows this, can represent a completely inflatable mechanism. It allows you to fix the spine at the level that is most comfortable. The possibility of tilting the head is eliminated, and the disease manifests its symptoms less clearly.
- Rigid neck collars are made of plastic or metal. They are most often used for neck fractures.
It should be noted that when wearing inflatable collars, the doctor must select the pumping force depending on the degree of damage to the body and the patient's condition.
Features of cervical collars
It must be understood that by itself, the Shants collar for cervical osteochondrosis receives good reviews, but this is only if it is used in the complex treatment of this disease. He is not able to eliminate problems that have arisen in the spinal column, but helps to achieve temporary relief and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Its second name - the cervical crutch - just shows that it serves as a support for the neck muscles, supports the head and neck in the correct position, which significantly reduces the load on the muscle apparatus.
The therapeutic effect of using a collar
Shantsa collar with cervical osteochondrosis has more positive reviews, as a result of which it is possible to achieve the following effect:
- The pain syndrome decreases or disappears altogether. All vertebrae are fixed in the correct position and there is no risk of unsuccessfully turning the head and pinching the nerve ending.
- As a result of wearing the collar in the patient, the back muscles are strengthened, and this can already guarantee that after the cure the osteochondrosis does not return.
- The blood flow in the vessels of the neck is restored, which improves the nutrition and blood supply to brain cells. Headaches, numbness cease.
- The general condition of the body is normalized, sleep improves.
If you combine the wearing of a collar with drug therapy and physiotherapeutic procedures, then you can get good results in a short time.
Benefits of a Shants Collar
Constantly using such a product is not recommended. Otherwise, it threatens the cervical vertebrae and muscles to get used to constant support and they will be in a relaxed state, which will lead to their atrophy. Numerous studies have been carried out on the collar of Shants, which revealed his advantages over similar devices.
- When wearing a collar, the patient feels comfort and calm, confident movements.
- In combination with medicines, recovery is faster.
- Shants's collar with cervical osteochondrosis (reviews, photos confirm this) is soft and comfortable, which does not interfere with the performance of familiar affairs. After the start of use, adaptation and addiction occur imperceptibly.
- The method of using the collar allows you to quickly get rid of osteochondrosis.
Indications for use of the collar
There are many conditions and diseases in which wearing a Shants collar is shown, here are some of them:
- Recovery period after surgery.
- Osteochondrosis in any period.
- Muscle cramps in the neck that provoke a headache, tinnitus, dizziness.
- Posture problems.
- Cardiopathic syndrome.
- In the presence of displacement of the vertebrae in the cervical spine .
- Compression of the spinal cord.
- In order to reduce muscle tension in the neck.
- Vertebral Artery Syndrome.
Contraindications to wearing a collar
Despite the fact that Shants's collar for cervical osteochondrosis has excellent reviews, there are some contraindications to its use. They can be the following:
- if the patient has pronounced instability of the cervical spine ;
- in the presence of dermatological diseases.
Shantsa collar with cervical osteochondrosis has small contraindications, so almost all patients who develop such a disease can use it as adjunctive therapy.
How to choose the right collar
Before you go behind the collar, you need to understand for yourself the difference between it and the orthopedic fixator. The Shants collar is made of polyurethane foam - it is a soft and elastic material, biologically inert, that is, it does not cause allergic reactions. On top there is a fabric cover (most often made of cotton).
Orthopedic fixators are very similar in shape to collars, but they are made of medical plastic, in exact dimensions and on order.
The question arises: "If the doctor recommended wearing a Shants collar with cervical osteochondrosis, how to choose it correctly?" It is necessary to observe some nuances:
- After the collar is worn around the neck, it should limit mobility, that is, you can not freely tilt your head forward or lean back.
- In height, the collar should match the length of the neck.
- The bottom line of the collar should be at the base of the neck, and the top should be the skull.
- In front, the collar should support the jaw and chin, and its bottom should go parallel to the collarbone.
- If the size of the collar is selected correctly, then it should fit snugly to the neck, but not cause a feeling of squeezing.
Before buying such a collar, it is necessary to consult a doctor, he will tell you how to make the right choice.
How much to wear the product?
It has already been said that you cannot always wear such a corset for the neck. Most often, wearing a collar per day is about two hours. It depends on the type of disease and its degree, as well as the condition of the patient. If you have been assigned a Shants collar for cervical osteochondrosis, how much to wear such a product must be checked with your doctor. Some patients are shown wearing twice daily for 1-1.5 hours.
The duration of such treatment is also determined individually. Along with wearing a collar, patients are usually advised to undergo physiotherapeutic procedures and take appropriate medications.
Any disease requires an integrated approach to its treatment. Modern medicine has in its stock many methods and ways to get rid of ailments, the most important thing is that patients follow all the doctor's recommendations and responsibly approach their health.