The Complete Guide on How to Wear a Neck Brace
The Complete Guide on How to Wear a Neck Brace
Types Of Neck Support Collar
The first and the most crucial thing you should know is the types when you buy neck support collar. There are various types of neck collars intended for different applications.Rigid Braces
These are the neck braces you see on medical dramas when an accident victim is rushed into the emergency room. Rigid braces are designed with moulded plastic. The font and back piece consists of a removable padded liner that can be fastened with Velcro. Rigid braces are recommended when you need to completely restrict your neck movement while recovering from a spine trauma or surgery (e.g., fusion).Soft Braces
These are the conventional bulky neck support collar for posture support and neck strain recovery. Typically soft neck support collars are designed with thick foam rubber wrapped in cotton. While these cervical collars allow greater movement, they can be bulky and sometimes uncomfortable for longer wear.Semi-Rigid Braces
If you think a neck brace can only have a bulky, constrictive design to support your neck, you need to take a hard look at semi-rigid braces. Most semi-rigid braces are designed with a nylon structure and soft padding for optimum support and comfort. The sleek, discreet designs help you to wear them comfortably over longer periods anywhere and everywhere. You can even conceal them under your shirt.How Long Should You Wear Neck Braces?
It is recommended you wear your neck brace for posture support for a few hours every day, especially when you're working in front of a digital screen (laptop/desktop) or when you experience the maximum neck strain. Using the neck support collar continuously over several weeks will help you achieve your correct posture. However, never wear your neck braces while taking a bath or sleeping. Avoid steps and curbs until you get accustomed to the wearing of the neck collar. Also, refrain from wearing the cervical collar while driving or travelling.What Elements To Consider While Buying A Neck Support Collar
Give special attention to the following factors, as they determine how effective your therapy is going to be:- Size of your cervical support- Most manufacturers offer S, M and L sizes for neck braces. Ensure to follow the manufacturer size guide to select the correct size for you.
- Ease of wearing- If your neck collar isn't easy to wear and remove, you might tend to skip wearing it altogether. Studies suggest that people discontinue wearing their neck collars when they need to depend on someone else for wearing it.
- Comfort and discreet- Another primary reason for discontinuation of neck support collar is discomfort while wearing. Ensure your neck collar has a design that allows maximum air circulation, uses a less restrictive design while providing maximum support.
Here are the Expert Views on How to Wear a Neck Brace
1. Keith Mint | Founder of Minted Empire says,
Make sure your neck brace is snug but not too tight. If the neck brace isn't snug enough, it won't give you the support you need, which could lead to more pain or damage. It could brush against your skin and create discomfort or blisters if it's too loose.2. Arantxa Leon | Editor at Sleepopolis says,
Since I had a cervical fusion and a posterior cervical laminectomy about 3 weeks ago. I have to wear a neck brace for about 3 months until my vertebrates are fully fused. As per your question, there are different ways you can wear your neck brace. It all depends on the type of procedure the person had done if any. Your doctor will give you specific details on how to wear it. For example, I must wear my neck brace loose since I have to allow my neck to have natural movements.
I am a 26-year-old CrossFitter who has a pretty active lifestyle, so my doctor wants me to regain most of my neck mobility. Some doctors, depending on your case, don't allow much movement until the area is healed but in my case my doctor wants me to move my neck naturally. My doctor even told me to move my neck in an up and down and side to side motion the day after my surgery.
It is complicated sleeping with a neck brace, but I've found that tightening the brace more than how you usually wear it can't be helpful. By tightening the neck brace, it helps to reduce the movements up or down and it allows for a better night's rest. I also make sure to take a bath before going to bed and drink a sleeping tea that helps me relax even more. I had to work on my sleeping hygiene to help myself sleep better with the brace. I also got a better mattress, made sure everything was quiet and dark around my room.
The neck brace is going to be there for a while so I figured if I have a good sleeping routine, I should be able to sleep fine no matter what. Or at least I like to believe that. You also ask if it helps to prevent neck pain, I will say it does, since it helps you protect how you sleep. For example, I like to sleep on my stomach so wearing the neck brace it helps me remember not to sleep on my stomach helping to reduce or even prevent pain.
To be honest I don't think there is a perfect way to wear a neck brace, since it all depends on the reasoning behind it's being worn. I would highly advise talking to your doctor about your lifestyle and how he recommends wearing it.