Soft Cervical Collars: When to Use Them

If you’ve ever experienced neck pain, this is a shared experience for countless people. Whether it’s from a minor strain, long hours at a desk, or recovery from an injury or surgery, finding relief is a top priority. As 'Relief begins with support', so one common solution you might have encountered is the soft cervical collar. Leeford Ortho Cervical Collar is a medical-grade orthopaedic neck support that immobilises and stabilises the cervical spine. Making is an ideal choice for people having cervical spondylitis, neck sprains, bad posture, and post-injury recovery. 

But what exactly is it for, and how do you use it correctly? This blog will help you walk through everything you need to know, from its proper use to some surprising facts that are often overlooked.

What is a Soft Cervical Collar?

A soft cervical collar is a medical device or support which is made of soft and high-quality PU foam. On the higher side, it is made from a breathable, skin-friendly, and lightweight fabric that wraps around your neck and fastens in the back. Its primary purpose is not to completely immobilize your neck, but to provide gentle support, limit excessive or unwanted neck movement, and act as a kinesthetic reminder for you to reduce neck motion.

Generally, it is used for short-term support and helping you recover from mild to moderate neck pain, whiplash, or arthritis, etc. Leeford Ortho cervical collar is primarily designed to immobilize the neck and head movement to promote quick recovery from traumatic injuries and other neck conditions. Making your safety and healing your choice.

Soft Cervical Collar Uses: Is It Right for You?

Knowing the right about a soft neck collar is an appropriate key to using it effectively. It is generally recommended for:

Mild to Moderate Injuries: It provides comfort and neck stabilization for issues like muscle fatigue or strains. 

Post-Surgery Recovery: It serves as an effective support after surgery, restricting excessive neck movement to protect the neck after certain surgical procedures. 

Pain Relief: It offers pain relief and prevents further pain caused by conditions, such as cervical spondylosis (age-related wear and tear of the neck). 

A Kinesthetic Reminder: The collar gently reminds you to maintain good posture when you bend your neck too much. It's your body’s gentle nudge to stay on track. 

Do Cervical Collars Actually Work?

This is a crucial and most important question, and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

Yes, they can work for their intended purpose, which is to make people feel better and limit their movement in mild to moderate cases. They do restrict a degree of neck motion and can help reduce strain on the muscles.

However, it's important to have realistic expectations. A soft cervical collar does not completely immobilize the neck. Furthermore, research has evolved, and we now know that long-term use can lead to negative consequences, such as muscle weakening, stiffness, atrophy, and even a psychological dependence on the device.

For acute trauma, the use of any cervical collar is a subject of ongoing debate in the medical community. While traditionally used to prevent further spinal injury, recent critical reviews point out that collars can have drawbacks. It includes making airway management more difficult, potentially increasing intracranial pressure (the pressure inside your skull, exerted by the brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and causing skin irritation.

A soft cervical collar is a useful short-term orthopedic support for effective pain management and support. But it's not a permanent cure. It should be used under medical guidance, and for no longer than necessary or as advised. 

How to Use a Soft Cervical Collar Correctly

To get the most out of your collar, you need to use it correctly. Check below for the useful and quick guide on how to put on a soft cervical collar correctly: 

Positioning: Look straight ahead and keep your chin parallel to the floor.

Fitting: Wrap the collar snugly around your neck. It should feel supportive but not constricting.

Fastening: You can easily adjust the collar using a hook-and-loop closure at the back of your neck. 

Comfort Check: Always check for comfortable breathing and to swallow easily. If it feels too tight, adjust it accordingly to your comfort. 

Pro Tip: If, in case the cervical collar is likely to irritate your skin, you can place soft cotton padding between the collar and your skin to avoid discomfort. 

How to Measure for a Soft Cervical Collar

A proper fit is non-negotiable. An ill-fitting collar won't provide the right support and could cause more problems. To find the correct soft cervical collar sizes, you typically need to measure the distance from the base of your chin to the top of your shoulder and around your neck. Always refer to the specific manufacturer's sizing guide, as measurements can vary between brands. A well-fitted collar should feel firm but allow you to breathe and swallow normally.

How to Clean a Soft Cervical Collar

Keeping your collar clean is vital for hygiene and preventing skin irritation. How to clean a soft cervical collar is straightforward:

• Most soft collars can be washed by hand in a sink using warm water and a gentle soap.
• Do not use harsh detergents or bleach; simply use a mild detergent for cleaning to prevent any skin irritation or reactions.
• After washing, lay the collar flat to dry completely before putting it back on.
• You can easily wash hard collars with removable liners by taking the liners out.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Using a soft cervical collar can help support your neck. Here are some easy tips that you can consider in order to use it safely and comfortably:

Soft Cervical Collar Price: The price of a soft cervical collar can vary, but they are generally affordable when it comes to Leeford Ortho support. As it provides unique quality materials, skin-friendly and breathable fabric. 

Sleeping with a Collar: You may need to wear the collar while sleeping; seek your doctor's consultation for the same. Also, you might need to sleep without a pillow or use a special neck pillow for enhanced support and sleep. 

Activities to Avoid: While wearing the collar, you need to avoid strenuous activities such as sports activities, heavy lifting, and sitting in soft, low chairs that promote poor posture. 

Follow Medical Advice: Always use the neck support under the guidance of your healthcare expert on how long to wear the collar. Typically, it is recommended to wear it for a few hours a day to avoid muscle deconditioning. 

The Takeaway

A soft cervical collar can be a helpful ally in your journey to neck pain recovery after injuries or post-surgical procedures for effective rehabilitation. It is meant to provide the support required and your neck deserves for the right healing. However, it's a temporary pain-relieving support, but relying on it permanently is not a complete solution for long-term healing. Therefore, using it correctly, keeping it clean, and following your doctor's advice, you can make the most of its benefits and get back to a life with less pain and your favourite routines you missed.