Neck injuries can stem from joint inflammation or muscle distension. Also as a result of falls, sudden turns, excessive exercising or traffic accidents. Cervicalgia, torticollis and whiplash are highly prevalent and many people suffer from the pain and incapacity they produce.
Índice
What is the purpose of cervical collars?
Depending on the severity of the neck injury, collars can help relieve tension and reduce pain. If the cervical injury requires the area to be immobilised, the instructions of the specialist should always be followed.
Treatment of neck injuries depends on severity and cause. In most cases, it includes ice, painkillers, physiotherapy exercises and the use of a suitable cervical collar.
Different types of collars for each injury
At Orliman, we have designed several models of collar that offer neck bracing and support. They also limit movement to prevent neck injuries from worsening or becoming more painful and relieve muscle tension in the cervical region. One of them is the soft collar, which is made from polyurethane foam and is anatomically shaped to make it comfortable to wear and provide a snug fit. Very useful for neck injuries in which there is no instability and complete immobilisation is not required.
Another of Orliman’s new models is the semi-rigid polyurethane foam collar with polyethylene reinforcement. This reinforcement provides greater rigidity when neck injuries are more complicated and greater immobilisation of the area is necessary.
Orliman has also thought about children when designing these new models of collar. With them in mind, it offers the pediatric cervical collar, which provides the same bracing and support as the versions for adults. They also decrease pressure and relieve pain and muscle tension.
Collars after a cervical injury?
The use of collars can be controversial but what is certain is that they relieve pain and help the muscles around the neck to become more comfortable. They should however only be used under medical prescription and for as long as indicated. Collars are necessary at the beginning of some cervical injuries, when the soft tissue is inflamed. Once inflammation disappears, it is advisable to stop using them. If used excessively, the muscles can lose strength and recovery can take longer.
If used correctly though and under the supervision of a specialist, they can be of great help. And they will be even more so in the future. A student from the University of Seville is currently working on a project to 3D print a collar. This collar will be tailor made to the anatomy, needs and tastes of the patient. It will also be more flexible and breathable.
And the possibility of incorporating electro stimulators to act on the damaged area while it is being worn is also being studied. But until these innovations arrive, Orliman’s new designs are ideal to help relieve pain and neck discomfort and aid quick recovery.