While common, neck disorders, whiplash, and abnormal cervical lordosis, such as text neck, are very different. Many people experience neck pain. Approximately 70% of Americans claim to have experienced neck pain at some point in their lives, with 10% experiencing it at any given time.
Your doctor will choose the best treatment for your condition based on the severity of your neck symptoms, whether or not they include upper back pain.
Cervical spine conditions can range in severity from mild to incapacitating. A neck brace also called a cervical collar or orthosis, may be one choice. Let’s know How a Neck Brace Works to Relieve Pain.
When to Wear a Neck Brace?
You might need to use a brace for one of three reasons:
- To alleviate pain is the most popular justification. While the soft tissues in your neck are healing, the neck brace assists support the weight of your head on it.
- While recovering after spinal neck surgery, you might require a neck brace to maintain the alignment of your neck bones.
- You may be fitted with a brace in a severe accident as a preventative measure until any potential neck injuries can be assessed.
How Does It Work?
There are many neck braces, from simple, one-piece, soft wraparound collars to rigid braces with pads supported by hard plastic. The severity of your neck issue and how long you plan to wear the brace will determine whether your doctor advises a soft cervical collar or a semi-rigid plastic brace.
The most common type of neck brace is a two-piece rigid brace held together by Velcro straps. Soft pads on the inside and plastic on the outside serve as the neck support. The brace is typically worn continuously by patients who only remove it to clean it daily.
These are the general rules to follow, but if your doctor advises using a brace, you’ll receive more detailed wear and care instructions:
- Your chin shouldn’t slide inside or protrude over the collar of the neck brace, nor should it be loose enough to allow you to move your head.
- The only part of the brace that should touch your skin should be the padded area, which should rest comfortably against your body.
- It should be outside the brace if you have long hair or a beard.
- The skin beneath the brace should be kept dry and clean. Using powders and lotions will harm the pads, so avoid using them.
- Please ensure no irritating skin spots before putting your brace back on so you can clean it.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or harsh detergents on the pads that come into contact with your skin. If your brace has plastic supports, you should clean those once a week with a wet towel and mild soap.
Bottom Line
A neck brace is a short-term tool to help your neck heal and ease neck pain. For maximum benefit, it’s crucial to wear your brace correctly. Let your doctor know if your neck braces are uncomfortable. A good neck brace should limit motion without causing pain.
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