Neck collar for osteochondrosis - which one is needed, how to wear it correctly?

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neck pain at some point

Muscle pain (myalgia) is pain that occurs not only during exercise, but also at rest.

Many people ignore the initial manifestations of neck pain and do not seek help or diagnosis. Then the pain intensifies and becomes chronic.

It begins to limit everyday life: it becomes difficult to drive a car, wash, work, take care of children or housework.

Even then, most people seek help on their own. Having learned from friends or on the Internet about the Shantz collar , they buy it and begin to actively use it.

At first, patients feel better, but as soon as they remove the collar, pain and muscle stiffness return.

Why is a Shants collar needed?

A neck brace in the form of a collar is necessary for proper immobilization of the cervical spine and relaxation of spasmed or shortened muscles. The elastic pad supports the head, maintaining its neutral, natural position. At the same time, the length, tone, and blood circulation of the muscles on the sides of the spine are stabilized and leveled.

Indications for wearing Shants collars are injuries and diseases of the cervical spine and impaired blood flow in the head and neck area. Depending on the mode and timing of wearing, the bandage relaxes muscles or promotes the regeneration of damaged structures. Very often, a neck bandage works effectively for osteochondrosis of the neck.

How does a neck corset work?

With the help of an orthopedic product, the cervical vertebrae are securely fixed, immobilized and constantly maintained in the correct anatomical state. Immobilization helps:

• stop (slow down) the displacement of vertebral structures;
• relieve the neck as much as possible and relax the neck muscles;
• reduce compression of intervertebral discs;
• relieve pinched nerve roots, and, consequently, pain;
• stabilize circulatory processes in the BCA (brachiocephalic arteries), which supply the brain;
• reduce or eliminate the clinical manifestations of accompanying symptoms (impaired visual and auditory perception, cognitive disorders, numbness of the upper extremities, insomnia, etc.);
• restore posture.

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After surgical removal of a disc herniation, the orthosis allows you to accelerate the processes of regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue, nerve and muscle fibers, and neck vessels.

Note: A cervical corset is also called an orthosis, orthopedic collar, bandage, or fixator.

Shants collar option

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis is a diagnosis familiar to many patients. Unfortunately, it is most often interpreted not entirely correctly and used inappropriately. Today, such a term is gradually disappearing from medical documentation and the dialect of doctors. If translated literally, osteochondrosis is a non-inflammatory and nonspecific degenerative process of bones and cartilage. Usually this refers to the problem of the bones and cartilage of the spine - the vertebrae and intervertebral joints. In the cervical region they are especially vulnerable due to their small size and constant overload.

Manifestations of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include aching or sharp pain, limited range of head movements, and a feeling of discomfort in the neck. However, the causes of such symptoms are often other pathologies, among which the most important are:

• Diseases of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus. Prolonged overload due to incorrect head position during work and sleep primarily damages ligaments and muscles. It is muscle pain that most often occurs after sitting or sleeping and is piercing and sharp in nature.
• Protrusion and herniation of intervertebral discs. The pain may be accompanied by numbness and weakness of the arms. The pain is burning, there are paresthesias - “crawling goosebumps”.
• Spinal canal stenosis. The pain does not go away with rest, gradually increases and is almost not alleviated by taking medications.

What kind of bandage is needed for cervical osteochondrosis and why?

Since in the vast majority of patients the causes of neck pain are muscle problems, it is the normalization of their work that most effectively eliminates the symptoms. In this case, a reasonable balance between immobilization (immobilization) of the neck and maintaining muscle performance is important. The best combination of therapeutic techniques for treating neck pain: treatment with exercises and the Shants collar.

Soft neck braces relieve vulnerable neck muscles during overload: sitting with a bent neck, physical work. A collar is also useful after classes with a rehabilitation therapist and massage therapist: a relaxed neck after a massage or exercise especially needs support. When osteochondrosis or muscle pain worsens, the collar is worn almost all day. It reduces the range of motion, each of which can cause severe pain. In addition, the body itself tries to do the same: the muscles sharply spasm, trying to protect the neck. The collar shifts this function to itself, and the spasm is eliminated.

Types of neck corsets and their design

Today, the following types of neck corsets are distinguished::

Neck corset called “Schanz splint” . This product is made from elastic and soft, but durable material. Such a corset may have a rigid structure and a built-in plastic splint, finished with a soft coating. The Shants collar can be soft or semi-rigid. It easily takes the shape of the neck, provides stabilization of the vertebrae and strengthens the muscle corset.

Full corset . It is worn on the thoracic spine, but has an additional girth for the neck. Full corsets are made from elastic materials. They are equipped with stiffening ribs that allow you to hold the muscle corset of the neck in an anatomically correct position. The use of such products is justified for hernias that appear against the background of advanced osteochondrosis.

Neck collar . It is a simple product that is worn around the neck and secured with regular Velcro.

Neck brace . It is made from plastic and metal elements, therefore it has a more rigid structure. Limits any movements in the cervical region, including rotation, flexion and extension. Compared to other products, it provides the strongest neck strengthening.

Inflatable (pneumatic) bandage . A product that inflates independently to the required size.

The fillers of neck corsets can be materials such as plastic, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, as well as various multicomponent compositions.

Patients with cervical intervertebral hernias can be prescribed rigid, semi-rigid and warming corsets . Each of them performs certain functions and has its own characteristics and properties. Each of these types must be considered to understand their impact on the disease.

Rigid corsets

A rigid corset is used exclusively as prescribed by a doctor.

Used exclusively as prescribed by a doctor . Do not use for self-medication. As a rule, rigid corsets are prescribed in the early stages of rehabilitation after operations and injuries.

Such products perform a supporting and supporting function, relieve stress from the spinal column, eliminate muscle spasms, thereby preventing displacement of the vertebrae and accelerating the recovery of the patient’s body.

Using a rigid corset on an ongoing basis is contraindicated . The time of its use is limited to a couple of hours a day. This is due to the fact that the corset takes on the load, which under normal conditions should fall on the back muscles.

With constant use of a corset, the muscles become weak, losing the ability to perform their supporting function. In the future, this can lead to overload of the spine, the formation of new protrusions and hernias.

Semi-rigid corsets

A semi-rigid corset prevents excessive tension and spasms of the neck muscles

They allow you to relieve the spine and fix the affected area of ​​the spinal column , prevent excessive tension and muscle spasms, provide micromassage and a slight warming effect.

The use of a semi-rigid orthopedic corset is justified not only for intervertebral hernia, but also for osteochondrosis and radiculitis (for the treatment and prevention of these diseases).

Basically, it is used for long periods of driving a car , heavy physical work or sports activities. The corset allows you to fix the desired position of the vertebrae and avoid muscle fatigue of the back.

Warming corsets

Warming neck corsets are used if radiculitis occurs

Used for intervertebral hernias, radiculitis, rheumatism . They warm the affected area of ​​the spine and provide micromassage. The inside of warming corsets is covered with camel, dog or sheep hair, which warms up the affected area and relieves pain. The only drawback of such corsets is that they do not support the back and do not relieve the load on the damaged spinal column and its discs.

Video: “Shant’s collar: a neurologist’s opinion on the indications”

Find out more about the use of orthopedic corsets for other diseases:

• Classification of orthopedic belts, corsets and back braces
• Find out which orthopedic belts are used for hernia on the page pozvonochnik/drugie-zabolevaniya/mezhpozvonochnaya-gryzha/korset-dlya-spiny-pri-mezhpozvonochnoj-gryzhe-kakie-byvayut-i-rekomendatsii-po-vyboru.html
• How to wear back corsets correctly for a lumbar hernia
• To understand how to choose an orthopedic pillow for torticollis in a newborn, go here
• More about warming belts for sciatica in the next article

Ways to wear them

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Next fact

Those who are planning to use neck braces need to understand: wearing a brace is justified only when there is a real need for it. Ignoring this recommendation is fraught with weakening or, much worse, atrophy of the neck muscle corset .

There are also cases where long-term use of neck braces led to a complication called “hypercorrection ,” that is, reverse bending of the neck.

In the first days of using the corset, it is recommended to wear it no more than 15 minutes/day . Over time, the time of using the bandage can be increased to an hour, and in some cases (only on the recommendation of a doctor) - up to six hours.

The duration of use of the corset is determined by the diagnosis, the stage of the disease and the complexity of its course. On average, collars are worn for one to three months. You need to give up the bandage gradually, reducing the time you wear it.

It is recommended to remove most corsets before going to bed , but this issue should also be discussed with your doctor. For example, the Shants splint can be left overnight, especially if there is pain. And remember: you should not replace physical therapy with a corset.

How to wear and choose a Shants collar?

The method and mode of wearing is determined by the doctor. Usually, outside of an exacerbation, it is recommended to wear a collar only while working or reading. The duration of harmless wearing is about 2 hours a day. This is enough to “warm up” and relieve the neck. The effect of the collar is complemented by sleeping on orthopedic pillows. They also relieve stress on the neck during sleep and, in combination with collars, give quick and noticeable results. In case of exacerbations of the disease, longer neck fixation is prescribed for several days - up to 12 hours a day.

A good Shants collar must meet a number of requirements. First, it must be certified. This guarantees its safety when worn and in contact with the skin (poor collars can cause allergies and release harmful substances). Secondly, it must be suitable in size and purpose. All products at Medtechnika Ortosalon undergo strict testing and certification. We have a wide selection of high-quality and effective soft, semi-rigid and rigid neck braces. Experienced consultants are ready to help with choosing the appropriate type and size of collar for osteochondrosis.

Recommendations for selection

Before you go for a neck brace, you need to visit a doctor and find out what design is needed in your case (soft, semi-rigid or hard). It is possible that the doctor will tell you the name of a specific model or advise how to choose and wear the product correctly in a particular case.

You can buy collars in pharmacies and orthopedic salons. Before purchasing, it is advisable to measure the distance from the middle of the collarbone to the bony angle of the lower jaw. This indicator will correspond to the width of the Shants tire. You also need to measure your neck circumference.

To choose the right collar, you need to pay attention to:

• 
  Pay attention to the rules for choosing a neck corset Product quality

  . The material with which the orthosis is sheathed on top must be hypoallergenic and soft. Many people tend to buy corsets from foreign manufacturers, forgetting that high-quality products do not have to be expensive. Many domestic companies cope with the production of collars no worse than their foreign competitors. The main thing is to buy products in large pharmacies and orthopedic salons, where there are appropriate documents for the goods.
• Comfort . Before purchasing a product, it is advisable to try it on. If the chin fits into the recess in the front part of the corset without any problems, and the Velcro allows you to freely adjust the volume of the collar, then the product can be taken. Please note: the bandage should not interfere with normal breathing or cause any pain.
• Fixation . The corset should be worn around the neck and in contact with the skin. When trying on a collar, do not fix it too loosely or too tightly. It is important to choose exactly the type of fixation in which neck movements will be limited, but breathing problems will not arise.

Video: “How to choose a Shants collar?”

How to choose a collar

When purchasing a product, you should read the instruction manual. In addition, it is recommended to try on the collar. It should fit snugly to the skin, but not restrict breathing or cause pain.

To make wearing a corset as comfortable as possible, before choosing it, you need to measure the height and length (circumference) of your neck in centimeters. Russian sizes may differ from European or Chinese sizes.

Russian size chart

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Rules for wearing neck braces

To make wearing a neck brace as effective as possible, you need to follow a number of rules:

• for preventive purposes, use during increased loads on the cervical spine - that is, when staying in a static position for a long time, for example, working at a computer or during long trips behind the wheel or on public transport;
• fasten the bandage correctly - not too loosely or tightly, the head should not freely turn in different directions, tilt back and forth;
• The orthosis cannot be worn constantly - this will lead to muscle atrophy. As a rule, the wearing scheme is prescribed by the attending physician; according to general recommendations, the maximum time of use of the product per day is 6 hours.

At first, it is enough to wear the bandage for 15 minutes, gradually increasing this time. Typically, for cervical osteochondrosis, a course lasting 2 months is prescribed. You need to adjust the wearing time gradually. When leaving the program, it is recommended to sleep on a therapeutic pillow. For more detailed information about wearing time, please contact your doctor.

Useful tips

Tip #1

You cannot drive a car while wearing a corset. Limited neck mobility while driving is always a high risk of an accident.

Tip #2

The use of the fixative begins with 15-20 minutes, gradually increasing the time.

Tip #3

It is prohibited to wear a collar (of any modification) at all times. This leads to excessive weakening of the neck muscles, threatening atrophy.

The average price of such a bandage is 750-1500 rubles

What types of orthopedic devices for the neck are there?

The product is selected strictly according to personal indications (stage of development of the hernia, size of the patient’s neck, the most convenient material for a particular case of the disease). The list of designs includes:

Gymnastics for cervical hernia

• Collar (tire) of Shants. The most popular model for fixing cervical vertebrae. The base of the collar is made of dense but easily bendable polyurethane foam (foam rubber), inside of which there is a semi-rigid or soft tire. The outer side of the retainer is microfiber. The edges of the collar are secured with adhesive fasteners. The product is suitable for the treatment of protrusion, extrusion of discs and the prevention of possible problems with the spine.
• Cut. The most radical device that completely limits the movement of the head and neck. The orthosis is made of metal and plastic, it is not particularly convenient to use, but in the postoperative period (after removal of the hernia) it is impossible to do without it.
• Collar. It resembles a travel pillow, which is usually taken on a plane or road trip. The soft design, equipped with Velcro fasteners, helps reduce stress on the neck muscles and restore mobility of the neck and head. It is used in the initial stages of a hernia, as well as for vascular and muscular pathologies of the cervical spine.
• Warming collar. A soft fabric product containing hair (dog, camel) inside, which provides a warming effect to stimulate blood and lymph flow in the neck area. The collar does not have fixing properties, so its use is advisable only in the stage of prolapse or for prevention purposes.
• Pneumatic bandage (inflatable collar). Made from soft hollow pads. An inflatable neck corset is simple and comfortable to use, usually has an attractive design and is fastened with Velcro. The clamp is supplied with a special device for pumping air. Suitable for the prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis and its complications.

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Important! When using a rigid orthosis, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions. Wearing the product for a long time may harm the patient.

Provides rigid fixation of the spine in the cervical region, reinforced with hard plastic inserts in front and back

What types of corsets are there in terms of stiffness?

In addition to the area of ​​fixation, when choosing orthopedic products, the degree of their rigidity should be taken into account. The following models of orthoses are used for the neck:

• rigid - will provide proper support after injuries, operations, they take on the supporting functions of the problem area, prevent displacement of injured vertebrae, and are indispensable for severe spinal deformities;
• semi-rigid - these products are worn if significant physical activity is expected, sitting in one position for many hours, some models in this category are equipped with stiffeners made of plastic or metal, they are effective for pain that causes diseases such as osteochondrosis, herniated intervertebral discs, protrusion;
• warming - they not only support the spine, but improve the condition and well-being of rheumatism, osteochondrosis, radiculitis, stop neuro-inflammatory processes, the main therapeutic effect is associated with a rush of blood to the affected area.

Most often, semi-rigid corsets are worn for cervical osteochondrosis. They prevent muscle overstrain, are an effective means of prevention, protect the problem area from overload, provide micro-massage and stabilize problem areas.