A fairly common disease of the cervical spine is osteochondrosis, in the treatment of which various methods are used: medications, physiotherapy, massage. There is another no less effective means - a neck corset, which reliably fixes the neck, inhibits the further development of the disease, contributing to a quick recovery.
Collar for the neck: definition of the concept
The neck brace is a dense cushion fastened on the neck. It allows you to fix the vertebrae so that they do not move and do not move during movement. Consequently, the segment of the spine becomes more stable, prevents pinching of the nerve roots, impaired blood circulation.
Such a corset restricts head movement, which ensures complete rest of the vertebrae of the cervical spine . Good fixation helps to improve the condition with exacerbation of the pathology, faster recovery.
Bandage appointment
Cervical corset is recommended to be worn with the following diseases and conditions of the vertebrae:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
- sprains, bruises, myositis;
- severe scoliosis;
- changes in blood pressure, darkening in the eyes;
- headaches and dizziness;
- threat of ischemia after a stroke;
- in the postoperative period;
- prevention of displacement or deformation of the cervical vertebrae.
In order for the product to benefit, not harm, it is necessary to consult an orthopedist who will help you choose the right collar: determine its appearance, stiffness, and give recommendations for wearing.
Types and types of corsets for the neck
The bandage is a dense frame attached around the cervical spine, limiting various head movements: flexion, extension, rotation. However, an orthopedic collar is of several types, differing in the material of manufacture, the presence / absence of additional elements:
- The Shanz tire is a carcass made of dense material. The collar fastens around the neck, in addition to fixation, 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 the help of a special pear. This model completely repeats the biological characteristics of the cervical spine.
- The inflatable collar is a rubber frame, filled with air with a special pear, it fixes the neck well, provides gentle traction of the vertebrae.
- Collar "Philadelphia", a distinctive feature of which is a hole in the neck. The product eliminates the greenhouse effect, allows the air to circulate around the neck.
The neck corset has differences in the degree of stiffness. The following types of structures are distinguished:
- rigid - the frame is made of a plastic tire;
- semi-rigid - consist of polyurethane;
- soft - they are based on an elastic, foamed polymer.
All types of bandages are made of hypoallergenic materials that are harmless to human health.
Shantsa Bus
The orthopedic collar of Shants is the most famous product among corsets. It is characterized by simplicity of design, comfortable wearing, in addition, it is quite soft, while maintaining good shape.
This type of bandage is of two types:
- hard - the base is a plastic tire, the outer part is made of soft material;
- semi-rigid / soft - polyurethane is used for the frame, characterized by softness, elasticity, and the ability to take on the anatomical shape of the neck.
The Shantsa bus performs the following functions:
- limits any movements made with the help of the cervical spine;
- eliminates muscle cramps;
- corrects the disturbed position of the vertebrae;
- prevents pinching of blood vessels;
- warms, restores blood circulation;
- reduces the fear of accidentally turning the head during a period of severe pain.
In general, this cervical corset with osteochondrosis due to the increase in the distance between the vertebrae and the prevention of stress in problem areas has a positive effect on recovery processes, relieves muscle tension, and relieves pain.
Bandage "Philadelphia"
This type of corset has an opening for tracheotomy, is made of hypoallergenic materials (lightweight, but at the same time durable polyurethane foam), and is firmly and firmly fixed due to the Velcro fastener. Holds the head well, reduces pain.
The bandage is intended, first of all, for patients with a tracheostomy: a special hole in the product allows you to control the condition of the disease, produce proper care, and carry out the necessary examinations. In addition, this hole provides ventilation, prevents excessive sweating.
The Philadelphia neck corset is recommended to be worn in the following cases:
- in the diagnosis of osteochondrosis;
- when injured, bruised, fractured spine ;
- when stretching the muscles of the neck;
- with strong mobility or displacement of the vertebrae ;
- in the postoperative period;
- with neurological pain.
Rules for wearing a neck collar
In order for the bandage to be beneficial and truly effective, it is necessary to take into account the rules for wearing it, the neglect of which can negatively affect the general well-being of the patient.
The main rules include the following rules:
- the cervical collar is appointed by the attending orthopedist or vertebrologist, it is he who determines the type, type of construction, time of use;
- at the first application, the bandage is worn no more than 15 minutes, then this period gradually increases;
- it is forbidden to use a corset at night;
- in the afternoon the product is worn no more than 6 hours, regardless of breaks;
- after removing the collar, you can not be in the draft, change the temperature regime;
- during operation, it is recommended not to remove the corset, this can only be done during breaks;
- An inappropriate neck brace cannot be used; it must be replaced with another;
- if the product does not hold its head well, moves, it is recommended to tighten it more tightly;
- it is necessary to wear a collar for at least a month, but the entire course of treatment should not be more than three months.
Contraindications in the use of a corset
Despite all the positive aspects, it is not recommended to wear a neck brace for patients who have some health problems, as the product can aggravate the situation:
- various neoplasms in the cervical spine;
- skin diseases;
- cerebrovascular accident;
- myocardial infarction;
- vertebral instability with the threat of damage to the spinal cord.
In addition, a corset for the cervical spine can also negatively affect the well-being of the patient, so when the following symptoms appear, you must refuse to wear the product, consult a leading doctor and choose another treatment method:
- persistent headaches;
- frequent dizziness;
- the occurrence of fainting conditions;
- the appearance of fatigue, weakness;
- nausea or vomiting.
Collar Tips
The correct choice of model largely depends on the individual characteristics of the cervical spine of the patient, the purpose of use, age (adult, child). Often you have to try several corsets to find the perfect one. It is enough for someone to wear an inflatable neck collar to get rid of the problem, while Shants's tire will help another.
In order not to spend extra money, not to sort out different 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, which will become a good assistant and therapeutic tool for the patient.
Thus, the cervical corset is characterized by a wide range of applications, has various types, types, is used as a prophylaxis, for medical purposes, in the postoperative period. Its effectiveness largely depends on the correct choice of model, taking into account the rules of wearing and contraindications.