Bandage on the cervical spine: main contraindications.

Shants collars can be used not only for the treatment of pathologies of the neck and cervical spine. These orthopedic devices can be an excellent measure to prevent the development of diseases (for example, for older people or people who sit most of the day).

In some cases, wearing a Shants neck brace is not enough and the doctor may prescribe the use of a Philadelphia-type collar for more thorough fixation of the spine. This professional neck brace is to be worn only as prescribed by a doctor.

Wearing a Philadelphia bandage is indicated for the following pathologies:

• postoperative period after interventions on the cervical spine;
• stable cervical fractures;
• cervical radiculopathy;
• displacement of the cervical vertebrae;
• excessive mobility of the cervical spine.

The design of the Philadelphia neck brace is a splint that rests on the patient’s shoulders. The upper part of the product supports the back of the head and lower jaw. As a result, this type of fixator prevents extension and flexion of the cervical spine, and displacement of the vertebrae becomes impossible.

The Philadelphia bandage consists of two parts - front and back. They are connected to each other using reliable fasteners. Most often, Velcro is used for these purposes. In addition, this model, similar to a neck corset, has a hole for installing a tracheostomy, since operations on this part of the spine are often accompanied by the installation of a tube into the trachea.

The Philadelphia neck brace does not interfere with examinations such as X-rays and MRIs. It is made of durable and lightweight material, which is polyurethane foam with hypoallergenic properties. It contains no latex. Thanks to this modern material, the weight of the orthopedic product does not exceed 120 grams, and it does not provoke fogging of the skin. It is comfortable to sleep and take a shower or bath.

There is another type of neck braces - inflatable

. These devices are used for preventive purposes only. A product of this type is a belt with air cavities, with clamps and a cap for inflation. The product reduces the load on the chin and chest due to the clamps present on the structure. A small mobile pump is used to inflate the bandage.

How to use a neck brace correctly

It is recommended to use a bandage for the cervical spine only as prescribed by a doctor and after a detailed examination. You can walk in the brace not only during the day; it can also be used at night. The duration of use of the fixative is determined by the attending physician on an individual basis.

If you use the cervical spine brace correctly, neck pain gradually decreases and the position of the musculoskeletal system structures is corrected. Additionally, muscle structures and vertebrae receive a gentle massage effect.

How to wear and choose a Shants collar?

The method and mode of wearing is determined by the doctor. Usually, outside of an exacerbation, it is recommended to wear a collar only while working or reading. The duration of harmless wearing is about 2 hours a day. This is enough to “warm up” and relieve the neck. The effect of the collar is complemented by sleeping on orthopedic pillows. They also relieve stress on the neck during sleep and, in combination with collars, give quick and noticeable results. In case of exacerbations of the disease, longer neck fixation is prescribed for several days - up to 12 hours a day.

A good Shants collar must meet a number of requirements. First, it must be certified. This guarantees its safety when worn and in contact with the skin (poor collars can cause allergies and release harmful substances). Secondly, it must be suitable in size and purpose. All products at Medtechnika Ortosalon undergo strict testing and certification. We have a wide selection of high-quality and effective soft, semi-rigid and rigid neck braces. Experienced consultants are ready to help with choosing the appropriate type and size of collar for osteochondrosis.

What are the contraindications for using a neck brace?

The therapeutic collar holds the head and neck in the correct position, evenly distributes the load on the muscle corset, creates a soft warming effect and a uniform massage effect. Using a bandage during treatment and rehabilitation prevents cases of vertebral displacement, relieves stress, eliminates muscle contraction and relieves pain.

Improving nerve conduction and blood circulation in the cervical spine using a bandage is recommended for various disorders of posture, osteochondrosis, myositis, compression, damage to the corresponding parts of the spine, after injuries or operations. The main contraindications for the use of a cervical spine brace are:

• Severe instability of the spine in the cervical region;
• Dermatological diseases in this area of ​​the body;
• Concomitant diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• Individual intolerance to the components that make up the bandage.

How does a neck corset work?

With the help of an orthopedic product, the cervical vertebrae are securely fixed, immobilized and constantly maintained in the correct anatomical state. Immobilization helps:

• stop (slow down) the displacement of vertebral structures;
• relieve the neck as much as possible and relax the neck muscles;
• reduce compression of intervertebral discs;
• relieve pinched nerve roots, and, consequently, pain;
• stabilize circulatory processes in the BCA (brachiocephalic arteries), which supply the brain;
• reduce or eliminate the clinical manifestations of accompanying symptoms (impaired visual and auditory perception, cognitive disorders, numbness of the upper extremities, insomnia, etc.);
• restore posture.

After surgical removal of a disc herniation, the orthosis allows you to accelerate the processes of regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue, nerve and muscle fibers, and neck vessels.

Note: A cervical corset is also called an orthosis, orthopedic collar, bandage, or fixator.

Shants collar option

The main types of bandages for the cervical spine

The most popular type of bandages is a hard frame with a soft shell. The fixator is placed on the cervical circumference and helps strengthen the vertebrae. This model is recommended to eliminate unnecessary movements and provide rest to the vertebrae. Soft and dense material provides an optimal warming effect, which enhances the quality of rehabilitation.

There are models with an inflated cuff. After fixing on the neck, the cuff is inflated with air, which enhances the effect of a standard bandage. This brace provides comfortable muscle relaxation, increases the space between joints and increases blood circulation in the spine.

For the prevention and treatment of diseases of the cervical spine, experts recommend choosing bandages with soft fixation. Such models are made from soft porous materials with additional elasticity. The contours are covered with a protective cover or special material with moisture-resistant properties.

How to choose a collar

When purchasing a product, you should read the instruction manual. In addition, it is recommended to try on the collar. It should fit snugly to the skin, but not restrict breathing or cause pain.

To make wearing a corset as comfortable as possible, before choosing it, you need to measure the height and length (circumference) of your neck in centimeters. Russian sizes may differ from European or Chinese sizes.

Russian size chart

Choosing a bandage for the cervical spine

When looking for a bandage, it is advisable to pay attention to the height of the product. It should match the length of the patient's neck. The structure should support the chin from above and be parallel to the collarbones. If headaches, weakness or dizziness occur while using the braces, you should stop using it and choose a different brace. Experts recommend first measuring the distance between the collarbones and the lower jaw. The resulting indicator is equal to the length of the clamp. The body should cover the affected area and smoothly support the cervical vertebrae. The structure should not dangle freely or put much pressure on the vertebrae, since the main purpose of the bandage is to provide normal support for the cervical spine and reduce the load on the muscle structures of the neck.

Making a Shants tire with your own hands

Similar retainers are sold in many orthopedic stores, but you can make them yourself.

For production you will need:

• soft material, like foam rubber;
• plastic bottle;
• matching Velcro fasteners.

You can even make a Shants tire yourself

At the very beginning, the neck measurements, which were mentioned earlier, are taken. Next, a rectangle is cut out of foam rubber, approximately 30 cm wide and 2 cm longer than the neck measurement. From a plastic bottle, you need to cut the blank 2 cm smaller in all respects. The blank at the corners is bent 1 cm inward at a right angle, a plastic blank is placed inside and the edges are hemmed. The cervical brace is ready!

How to choose a corset for the lumbar spine?

The design of this product provides full coverage of the lower back, upper pelvis and lower chest. When choosing, the following factors are taken into account:

• rigidity;
• model;
• size.

In the first case, they mean the degree of fixation. For preventive purposes and reducing the degree of physical activity, more elastic options are used. During the rehabilitation period, the structure must be reinforced with stiffeners.

As for the size, the choice depends on the circumference of the waist and lower back. Each manufacturer offers its own standard sizes and procedure for taking measurements. This information is contained in the instructions.

Indications and contraindications for wearing

Everyone is obliged to take care of their health, so visiting a doctor to get advice is the right step. Self-medication and “advice from experienced people” from acquaintances or random people on the Internet will not help you make the right choice and will do even more harm. The doctor will determine the true nature of the disease and prescribe adequate treatment. Orthopedic products are indicated if the following problems exist:

• spinal deformities;
• osteochondrosis;
• radiculitis;
• pinched nerve endings;
• intervertebral hernia;
• violation of the structure of the vertebrae;
• need rehabilitation after a fracture;
• postoperative period;
• increased load.

There are no strict contraindications to wearing a corset, unless we are talking about special stretching models. It is also unacceptable to have skin diseases in the acute stage, non-healing wounds, eczema and other injuries on the body.

What types of corsets are there in terms of stiffness?

In addition to the area of ​​fixation, when choosing orthopedic products, the degree of their rigidity should be taken into account. The following models of orthoses are used for the neck:

• rigid - will provide proper support after injuries, operations, they take on the supporting functions of the problem area, prevent displacement of injured vertebrae, and are indispensable for severe spinal deformities;
• semi-rigid - these products are worn if significant physical activity is expected, sitting in one position for many hours, some models in this category are equipped with stiffeners made of plastic or metal, they are effective for pain that causes diseases such as osteochondrosis, herniated intervertebral discs, protrusion;
• warming - they not only support the spine, but improve the condition and well-being of rheumatism, osteochondrosis, radiculitis, stop neuro-inflammatory processes, the main therapeutic effect is associated with a rush of blood to the affected area.

Most often, semi-rigid corsets are worn for cervical osteochondrosis. They prevent muscle overstrain, are an effective means of prevention, protect the problem area from overload, provide micro-massage and stabilize problem areas.

Types of neck corsets and their design

Today, the following types of neck corsets are distinguished::

Neck corset called “Schanz splint” . This product is made from elastic and soft, but durable material. Such a corset may have a rigid structure and a built-in plastic splint, finished with a soft coating. The Shants collar can be soft or semi-rigid. It easily takes the shape of the neck, provides stabilization of the vertebrae and strengthens the muscle corset.

Full corset . It is worn on the thoracic spine, but has an additional girth for the neck. Full corsets are made from elastic materials. They are equipped with stiffening ribs that allow you to hold the muscle corset of the neck in an anatomically correct position. The use of such products is justified for hernias that appear against the background of advanced osteochondrosis.

Neck collar . It is a simple product that is worn around the neck and secured with regular Velcro.

Neck brace . It is made from plastic and metal elements, therefore it has a more rigid structure. Limits any movements in the cervical region, including rotation, flexion and extension. Compared to other products, it provides the strongest neck strengthening.

Inflatable (pneumatic) bandage . A product that inflates independently to the required size.

The fillers of neck corsets can be materials such as plastic, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, as well as various multicomponent compositions.

Patients with cervical intervertebral hernias can be prescribed rigid, semi-rigid and warming corsets . Each of them performs certain functions and has its own characteristics and properties. Each of these types must be considered to understand their impact on the disease.

Rigid corsets

A rigid corset is used exclusively as prescribed by a doctor.

Used exclusively as prescribed by a doctor . Do not use for self-medication. As a rule, rigid corsets are prescribed in the early stages of rehabilitation after operations and injuries.

Such products perform a supporting and supporting function, relieve stress from the spinal column, eliminate muscle spasms, thereby preventing displacement of the vertebrae and accelerating the recovery of the patient’s body.

Using a rigid corset on an ongoing basis is contraindicated . The time of its use is limited to a couple of hours a day. This is due to the fact that the corset takes on the load, which under normal conditions should fall on the back muscles.

With constant use of a corset, the muscles become weak, losing the ability to perform their supporting function. In the future, this can lead to overload of the spine, the formation of new protrusions and hernias.

Semi-rigid corsets

A semi-rigid corset prevents excessive tension and spasms of the neck muscles

They allow you to relieve the spine and fix the affected area of ​​the spinal column , prevent excessive tension and muscle spasms, provide micromassage and a slight warming effect.

The use of a semi-rigid orthopedic corset is justified not only for intervertebral hernia, but also for osteochondrosis and radiculitis (for the treatment and prevention of these diseases).

Basically, it is used for long periods of driving a car , heavy physical work or sports activities. The corset allows you to fix the desired position of the vertebrae and avoid muscle fatigue of the back.

Warming corsets

Warming neck corsets are used if radiculitis occurs

Used for intervertebral hernias, radiculitis, rheumatism . They warm the affected area of ​​the spine and provide micromassage. The inside of warming corsets is covered with camel, dog or sheep hair, which warms up the affected area and relieves pain. The only drawback of such corsets is that they do not support the back and do not relieve the load on the damaged spinal column and its discs.

Video: “Shant’s collar: a neurologist’s opinion on the indications”

Find out more about the use of orthopedic corsets for other diseases:

• Classification of orthopedic belts, corsets and back braces
• Find out which orthopedic belts are used for hernia on the page pozvonochnik/drugie-zabolevaniya/mezhpozvonochnaya-gryzha/korset-dlya-spiny-pri-mezhpozvonochnoj-gryzhe-kakie-byvayut-i-rekomendatsii-po-vyboru.html
• How to wear back corsets correctly for a lumbar hernia
• To understand how to choose an orthopedic pillow for torticollis in a newborn, go here
• More about warming belts for sciatica in the next article

Ways to wear them

Did you know that...

Next fact

Those who are planning to use neck braces need to understand: wearing a brace is justified only when there is a real need for it. Ignoring this recommendation is fraught with weakening or, much worse, atrophy of the neck muscle corset .

There are also cases where long-term use of neck braces led to a complication called “hypercorrection ,” that is, reverse bending of the neck.

In the first days of using the corset, it is recommended to wear it no more than 15 minutes/day . Over time, the time of using the bandage can be increased to an hour, and in some cases (only on the recommendation of a doctor) - up to six hours.

The duration of use of the corset is determined by the diagnosis, the stage of the disease and the complexity of its course. On average, collars are worn for one to three months. You need to give up the bandage gradually, reducing the time you wear it.

It is recommended to remove most corsets before going to bed , but this issue should also be discussed with your doctor. For example, the Shants splint can be left overnight, especially if there is pain. And remember: you should not replace physical therapy with a corset.

Useful tips

Tip #1

You cannot drive a car while wearing a corset. Limited neck mobility while driving is always a high risk of an accident.

Tip #2

The use of the fixative begins with 15-20 minutes, gradually increasing the time.

Tip #3

It is prohibited to wear a collar (of any modification) at all times. This leads to excessive weakening of the neck muscles, threatening atrophy.

The average price of such a bandage is 750-1500 rubles

Do you need a bandage?

The cervical spine includes 7 vertebrae, they are surrounded by large blood vessels and nerves that go to the brain.
Any pathological disturbances in the functioning of the system lead to the fact that elements of the nervous and circulatory systems and the spinal cord are pinched, which causes a number of serious health problems. A cervical hernia develops as a result of injuries in the neck area - for example, received during sports competitions, accidents, overexertion, uneven distribution of loads. Competent therapy is mandatory, otherwise serious complications will develop. The diagnosis is most often made in patients aged 30-50 years; there are more men with a cervical hernia than women.

The clinical picture may vary depending on the stage, form, and severity of the disease. It usually includes migraines, dizziness, fainting, tinnitus, poor coordination, vomiting, and nausea. Increased fatigue and general weakness may be of concern. Stages of hernia formation: degeneration, protrusion, disc extrusion, hernia sequestration. To make a diagnosis, use the ENMG (electroneuromyography) method or ultrasound diagnostics.

A neck corset for osteochondrosis is especially effective during periods of exacerbation. It is advisable to re-equip the sleeping place - buy an orthopedic mattress for patients with osteochondrosis, choose an orthopedic pillow. Special “collars” will ideally support the head, unloading the muscles, reducing the load on the spine. Properly selected orthopedic products eliminate pain and improve the patient’s well-being. If you encounter any difficulties during the purchase, please contact our manager. A preliminary consultation with a doctor is advisable.