Sometimes childbirth occurs with complications, as a result of which children may experience various pathologies, in particular, torticollis. Such a defect can cause various health problems. Painful sensations when tilting the head are far from the only manifestation of pathology.
Without treatment, facial deformation is possible. In this case, the baby will remain disabled for life. The Shants collar for newborns is the ideal solution to the problem. Thanks to this device, you will be able to eliminate congenital pathology in a child.
The Shants collar for infants helps to fix and stabilize the vertebrae of the neck, unload the neck muscles and ligaments, improve the functioning of the neuromuscular system, improve blood supply to the brain, as well as normalize the basic functions of the affected cervical spine.
Description of the Shants collar for a child
The Shants children's collar is a fixator for the cervical spine, helping to eliminate the load on the neck and normalize the functioning of this area. There is a collar for both children and adults.
The Shants collar for a child plays a huge role in improving the functioning of the neck and normalizing blood flow to the brain. The product provides favorable conditions for further proper development.
The orthopedic collar is made of foam rubber and equipped with Velcro on both sides, thanks to which you can adjust the volume of the device. Outwardly, it is similar to a collar. A specialist is responsible for prescribing the splint, since muscle atrophy develops if chosen and used incorrectly. In this case, due to weak muscles, by two months the baby will not be able to hold his head. You can wear the collar for up to a year.
Method of using pillows
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The method of using torticollis pillows depends on the type of device. Familiarize yourself with the types of pillows. The use of an orthopedic pillow should be described in the attached instructions. If there is such a thing, we can say that the manufacturer cares about the buyer, and in addition, inspires confidence in the quality of the product.
Methods of using pillows differ depending on their shapes:
- the headrest is used in such a way that the thinnest and narrowest cushion is located under the baby’s neck, and the thickest one is located above the baby’s head;
- the positioner assumes the placement of a larger roller - towards the child's side, and a small one - under the head;
- When using an inclined pillow, the baby is placed on the higher part with her head. Most often, on such pillows, the baby sleeps on his side;
- The swimming pillow is placed around the neck so that the cushion is on the side of the neck, and the open part is located in front, without covering the baby’s throat.
Important! Sleeping pillows should be used in such a way that the cushion does not interfere with the baby’s free breathing and does not create an uncomfortable position for the child’s body. With torticollis, it is especially important that the load on the muscular frame of the baby’s neck is reduced and the spine is fixed in the correct position.
Indications for use of the device
The product is multifunctional and suitable for children of all ages. It is recommended to wear a collar if you have:
- movement disorders;
- hyperexcitability;
- complications of the central nervous system during pathological childbirth or pregnancy;
- torticollis;
- short neck syndrome.
Only a doctor can choose the right collar. When selecting, the age, height and weight of the child should be taken into account. It is preferable to buy the product in specialized stores. An incorrectly selected device can harm the baby.
A correctly chosen collar helps to correct the neck, has a dry heat effect, micromassage and slight stretching properties.
Types of orthopedic pillows
Manufacturers of orthopedic products for the head try to provide maximum comfort when using their products, so they produce pillows for different purposes.
The most common orthopedic pillows are:
| View | What forms does it come in: | Description |
| Pillow headrest |
| This pillow has a small hill in the center, and higher cushions on the sides and top of the head. This way the head is in a fixed position. If the child sleeps on his side, then in this case a cushion is placed under his side for comfort and to relieve tension from the muscles. For torticollis, this is the kind of pillow that doctors recommend for use. |
| Positioner |
| The pillow has a recess in the center and fixing rollers on the sides. This orthopedic device fixes the baby's position during sleep in a certain body position. Most often, such pillows are used to prevent a child from turning over on his back while sleeping. This option is often used in strollers to prevent shocks when the stroller is pushed sharply. It is especially important to use such a pillow for children who frequently spit up. |
| Inclined | It comes in the shape of a low trapezoid. | This pillow allows the baby to be completely laid down on it, with the body positioned at an angle (the head is higher, the lower part of the body is lower). Sometimes clamps are used on such pillows to prevent the baby from sliding down during sleep. |
In addition, depending on the purpose, orthopedic pillows are:
- for swimming;
- for use in a stroller;
- with body position memory.
All of them from each manufacturer can be of different shapes, sizes, and can be made in the form of soft toys - animals, with elements of ears, tails, eyes, paws.
Important! Before using an orthopedic pillow, you should consult your doctor to determine the advisability of its use. In order not to harm the baby, the orthopedic device should be used correctly.
Shants collar: varieties
There are retainers for adults and for children. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, migraines, subluxations of the upper vertebrae are the main indications for wearing a collar for adults. He can be:
- soft;
- with rigid fixation;
- medium hard.
In most cases, it is recommended to wear a soft retainer.
The choice of a retainer for a small child must be approached responsibly. Before purchasing a splint, measure the distance between the lower jaw and the angle of its middle part. For newborns, the ideal height is three to five centimeters.
A collar that is too short will pull to the side, and a collar that is too long will not serve its purpose. And, as a result, the treatment will be ineffective, on the contrary, it will bring even more problems.
What does diaper rash on the neck look like?
- Initially, the mother notes slight redness in the area of the natural folds of the baby’s neck, which does not bother the child at all.
- Then the skin undergoes visible changes - the mother already notices the appearance of microcracks, small erosions, sometimes pimples and even pustules. Usually this condition bothers the baby with mild itching and burning, which can manifest as tearfulness and poor sleep.
- In severe cases, cracks, erosions and ulcers appear at the sites of diaper rash, and areas with detachment of the epidermis can also be seen. In this situation, a bacterial or fungal infection often occurs, and then a banal diaper rash looks very scary. In addition, the addition of a secondary infection is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, decreased appetite and other general symptoms.
But I hasten to reassure you - a severe form of diaper rash in the neck area is extremely rare, because parents most often notice changes in the skin in time and take certain measures.
It is worth noting that the skin of a newborn is one of the most vulnerable organs. The epidermis in children is loose and thin; the top layer cannot fully perform protective and barrier functions, so penetration of allergens and microorganisms occurs quite easily. Also, the skin is susceptible to easy injury, even with minimal mechanical stress (such as swaddling, bathing, rubbing clothes and diapers) and is prone to weeping. It is for this reason that the skin of babies needs special care and protection from the first days of life, otherwise the appearance of diaper rash in a child is inevitable.
Some tips for wearing a collar
The instructions for putting on the device are simple. Ideally, a doctor should teach you this.
- Install the clamp so that the cutout is clearly under the baby's chin.
- The tire is fastened at the back (using Velcro).
- After putting it on, check that the fastener is installed correctly. The distance between the tire and the skin should be one centimeter.
- The length of time the child needs to wear the collar is determined by the doctor. This could be half an hour, a day or even a year.
The device should not interfere or cause discomfort. It is more correct to wear it after therapeutic exercises. In addition, do not forget to keep it clean. Before putting on the Shants collar, be sure to treat your child's skin.
If irritation, rash and redness appear, the retainer is removed and not put on until the symptoms disappear. Because of this, therapy may be delayed. But this rarely happens. As a rule, it is recommended to wear the product for no more than two months.
The orthopedic product can only be removed while swimming. After a course of therapy, you should not rush to remove the collar. Let your child wear it for several hours over two to three days. This way you will be able to consolidate the result.
You should not use homemade devices, as this will only harm the child and injure fragile vertebrae. In such devices it is almost impossible to calculate the force of impact, which can cause damage to the spinal cord.
Reviews
For one reason or another, doctors recommend that many children wear a Shants collar while still in the maternity hospital. According to reviews from parents, these orthopedic products have greatly helped their children.
My son had to wear a collar. The birth was difficult, and the pediatrician at the maternity hospital immediately prescribed him. Wore it for a little over a month. The child was sometimes indignant, but since he generally screamed constantly, it was unclear whether it was because of the collar or not. The neurologist said that it was possible to carry it for only 2 weeks. I don’t know why the doctor at the maternity hospital recommended wearing it for so long, and I don’t want to blame him. It’s just that because of the collar, my son started holding his head up late, probably around four months. I put it on when my son was lying on his back, supporting his head with his hand, and everything was very quick and easy.
Luna
https://www.mamask.ru/forum/index.php?topic=18491.0
The collar was uncomfortable for the child, but it fixed his neck. My head was always tilted to the left, but now everything is fine.
Ksyu
https://deti.mail.ru/forum/zdorove/detskoe_zdorove/vorotnik_shanca/
We have a birth injury to the cervical spine. This collar was worn from 6 days to a month. We only rented for swimming. There were also physiotherapy and pills, and massage, massage, massage... Now everything is normal.
Vic@
https://forum.forumok.ru/lofiversion/index.php?t36758.html
The Shants collar is an effective way to combat injuries to the cervical spine that occur during childbirth. The main thing is to adhere to all the rules and recommendations for its operation.
Author of the article: Eduard Svitich - orthopedic traumatologist
The Shants retainer is a soft or semi-rigid collar that holds the head in the most natural, neutral position. Typically, this name refers to products that are based on an elastic cushion-retainer. It allows small movements in the cervical region, but limits their amplitude.
Content
Some recommendations regarding tire care
Since the device is constantly in close contact with the skin, sometimes you have to use it for up to a year. In order for it to serve you for a long time, you need to properly care for it. Otherwise, it may cause irritation or simply become unusable.
- Maintenance must be regular.
- The device can only be washed by hand and only in cold water.
- Drying the collar on a radiator or other heat source is prohibited.
- The product should be dried flat.
Following the above tips will help extend the life of the product.
Shants collar price
Approximate tire prices:
- collar with semi-rigid fixation for an adult - 220 rubles;
- collar for children up to one year 5N6-53 - 300 rubles;
- device with rigid fixation - 990 rubles;
- orthopedic splint for children OV-003, OV-004 - 250 rubles;
- orthopedic neck bandage A310 - 200 rubles;
- neck brace for newborns F300 - 200 rubles;
- neck brace with high back part ORTEX 015 - 1400 rubles.
The Shants collar for newborns, the cost of which will depend on the manufacturer, material, size, is an effective remedy that helps cure pathologies, in particular torticollis.
Despite the difficulties in caring for a baby when using a bandage, the positive therapeutic effect significantly prevails. Most parents do not follow the recommendations for using a therapeutic collar, or, even worse, refuse to wear it, limiting the baby to massage procedures only.
Improper treatment of cervical diseases can subsequently cause the development of serious complications - chronic neck pain, further progression of torticollis and impaired blood supply to the brain.
Self-medication and the use of homemade devices are strictly not recommended. Remember: only a qualified specialist can select the correct device.