What to Know About Neck Collars

A neck collar is a soft, squishy piece of clothing worn after surgery or car accidents, as well as those stiff, plastic ones paramedics use on TV shows. So what’s the deal with them? Basically, they’re used after injuries or surgeries to support the neck.

Depending on the type of neck injury or pain, different collars are suitable. However, wearing one for an extended period may cause some side effects.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything about neck collars and provide you with some tips on using a neck collar to relieve your neck pain.

What is a Neck Collar?

A neck collar, also called a neck brace, supports your spine and head. It’s often used for neck injuries, surgeries, or some neck pain. The goal is to keep your head and neck still until the injury heals.

There are three main types of neck collars:

1. Soft collars: These are made of foam, polyethylene, or inflatable material. They allow some movement forward and backward but limit side-to-side motion. They’re used for whiplash, neck sprains, and chronic neck pain in older people.

2. Rigid collars: Made of plastic over foam or vinyl, these are the most restrictive. They’re used when doctors need to stop nearly all neck movement. After surgeries or severe trauma like cervical fractures, these collars are worn. They usually cover from the jaw to the collarbone.

3. Sport Collars: These are a special type of rigid collar used by racecar drivers, motocross riders, and ATV riders. They’re meant for high-speed, high-impact activities to prevent neck damage during collisions or sudden stops. They’re really effective in preventing severe injuries and reducing the need for other types of neck collars.

What Are Neck Collars Used For?

A neck collar can give support to your neck and spine. Its job is to limit movement in your neck and head. Usually, you wear it for a period of time to help you recover from an injury, surgery, or pain.

You might need a cervical collar if you have:

1. General neck pain or stiffness: Wearing a cervical collar could ease some strain on your neck muscles.

2. Whiplash or trauma: If you’ve been in a car crash or had another kind of injury, like a fall, this collar can protect your neck and stop more injury.

3. Neck surgery: After surgery, the collar helps prevent harm by limiting how much you can turn your head or move it side-to-side and back-and-forth.

4. Nerve pressure: Sometimes, the collar is used to ease pressure on the nerves in your neck.

5. Cervical spondylosis: This collar might give you temporary relief from pain caused by cervical spondylosis. That’s when the cartilage and bones in your neck wear down because of age.

Do You Need a Neck Collar?

Your neck is quite fragile, acting like spaghetti holding up a heavy bowling ball (your head). If any part of that “spaghetti” gets damaged (say, from a car crash or sports injury), the rest has to work harder to support the weight.

A neck collar provides support while your neck heals from injuries caused by accidents or chronic issues like bone spurs or arthritis. It eases pain during treatment.

Chronic neck pain has various causes, from small things like carrying a heavy backpack to bigger issues like bone problems. Using a collar can help with the pain while you get treated.

When you see a doctor for neck pain, tell them about your habits, like carrying a bag on one shoulder, sitting in one position for a long time, or using your phone a lot. These habits might contribute to the pain.

The doctor will ask if your pain spreads to your shoulders or hands and if you get headaches. These could indicate weak neck muscles, tired of holding up your head.

Are There Any Side Effects to Wearing a Neck Collar? 

Wearing a neck collar can offer short-term support and protection after an injury. However, research suggests that long-term use might weaken and stiffen neck muscles over time.

For acute injuries, using a collar is often necessary. But for moderate neck pain, limiting collar use or exploring other treatments might be helpful. Interestingly, the relief people feel when wearing a collar could be as much psychological as it is physical.

After a whiplash-like injury, wearing a collar for over 10 days isn’t recommended. But after surgery or a serious injury, long-term support might be necessary.

There’s a shift in medical advice away from using these collars for traumatic injuries due to safety concerns and a lack of evidence for their long-term benefits.

Even emergency care is moving away from rigid collars. Paramedics used to use these on everyone as a precaution, but now they’re more cautious due to risks like choking or vomiting, especially in certain cases like intoxication, stroke, or improper fitting.

Paramedics now assess for spinal trauma before using collars, and some first responders are trained not to use them at all.

Neck pain has many causes and treatments. A collar might help in some cases, but you should discuss your concerns and explore other options with your doctor. 

Tips for Wearing a Neck Collar

If you have to wear a neck collar, your healthcare provider will give you specific do’s and don’ts. Generally, when wearing it, it’s best to:

1. Make your collar fits snugly but comfortably. If it’s too loose, it might rub against your skin, causing irritation. If it’s too tight or loose, it might not provide the necessary support, potentially leading to more discomfort or injury.

2. Avoid staying still for too long. Gentle movement, like short walks, can prevent your neck muscles from getting stiff and aid in a quicker recovery.

3. Maintain good posture by keeping your back straight, shoulders back, and head aligned with your ears over your shoulders. Avoid slouching or leaning forward.

4. Avoid sinking into soft, low chairs as they can disrupt your posture and strain your neck.

5. Avoid lifting heavy objects and refrain from activities that strain your neck, like running or high-impact movements.

How to Sleep with a Neck Collar

When sleeping with a neck collar, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Use a mattress that isn’t too soft—it should properly support your neck.

2. Avoid bending your neck forward, backward, or to the side while sleeping.

3. Keep your neck aligned with your body; avoid twisting or turning.

4. Try lying on your back with a thin pillow; using too many pillows might strain your neck.

5. Roll gently onto your side, then swing your legs over the bed’s edge and push up using your arms.

How to Bathe with a Neck Collar

Taking a bath is often simpler when you’re wearing a cervical collar.

To keep the collar dry, it’s crucial to avoid water contact. Try wrapping plastic around the collar to protect it.

If you prefer a shower, using a handheld nozzle can limit neck movement. This might make it more comfortable for you.

How to Clean a Neck Collar

Cleaning your neck collar is important for preventing bacteria buildup and skin irritation. Here’s how:

For soft collars:

1. Wash in a sink with warm water and mild soap.
2. Air dry the collar. Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, or bleach to prevent skin reactions.

For hard collars:

1. Replace dirty pads and rinse the front and back panels.

When putting the collar back on, ensure it fits properly to avoid skin rubbing, pressure sores, and irritation.

How Long Do You Need to Wear a Neck Collar? 

The time you wear a neck collar varies based on your condition:

For general neck pain:

• Avoid wearing it for more than a week to prevent muscle stiffness and weakness.

For serious or sudden injury:

• Consult your doctor for specific guidance on wearing duration.

Long-term use may weaken muscles, so the aim is to start moving and strengthening them early on. Doctors usually advise against prolonged collar use for moderate neck pain not caused by a sudden injury.

The Bottom Line

A neck collar helps your neck and spine by giving support and protection. People use these collars when they have neck injuries, after neck surgeries, or when they’re dealing with certain kinds of neck pain.

There are two main types: soft and hard collars. The soft ones are for moderate neck pain, while the hard ones are for more serious cases like severe neck pain, spinal fractures, or bad injuries.

Using a neck collar for a short while can be helpful, but studies say that wearing it for a long time might make your neck muscles weaker and stiffer.

Sophia Anderson, PT, DPT

Sophia Anderson, PT, DPT is a physical therapist who offers online pain management consultations. She helps people with various types of pain, especially neck, back, and knee pain.

She graduated from the University of St. Augustine with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. She has experience in orthopedic physical therapy, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, advanced assessment and treatment of running injuries, and advanced treatment of the pelvic complex, spine, and extremities.

If you’re experiencing any pain, let Sophia Anderson, PT, DPT help you out.