Cervical Collars: Understanding Their Purpose and Importance

Cervical collars restrict the movement of a patient's neck after an injury, bone fracture or surgery. Emergency personnel often use cervical collars when transporting a patient from the scene of an accident to a hospital.

Significance

• Cervical collars provide a stable support for the head while the cervical (neck) discs heal. Preventing neck movement alleviates pressure and stress on the injured area.

Considerations

• Cervical collars must be applied correctly and tightened to function effectively. Poorly fitted collars do not offer any cervical support and may contribute to further spinal injury.

Types

• Rigid cervical collars made out of plastic discourage movement of the neck. Flexible cervical collars made out of foam allow more freedom to move.

Duration

• The amount of time for which a patient wears a cervical collar is determined on an individual basis by a physician.

Risks

• According to the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation &Emergency Medicine, long-term use of cervical collars increases pressure on the skull and may cause neck muscles to weaken.