Using A Philadelphia Collar After Spinal Cord Injury

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a Philadelphia collar? A Philadelphia collar is a type of brace used to keep your neck and head in the correct position after a spinal cord injury (SCI). This gives your injured spinal column and the ligaments time to heal. It also helps support your neck muscles. This collar keeps your neck from moving forward, bending backward, and your head from turning. Staying in bed may cause many pressure sores, blood clots, and other health problems. The Philadelphia collar lets you get out of bed and start moving sooner after your injury. The Philadelphia collar is made of hard plastic, with Velcro straps to keep it closed. It consists of a front piece with a chin cup, and a curved back piece that fits against the lower part of your skull (head).

Do's and do nots of having a Philadelphia collar:

• Do lie flat if the collar needs to be opened for any reason.
  
  
• Do have someone check the collar before you get out of bed.
  
  
• Do tell your caregiver if you have neck pain or a headache.
  
  
• Do not open the collar unless you are lying flat.
  
  
• Do not put lotion under the collar.
  
  
• Do not allow anyone to adjust the collar unless they are trained to adjust it.

How do I care for my Philadelphia collar? Taking care of your Philadelphia collar includes making sure the collar is on correctly. It also includes checking the skin under the collar, and cleaning the collar.

Where can I go for support?

• Having a spinal cord injury is life changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have a spinal cord injury is hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Let them help you. Your caregiver can help your family better understand how to support a person with a spinal cord injury.
  
  
• You may want to join a support group. This is a group of people who also have spinal cord injuries. Ask your caregiver for the names and numbers of support groups in your town. For more information, you may call or write:
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America
    801 Eighteenth Street NW
    Washington, DC, 20006
    Phone: 1-800-424-8200
    Web Address: www.pva.org
    
  • National Spinal Cord Injury Association
    6701 Democracy Blvd, Ste 300-9
    Bethesda, MD 20817
    Phone: 1-800-962-9629
    Web Address: www.spinalcord.org
    
  • American Spinal Cord Association
    2020 Peachtree Road, NW
    Atlanta, Georgia, 30309-1402
    Phone: 1-404-355-9772
    Web Address: www.asia-spinalinjury.org
    

Call ____ if:

• You have back pain.
  
  
• You have signs of a pressure sore under the collar. This would include a red, painful, or open area of skin.

Seek care immediately if: You feel the Philadelphia collar is too tight or too loose. Lie down flat after contacting your caregiver. Your Philadelphia collar may need to be checked.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your spinal cord injury and your Philadelphia collar. You can then discuss choices with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what choices may be best for you. You always have the right to refuse and make your own decisions.

Link to this page

Printable Version

Email Page