Soft Cervical Collar

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A soft cervical collar is a device that helps prevent movement of your neck. It is made of soft foam, wraps around your neck, and fastens in the back.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take away or decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine.
  
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: This group of medicines is also called NSAIDs. This medicine may help decrease pain and swelling. You can buy NSAIDs without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people.
  
  
• Muscle relaxers: When your muscles relax, you may move more easily and have less pain.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are taking any vitamins, herbs, or other medicines. Keep a list of the medicines you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them in your follow-up visits.

How to use your soft cervical collar:

• Ask how long you should wear your soft cervical collar. As your pain gets better, you may be able to remove the collar for a short time each day. This time will increase until you no longer need the collar.
  
  
  • Move your head slowly so that you are looking straight ahead.
    
    
  • Fit the collar snugly around your neck. Attach the fasteners at the back of your neck.
    
    
  • Make sure that you can breathe comfortably. Do not raise your chin so that it is pointing up. This can cause problems with healing. If the collar feels too tight, remove it and reapply it. If the collar irritates your skin, put cotton padding between the collar and your skin.
  
  
• You may need to sleep without a pillow if you sleep with your collar on.

Ways to help decrease neck pain:

• Ice and heat: Apply ice and heat to your neck as directed. This can help reduce pain.
  
  
• Massage: You may want to have your neck and shoulders massaged. Talk to your primary healthcare provider about massage before you let anyone massage your neck.

Therapy:

Do exercises as directed. These may include strengthening and range-of-motion exercises. Exercises include stretching your neck by gently moving your head side to side, up and down, and ear to shoulder. Your primary healthcare provider may also suggest physical therapy. This is when a physical therapist helps you with special exercises. These exercises help make your muscles stronger and decrease pain.

How to prevent neck pain or injury:

You may need to limit your activity. This may help decrease your pain and swelling. Ask your primary healthcare provider when you can return to your normal daily activities.

• Exercise may help relieve tension in your neck muscles. Ask which exercises are best for you and how much you should exercise. Be sure to stretch before and after exercise.
  
  
• Make sure your pillow is comfortable and supports your head and neck if you sleep without a collar. You may need a special neck pillow. You may be more comfortable on a firm mattress.
  
  
• If you sit at a desk all day, make sure your back is supported. Keep your computer monitor at eye level. Place documents you are reading into a holder at eye level. Use a headset when you talk on the telephone.
  
  
• Always use a seatbelt to help prevent neck injuries. Wear a helmet when you ride a bike.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• Your pain is so bad that you cannot get comfortable or it wakes you up.
  
  
• Your arm or hand is numb, tingles, or is weak.
  
  
• You have swollen glands or a lump in your neck.
  
  
• You have trouble swallowing or cannot get enough air when you breathe.
  
  
• You cannot control urination or bowel movements.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your neck pain was caused by an injury and you cannot move your arm or hand.
  
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Soft Cervical Collar (Aftercare Instructions)