About this topic
A cervical immobilizer is a kind of brace for your neck. You may also hear it called a cervical collar or C-collar. It is made to support your head and neck. It also helps to limit how much you can move your neck after an injury or surgery. There are a few kinds of C-collars. Soft collars are made of foam. They support your head a little, limit a small amount of motion, and may help ease pain. Rigid collars are made of plastic and have a part that goes under the chin. They keep your neck from moving and are often used after surgery or a serious injury. ‚
General
Always ask your doctor how often you should wear the brace. Some doctors may have you wear it all the time except when washing or showering. If you are allowed to remove your neck brace for showering, keep your neck stiff. You may need a helper to wash your hair. It is very important not to move your neck. It is best if you can have someone help you take off and put on your brace. ‚
To take your brace off: ‚
- Undo the Velcro straps on one side of the collar.
- Carefully open up the collar and take it off.
To put your brace on: ‚
- Sit or stand in front of a mirror.
- Put the front part of your brace in the correct position and line up your chin with the chin piece.
- Place the back part of the brace in the center of your neck.
- Pull the straps snugly until the brace is secure.
Helpful tips
- Some braces come with different liners for the chin, front of the brace, and back of the brace. Hand wash the liners with mild detergent. Air dry. Follow the manufacturers instructions on how to change the liners.
- Hand wash the plastic part of the brace with mild detergent. Towel dry.
- Keep your brace away from heat or flames.
- Check your neck for areas of redness, sores, or skin irritation each time you take off your neck brace. If they do not go away within 20 minutes, let your orthotist or doctor know.
- If you are able to move your neck when you have a rigid cervical collar, let your orthotist or doctor know right away.
- Never drive with a cervical collar.
- Take extra care when riding in a car.
- Sleep with your neck brace on unless your doctor tells you not to.
Last Reviewed Date
2015-01-12 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Neuromuscular and Skeletal
- Therapy (Occupational, Physical, Speech, etc)
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚