Neck Collars For Neck Pain And Injuries | A Comprehensive Guide For Effective Relief

A neck collar, also known as a cervical collar, is a medical device that is worn around the neck to support and immobilize the cervical spine. It is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including neck pain, cervical spondylosis, whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and certain types of fractures. However, wearing a neck collar is not always necessary, and there are certain conditions and situations where it may do more harm than good. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of neck collars, their uses, and potential benefits and harms.

Types of Neck Collars
There are several types of neck collars available, each designed to provide different levels of support and immobilization. Some common types of neck collars include:
Soft Foam Collars: Soft foam collars are the most basic type of neck collars. They are made of lightweight foam and are designed to provide mild support and immobilization for people with minor neck injuries or pain.
Hard Plastic Collars: Hard plastic collars are more rigid than soft foam collars and are designed to provide greater support and immobilization. They are commonly used for people with moderate to severe neck injuries or pain.
Halo Vest: A halo vest is a type of neck collar that is attached to a vest that is worn over the chest. The halo vest is used to immobilize the neck and is often used for people with severe neck injuries or spinal cord injuries.
Philadelphia Collar: A Philadelphia collar is a type of neck collar that is designed to provide maximum support and immobilization. It is commonly used for people with severe neck injuries or spinal cord injuries.

When to Wear a Neck Collar
There are several conditions where a neck collar may be necessary to provide support and immobilization of the cervical spine. These include:
Neck Pain: Neck pain is a common condition that a variety of factors, such as poor posture, muscle strain, or a pinched nerve can cause. Wearing a neck collar can help to support the neck and relieve pain by reducing movement and pressure on the affected area.
Whiplash: Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward. This can cause damage to the soft tissues of the neck, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Wearing a neck collar can help to immobilize the neck and prevent further injury while the tissues heal.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can cause damage to the nerves that control the body's movements and sensations. Depending on the severity of the injury, wearing a neck collar may be necessary to prevent further damage to the spinal cord and protect against paralysis or other serious complications.
Fractures: Certain types of neck fractures, such as those that occur in the cervical vertebrae, may require a neck collar to immobilize the neck and allow the bones to heal properly.

Benefits of Wearing a Neck Collar
Wearing a neck collar can provide several benefits, depending on the condition being treated. These benefits may include:
Pain Relief: One of the primary benefits of wearing a neck collar is pain relief. By immobilizing the neck and reducing movement, a neck collar can help to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by a variety of conditions, such as neck pain or whiplash.
Support: A neck collar can provide additional support to the neck and help to maintain proper alignment of the cervical spine. This can be especially helpful for people who have weakened neck muscles or who are recovering from a neck injury.
Immobilization: Immobilizing the neck can help to prevent further injury and allow the tissues to heal properly. This can be particularly important for people who have suffered a spinal cord injury or a fracture in the cervical vertebrae.
Improved Healing: By reducing movement and pressure on the affected area, wearing a neck collar can help to improve the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.

Harms of Wearing a Neck Collar
While wearing a neck collar can provide several benefits, there are also some potential risks and harms to be aware of. These include:
Skin Irritation: Wearing a neck collar for extended periods of time can cause skin irritation and pressure sores. This can be especially problematic for people with sensitive skin or who have a history of skin allergies.
Muscle Weakness: Wearing a neck collar for too long can cause the neck muscles to weaken, which can make it more difficult to perform everyday tasks and activities once the collar is removed.
Reduced Mobility: Because a neck collar is designed to immobilize the neck, wearing it for extended periods of time can cause a reduction in mobility and range of motion. This can make it more difficult to perform certain tasks and activities.
Delayed Healing: In some cases, wearing a neck collar for too long can actually delay the healing process by preventing blood flow and oxygen from reaching the affected area.

It is important to note that a cervical collar should not be used as the sole treatment for neck pain or injuries. Instead, it should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include physiotherapy, medication, or other interventions.

 

When to see a Chiropractor? Look for these 7 signs and symptoms.

Pain is our body’s way of seeking attention and telling us that everything is not fine. Types of pain differ, so should the kind of attention given. Home-made solutions can be sufficient in many cases, but sometimes delaying professional attention can lead to worsening of your condition. While most people find it suitable to consult a chiropractor/physiotherapist if neck/back pain is becoming unmanageable. 

 

There are two things wrong with this:

• Don’t wait for the pain to become unmanageable, a chiropractor can help prevent something from going wrong in the first place.
• Other than back/neck pain, Chiropractors are highly skilled to effectively manage and treat other types of pains through spinal adjustment and manipulation.

 

7 Signs to keep in mind on when to see a chiropractor.

 

• Headaches and Migraines: Chronic headaches and migraines are commonly caused by muscle tension in the neck. The tension in the muscles and inflammation of the joints can cause headaches that can be very painful. A chiropractor can manipulate your spine, which can reduce some of the spinal tension, which ultimately would reduce the tension in the head.

 

• Joint Pain or Muscle Pain: People experiencing pain in muscles and joints, should not opt for over the counter medicines as pain could be due to problems with musculoskeletal alignment. A chiropractor is trained to make sure that the body is functioning as optimally as possible by using spinal manipulations to relieve pain in your joints and muscles.

 

• Chronic Back Pain: Experiencing chronic back pain has been one of the most obvious signs that call for a chiropractic visit. The multiple factors that can contribute to back pain include poor ergonomics, repetitive tasks, working habits, and sitting for a long period of time. A chiropractic doctor can provide you with pain relief without the need for invasive surgery or narcotics.

 

• Limited Range of Motion: Experiencing a limited range of motion with your legs, arms, and neck with reduced flexibility indicates the need for consulting a chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments realign the bones and joints, relieving pain and increasing the body’s range of motion. Having a normal range of motion helps the body to function optimally.

 

• Shooting Pain in Legs: Experiencing sharp, shooting pain in your legs, or tingling and weakness could be a sign that you are suffering from a pinched nerve or slipped disc. A trained chiropractor can diagnose the cause of the pain in your leg and perform a spinal adjustment to alleviate the unwanted pressure that is being placed on the nerve and causing you pain.

 

• Active lifestyle: People with an active lifestyle who spend time working out or playing sports, are often subjected to additional strain and pressure. Engaging in these activities can make the body prone to pinched nerves, slipped discs, or other alignment problems. Consulting a chiropractor on a regular basis helps to keep the body functioning at its prime and to continue the active lifestyle

 

• Recent Injury: One of the signs you need to see a chiropractor is that you have suffered a recent injury and are still having problems with pain. Many individuals experience a limited range of motion in the area of injury, along with stiffness, joint or soft tissue pain. If you are experiencing these symptoms as the result of an injury, it's time to see your nearest chiropractor.

This Article was First Posted On CB Physiotherapy

https://cbphysiotherapy.in/blog/world-arthritis-day-managing-arthritis-causes-prevention-treatment 

World Arthritis Day: Managing Arthritis – Causes, Prevention & Treatment.

Arthritis, the second most common rheumatologic problem is also the most frequent joint ailment affecting the quality of life with a prevalence of around 40% among the population. It is a serious disease with significant financial and socioeconomic implications. World Arthritis Day is celebrated every year on October 12th to raise awareness about one of the prevalent health conditions, as among the commonly found health conditions that come with age is perhaps arthritis (or joint pain). Arthritis describes the conditions of joint pain, where there is an inflammation in the joints that affects one or multiple joints. Most common in adults above the age of 60-65 years, joint pain cases are attributed to weak bones, excessive weight, lack of nutrients, an injury or wrong posture.

 Factors responsible for causing Arthritis 

Attributing to innumerable reasons including lifestyle changes, obesity and increasingly ageing population the prevalence and complications related to arthritis are rising. Joint pains are often neglected until it causes distress or impaired quality of life, but still a greater number of young patients are presenting with this problem. Obesity is a key modifiable factor which should not be overlooked as the joints are burdened with at least three to six times the load bearing capacity. Arthritis is progressive disorder which starts gradually and worsens with time. Though joint related problems have always been an issue related to aging, but for a variety of reasons including poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, consumption of body building supplements and steroids in excessive quantities, a number of younger patients have been diagnosed with joint related ailments.

How to Prevent Arthritis?

Despite the high level of public interest in knowing how to prevent arthritis, there is no single strategy for avoiding this disease. In case of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis it is impossible to know how to prevent arthritis because the reason for the inappropriate activity of the immune system is not yet known. However the kind of diet that contributes to a healthy weight may also provide nutritional support for healthy joints.

Naturally occurring substances in garlic, cruciferous vegetables and omega 3 fats present in fishes can reduce the inflammation of joints that is characteristic of osteoarthritis. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are commonly used to support joint health, but they seem to be most effective in the early stages of osteoarthritis. Excess body weight is one of the major risk factors for arthritis. High-impact exercises may predispose you to osteoarthritis and arthritis pain. Avoiding injuries reduce the risk of developing arthritis later in life. It has been found that regular exercises have been very effective ways to prevent arthritis. Regular exercise strengthens your whole body and helps keep your joints flexible.

How Physiotherapy can help against Arthritis?

Physiotherapy is an ideal treatment for people suffering from arthritis to help relieve pain and regain mobility. Physiotherapists are experts when it comes to assessing movement and can help show how to take proper care of your joints. Physiotherapists examine the joints that are giving trouble to the patient and the assessment helps to design the affective treatment that suits the particular need of a patient.

Treatment usually consists of an exercise program as well as advice on how to gradually increase your mobility and activity as well as how to avoid any injuries related to exercise. The various physiotherapy treatment modalities for a sufferer of arthritis depending on condition include ice and/or heat packs, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machines, hydrotherapy pools, manipulation, taping, massage, medications and acupuncture. Some patients are also prescribed splints or walking aids to help keep you independent and mobile.

 https://cbphysiotherapy.in/blog/physiotherapic-rehabilitation-in-times-of-covid-19

PHYSIOTHERAPIC -REHABILITATION IN TIMES OF COVID 19

 As the era of COVID-19 began with the global contagion engulfing the whole world, the healthcare systems across the world faced a daunting range of challenges. Scientific understanding of COVID-19 was considerably evolving since the World Health Organization declared it a “public health emergency of international concern” in late January 2020.  The combination of unpredictable patterns and incomplete knowledge meant that planning for and implementing both an immediate and sustainable long-term pandemic response was difficult—yet absolutely critical for the care of patients, employees, and organizational survival.

 

PANDEMIC CHALLENGING HEALTHWORKERS AND ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

The covid-19 pandemic landed all healthcare professionals across the world in an unprecedented situation, facing tremendous challenges to make impossible decisions and work under extreme pressures. These challenges ranged as how to allocate scant resources to equally needy patients and how to provide care for all severely unwell patients with constrained or inadequate resources.

Physiotherapists working in primary healthcare facilities played a significant role and faced huge challenges and being an established profession throughout the world had major contributions in assessing and treating the Covid-19 patients with comorbidities. Physiotherapy proved promising and beneficial in the respiratory treatment and physical rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19. Physiotherapists who practise in the ICU environment also provided airway clearance techniques for ventilated patients who show signs of inadequate airway clearance and they can assist in positioning patients with severe respiratory failure associated with COVID-19, including the use of prone position to optimize oxygenation.

 

 ADAPTING TELE-REHABILITATION AT CB PHYSIOTHERAPY IN TIMES OF COVID

Tele-Rehab has emerged as a great tool to help deliver physiotherapy services remotely to patients. Tele- Rehabilitation has significantly contributed toward the sustainable care of patients who were looking for quality care at home in the global contagion. By embracing technology, physios are now able to offer recovery & pain management sessions remotely through online channels (aka Telehealth, Virtual Physiotherapy, online Consultations, and e-Health.

At CB Physiotherapy early adoption of tele-health was of immense help in adapting to the new normal. With our Exercise Prescription software TelePT, Our Physiotherapists were quick to adapt to the new normal and help patients in their recovery while staying at home. Physiotherapists at CB Physiotherapy & across the world were able to continue delivering physio care to patients even during lockdowns & stay at home guidelines. As the experts in the respective fields, physiotherapists at CB Physiotherapy guided patients in how exercise and various home-based treatment modalities can help recovery at home. Exercise Prescription software like TelePT by CB Physiotherapy should be leveraged to provide video instructions & make understanding exercises easy for the patients. At CB Physiotherapy, we also have conducted tele physiotherapy sessions to NRIs stuck in other parts of the world.

 

TAIL PIECE

Therefore, it is very important for us to identify, recognize and appreciate the efforts and importance of physiotherapy practitioners in their contribution to delivery of healthcare. Not only that but for the general health of population, awareness needs to be created to highlight the benefits of physiotherapy and how it can help people in management of pain, maintaining mobility & improving the overall quality of life.

 

 

 

Physiotherapy at home / Home care physiotherapy

Physiotherapy at home service may be an option even though people don’t know about it. Home physiotherapy occurs when a physiotherapist come to your home to render the rehabilitation services. This may include manual therapy or use of equipments like IFT, Ultrasound may be used as well. The portable equipment is carried by physiotherapist to provide treatment as per the patient’s requirement. Most of the people think that Home physiotherapy is only for those individuals who cannot get out of bed. The actual reality is that home physiotherapy can help people in different situations such as those who are:

• Having acute or severe condition and leaving home could cause their health to worsen.
  
  
• The functional mobility of the patient is limited and cannot travel to see a physiotherapist.
  
  
• Lack of transportation or access to transportation.
  
  
• Suffering from Vertigo.
  
  
• Aged Patient.
  
  

Though, a person who simply desires a private physiotherapy session can also avail the facility of home physiotherapy.

Generally Home care physiotherapy treatment is required /preferred for the following conditions:

• Post Stroke Treatment (paralysis)
  
  
• Post-Surgery Rehab (Knee Replacement, Hip Replacement etc.)
  
  
• Severe Joint Pain
  
  
• Knee Arthritis
  
  
• Spinal injuries
  
  
• Post spine surgery
  
  
• Neurological disorders (Parkinson’s, Cerebral palsy)
  
  
• Balancing related issue
  
  

Benefits of availing physiotherapy at home:

• A physiotherapist will visit your home for the treatment thus you don’t have to leave your comfort zone.
• Home physiotherapy helps you to recover in Comfortable and Familiar Surroundings. For regular physiotherapy requirements it is advisable to choose a physiotherapist near your location (Search physiotherapist near me in google to get the list)
  
  
  If you are advised by your Doctor to avoid travel then home physiotherapy is the best option for you.A physiotherapist can teach some normal exercises to one of your family members so that they can also help you to do certain exercises.
  
  
  Time management- A lot of time can be saved by opting for physiotherapy at home. Also, time plays an important role in treating conditions like acute pain and stress. Thus, treatment at home helps a lot.Supervision- Availing for physiotherapy treatment at home helps the patient and his/her family to keep track of the treatment process and to ensure that the patient is getting proper physiotherapy care or not.
  
  
  At CB Physiotherapy we make sure that the patients get high quality physiotherapy sessions at home for their quick recovery. For Physiotherapy Treatment, Consult Our Experts or book Appointment @ CB Physiotherapy: www.cbphysiotherapy.in