Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics)

What are cervical collars? — A cervical collar, or "C-collar," is a type of brace for your neck. They are sometimes called "cervical immobilizers" or "neck braces."

The neck has 7 bones that are stacked on top of each other. These bones are called the "cervical vertebrae." They make up the top part of the spine, called the "cervical spine." Ligaments attach the bones to each another. A thick bundle of nerves called the "spinal cord" runs through the cervical vertebrae, and connects the brain to the rest of the body. C-collars help protect the cervical spine.

There are different types of C-collars:

●Rigid C-collars (figure 1) – These are made of hard plastic and foam. They usually have a piece that goes under your chin. They keep your neck very still. These are usually used after surgery or a serious injury, such as a neck fracture. They support your head and limit how much you can move your head and neck while you heal.

●Soft C-collars – These are made of foam. They give your neck some support and limit your side-to-side movement. Some people find that they help with neck pain. But doctors generally do not recommend that people wear these, especially for long periods of time. This is because they can actually make the neck muscles weak. If you use a soft C-collar, only wear it for less than 3 hours at a time.

This article focuses on rigid C-collars. If you are interested in using a soft C-collar for neck pain, talk to your doctor or nurse.

How do I wear a C-collar? — You will learn how to wear your C-collar in the hospital. Before you go home with your C-collar, make sure that you know:

●When you should wear it – In some cases, you might need to wear your C-collar all of the time, or you might be able to remove it for certain tasks. Follow your doctor or nurse's instructions.

●If you will need help – For example, you might need someone else to put the collar on, wash your hair, or help you do other tasks while you are wearing the C-collar.

Each C-collar is slightly different, so follow the instructions for your specific collar.

The general steps for putting on and taking off your C-collar are below. Your doctor might instruct you to do this while seated or while lying down. It might be easier if you have someone help you.

To take the C-collar off and put it back on while seated:

●Sit down, and keep your head still while you remove the collar.

●Carefully undo the straps on the side of the collar. Open the collar, and pull it away from the skin. Move slowly, and be gentle.

●Try not to move your head and neck too much while the collar is off.

●While the collar is off, you can clean your neck area and check for any skin irritation. You can also clean the collar.

●After you check and clean the neck area, you can put the C-collar back on. Make sure that the back piece is centered on the back of your neck. Then, carefully bring the rest of the collar around your neck. It might help to gently pull the collar down toward your belly button as you bring it around your face, then bring it back up toward your head. Your chin should rest on the chin piece.

●Fasten the C-collar into place. Rigid C-collars usually have straps on 1 side.

●The C-collar should be snug, but not uncomfortable. Your head and neck should not be able to move very much once the C-collar is on. If your head and neck are moving a lot, try putting on the collar again.

To take the C-collar off and put it back on while lying down:

●Lie down flat on your back on a bed, without a pillow. Keep your head in a neutral position, looking at the ceiling.

●Undo the straps on the side of the collar.

●Carefully open the front of the collar, and bring it to the other side of your head. Gently slide the back panel out from under your neck.

●While the collar is off, you can clean your neck area and check for any skin irritation. You can also clean the collar. You might need another person to help you do this.

●To put the collar back on, stay lying down. Keep your head in a neutral position, looking at the ceiling.

●Without moving your head or neck, carefully slide the back panel of the neck brace under your neck. Make sure that the back panel is in the right position, centered on the back of your neck. If you have long hair, make sure that it is outside of the collar.

●Carefully bring the rest of the collar around your neck. It might help to gently pull the collar down toward your belly button as you bring it around your face, and then bring it back up toward your head. Your chin should rest on the chin piece.

●Fasten the C-collar into place. Rigid C-collars usually have straps on 1 side.

●The C-collar should be snug, but not uncomfortable. Your head and neck should not be able to move very much once the C-collar is on. If your head and neck are moving a lot, try putting on the collar again. If you are still having trouble, call your doctor or nurse.

What else should I know? — The exact instructions depend on what type of collar you have and why you need it. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand. Talk to your doctor or nurse about whether there are things you shouldn't do while wearing the collar.

Some general tips:

●Clean the C-collar once a day (you might need someone else to do this for you):

•Handwash any plastic pieces with mild detergent, and dry with a towel.

•Some rigid C-collars come with removable liners for the chin, front of the collar, and back of the collar. Hand-wash the liners with mild detergent. Let the liners air dry. Follow the collar manufacturer's instructions on how to change the liners.

●When you take the C-collar off for cleaning, check your neck for redness, sores, or skin irritation. If you have any of these symptoms and they do not go away within 20 minutes after removing the C-collar, tell your doctor or nurse.

●Use good posture while wearing a C-collar. Try not to slouch.

●Do not do any heavy lifting or heavy exercise.

●Sleep with your C-collar on, unless your doctor tells you not to.

●Never drive when wearing a C-collar. Ask your doctor about bathing. Do not wear the collar in the shower or bath.

●Keep your C-collar away from heat or flames.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

●Your arms or legs are weak.

●You have trouble when you breathe, swallow, eat, drink, or talk.

Call your doctor or nurse for advice if:

●You are able to move your neck or head easily with the C-collar on.

●You have pain in or around your ears or face.

●You have skin irritation that does not go away within 20 minutes of opening or removing the collar.

●Your arms or legs are numb or tingling.

More on this topic

Patient education: Cervical collars for children (The Basics)
Patient education: Neck fracture (The Basics)