A common strategy to reduce neck pain is to wear a soft cervical collar. The thought is that by immobilizing or by resting the neck, the pain will naturally decrease pain and healing will improve. This thought is NOT TRUE and can delay healing. The primary purpose for wearing a any cervical collar is to protect the spinal cord from injury, not to reduce pain. Research has already shown that wearing a soft cervical collar prescribed for whiplash injury has been shown to be clinically ineffective.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, by Katherine Whitcroft, BSc, ET AL., showed that even wearing a soft cervical collar did not adequately immobilize the spine to protect the spinal cord from potential damage. A rigid cervical brace proved effective in restricting cervical range of motion and should be worn if cervical instability is remotely suspected.
Wearing a soft cervical collar has other ramifications. By partially immobilizing the neck:
- Adhesions develop more quickly,
- Muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and joint capsules shorten,
- Fluid accumulates,
- Muscles atrophy,
- And cervical joint surfaces become duller and rougher.
A soft cervical collar simply should not be worn. It does not improve healing and if the spinal cord is suspected of being or becoming injured then a rigid cervical brace should be worn and medical treatment should obtained.
Please contact Dr. Jeffrey Linder at Bryant Park Wellness in New York City with any questions regarding this blog, chiropractic, and wellness.
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