Dealing with (mild/severe) cervical pain or discomfort can be quite stressful. However, with proper support, precautions, and a few lifestyle changes, it can be a pivotal phase in getting better. Neck-related issues are a shared struggle among people of all ages and genders, often resulting from poor posture, sports injuries, age-related wear and tear, etc.
A neck collar belt serves as a vital intervention, offering the neck support required to alleviate pressure on the cervical discs. Knowing when to use a neck belt is essential to get the best out of it and for a smooth experience during your recovery.
This blog covers the benefits, uses, and individuals who should buy a neck support belt.
How to Wear Neck Belt?
To get the best out of a neck belt, here’s how you wear it correctly:
- While standing, keep your head straight and your shoulders relaxed. Your neck should be in a balanced/straightened position, not bent forward or tilted.
- Wrap the neck belt around your neck. Make sure it's evenly supporting your chin and the back of your neck.
- Align it properly such that it sits comfortably, not too high or too low.
- Fasten it with velcro straps as provided until it feels firmly secured (not too loose ot too tight).
- Cross-check for comfort and fit.
Can We Use Neck Belt While Sleeping?
You can use a neck belt while sleeping only when your doctor approves it. If you're encountering acute issues, such as spinal stenosis, dislocation, accident trauma, or after a neck surgery, your doctor might suggest sleeping with a neck belt on. In general cases, it’s not often discouraged to wear it while sleeping, as it might interfere with blood circulation or your healing progress.
Neck belts are most effective when worn during the day while performing tasks; thus, wearing them during sleep may reduce their effectiveness. They might restrict breathing capacity, particularly when the belt shifts due to fidgeting while sleeping.
To prevent chances of further complications, consider using a neck belt from Leeford Ortho during the day and a contoured cervical pillow for sleeping. This helps to support your neck both during daylight and nighttime, promoting effective and quicker recovery.
What Is the Use of Neck Belt?
A neck support belt isn’t just a tool; its uses include
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Injury support: Stabilizes the neck after accidents (like car crashes) or falls, preventing further damage.
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Post-surgery: Offers support when pain is severe after a surgery.
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Relief: Alleviates pain and cramps that often stem from sprains or strains.
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Movement control: Controls neck mobility by reducing excessive movements that could lead to strain.
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Posture correction: Keep your neck in a straight, balanced position to prevent pressure application.
Do Doctors Recommend Neck Bands?
Doctors generally recommend a neck support belt for issues like acute neck pain, cervical spondylosis, disc herniation, whiplash injuries, or after surgery. The neckband is meant to offer pain relief, stabilize vertebrae, and reduce muscle stress.
However, continuous or persistent use is not advised, particularly in cases of minor injury or mild pain. This is because it might trigger further complications or lead to muscle dependency. So, it’s safe to follow the prescribed advice by your doctor/physiotherapist.
How to Reduce Neck Pain?
Despite using a neck belt for neck pain, there are other ways to reduce neck pain, and they include:
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Cold and warm therapy: You can apply an ice pack or ice wrapped in a soft towel. A cold compression helps to alleviate sudden pain episodes and minimize inflammation. After cold therapy, use a warm patch to release the pressure and tightness in neck muscles.
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Avoid pain-triggering activities: Refrain from doing tasks that require continuous neck mobility. For example, tasks like dancing, driving, and sports (badminton, football, etc.) require sudden head turns and quick neck movements.
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Maintain a balanced posture: While doing daily activities or relaxing, always keep a straight posture to prevent application of pressure or strain on your neck.
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Stretches: Engage yourself in regular neck stretches like tilting your head side to side or shoulder rolls.
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Medication: You can use pain relief tablets to manage flare-ups.
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Massage: You can try to gently rub your neck with ayurvedic pain relief oils that contain turmeric, ginger, clove, etc.
You can also opt for a Leeford Ortho Contoured Cervical Pillow, which is designed to stabilize your neck for comfort during sleep.
Can Wearing a Neck Belt Too Much Weaken Neck Muscles?
While it may seem like wearing a neck support belt for an extended duration promotes faster or more effective relief, it’s generally not recommended. Wearing the neck collar persistently, especially when experiencing mild/minor neck issues, might lead to overdependence.
To prevent the chances of muscle weakness or instability, wear the neck support for a prescribed duration. Your doctor determines how long you wear it during the day and the overall duration of use.
How Tight Should a Neck Collar Be, and How Do I Know It’s Too Tight?
Many people overlook this: "How tight a neck collar should be and how to know it’s too tight." Yet this is also a vital key point in your recovery, with firm tightness contributing to effective recovery; meanwhile, too much tightness often triggers complications. The neck belt should be secure enough, without a loose or wobbly fit or tightness that restricts proper breathing or swallowing. Here’s how to know it’s too tight:
- When your finger doesn’t get through the collar.
- When you cannot freely nod, tilt, or move your neck in any direction.
- A numb, itchy, sore, or irritating sensation around your neck.
- Severe or intensified neck pain or skin redness.
Consider a Leeford Ortho Cervical Collar, which comes in all sizes (small, medium, large, and extra large), making it ideal for everyone.
Wrapping Up
An orthopedic neck belt is a device or gear that you can wear around your neck. Whether you know it as a neck belt for girls, a neck belt for men, or a neck belt for women, its primary use is to offer stability for the neck. People who should buy it include those experiencing conditions like
- Severe or acute neck pain/stiffness
- Whiplash
- Cervical Spondylosis or Arthritis
- Nerve Compression or Disc Herniation
- Spinal Fractures
While a neck collar offers support and relief, being mindful of how to wear it and the duration of using it matters. Whether you're using it as a neck belt for cervical spondylosis or as a neck belt for mild pain, avoid persistent use, as it might cause muscle weakness.
By ensuring proper tightness and other neck pain relief methods (cold/warm therapy, stretches, massage, or medication), you can alleviate neck discomfort and pain that comes with it. It's also important to consider a medical-grade neck collar from Leeford Ortho to wear during the day and a contoured cervical pillow for neck support during sleep. Incorporating all these healthy tips ensures gradual wellness.
