How to Properly Use a Neck Brace

It is important to use your neck brace correctly to prevent further injury and promote healing. Neck braces wrap around your neck to keep your head still. You may need one because of an injury. Keeping your head still is important until you can get to the hospital to find out if you have neck or spinal cord injuries. The neck brace also can be used to keep your head still while you recover.You may want to use a neck brace if you have a lot of headaches or neck pain.

Things You'll Need

• Neck brace
• Soap
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your neck with soap and water before putting on your neck brace. This will keep the neck brace clean.

• 2

  Wrap the neck brace around your neck with the bottom padding resting on your body.

• 3

  Make sure the upper part of the neck brace is just under your chin. Your chin should fit without hanging over the brace or going down inside the brace.

• 4

  Move your hair--any facial hair as well as the hair on your head--out of the way before closing the brace. If you have long hair on your head, you may want to use a barrette or ponytail holder to keep your hair away from the brace.

• 5

  Fasten the neck brace in the back. Most neck braces fasten with a Velcro strip. Be sure you are comfortable and that the neck brace is not too tight.