Description

Cervical Collar, also known as a neck brace, is a medical device used to support a person’s neck. It is also used by emergency personnel for those who have had traumatic head or neck injuries,^[1] and can be used to treat chronic medical conditions.

Whenever people have a traumatic head or neck injury, they may have a cervical fracture. This makes them at high risk for spinal cord injury, which could be exacerbated by movement of the person and could lead to paralysis or death. A common scenario for this injury would be a person suspected of having whiplash because of a car accident.^[2] In order to prevent further injury, such people may have a collar placed by medical professionals until X-rays can be taken to determine if a cervical spine fracture exists.^[3] The cervical collar only stabilizes the top seven vertebrae, C1 through C7. (Other immobilizing devices such as a Kendrick Extrication Device or a backboard can be used to stabilize the remainder of the spinal column.^[1])

The routine use of a cervical collar by a first aid provider is not recommended.^[4]

Cervical collars are also used therapeutically to help realign the spinal cord and relieve pain,^[5] although they are usually not worn for long periods of time.^[6] Another use of the cervical collar is for strains, sprains or whiplash.^[2][3] If pain is persistent, the collar might be required to remain attached to help in the healing process.^[3][5] A person may also need a cervical collar, or may require a halo fixation device to support the neck during recovery after surgery such as cervical spinal fusion.