How to choose the right neck brace for cervical osteochondrosis

Neck brace: characteristics and intended use of the product

Usually the doctor prescribes a bandage for the cervical spine to reduce stress and eliminate the symptoms of the disease. The neck brace has another name - Shants collar. With its help, the neck muscles relax and tension goes away.

The cervical spine bandage performs a number of the following tasks:

• The product fixes the spinal column in the correct position, so pain goes away;
• The collar helps strengthen the muscular frame of the cervical spine;
• The bandage prevents compression of nerve endings that occur as a result of displacement of the vertebrae;
• The product helps treat torticollis;
• The collar stabilizes blood circulation in the brain and blood flow in the vessels of the cervical spine.

In addition to the fact that the Shants collar eliminates pain, it helps normalize sleep and eliminates fatigue and a feeling of numbness in the cervical region. With regular use of a product with a soft design, it prevents the occurrence of problems with the spine. This is especially true for people whose daily activities involve constant head tilting.

Indications for use

First of all, we want to say that buying bandages at a pharmacy is not difficult. Orthopedic products are intended for people with various pathological conditions of the spine. If a problem arises, it is recommended to consult a doctor who, after conducting research, will select the most suitable one. Indications for the use of such funds are:

• Osteoporosis,
• Various degrees of curvature of the spinal column,
• Osteochondrosis,
• Hernias between the vertebrae,
• Problems with posture,
• Serious physical stress on the back,
• Impaired tone and poorly developed back muscles,
• Predisposition to various curvatures of the spinal column,
• Congenital diseases of the spine,
• Prevention of traumatic injuries in certain sports,
• Pain syndrome in the last months of pregnancy.

You need to remember that it should not create increased pressure. Otherwise, the patient's condition may worsen.

Rule for choosing a bandage for the cervical spine

When purchasing a Shants collar, you need to study the following nuances:

• Hardness level.

Cervical braces have three levels of rigidity: light, medium and high.

Bandages with a mild degree of rigidity should be used to prevent diseases of the cervical spine or reduce pressure from the neck muscles at the initial stage of osteochondrosis. Bandages of medium and high rigidity are used in situations where the spine is severely damaged. They are also used during the rehabilitation period after surgery or injury.

• Classification of bandages.

There are several types of Shants collars that are used for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

1. Bandage made of foam rubber, the rigidity of which is achieved using special internal inserts;
2. A plastic product with which the neck is fixed in one position and becomes motionless;
3. An inflatable bandage that helps stretch the spine. You can use it to adjust the height level.

For preventive purposes, an elastic belt-bandage is used, which is attached to the neck with Velcro.

• Bandage sizes.

To ensure that the bandage does not cause discomfort during use, does not squeeze or rub the skin, you need to choose the correct size of the product. First of all, rely on the neck circumference parameter, which affects the volume of the bandage. Next, determine the distance from the chin to the collarbones - the height of the product will depend on this parameter.

During the fitting process, it is worth paying attention to some important points. Firstly, in front, the bottom of the bandage should rest against the chest, and the top of the product should touch the jaw. Secondly, at the back, the bottom of the collar should end at the base of the cervical region, and the top should support the base of the skull.

It is equally important that the neck brace fits snugly and is secured to the neck to limit head movement.

Wearing a corset: basic questions

It is important not only to choose a suitable corset, but also to wear it correctly. The effectiveness of prevention and therapeutic action depends on this.

According to their purpose, all corsets are divided into several types.
For example, warming models made from natural wool warm the body and have a massage effect, activating blood circulation in the lumbar region. Models designed to protect the back while walking are characterized by increased rigidity. They are used to straighten the spine. A corrective or supportive orthopedic corset is also intended to treat spinal curvature. How long to wear an orthopedic corset?
The duration of continuous stay should not exceed 4-6 hours. Otherwise, the consequences of wearing it may be negative. It must be removed at night. It can be worn for a long time only by those people who feel back pain after just 15-20 minutes of sitting or standing. If the painful sensations disappear after a short warm-up or being in a horizontal position, it is better to use these methods.

How to tighten an orthopedic corset?

It is not recommended to tighten it too tightly, as this will impede blood circulation. The tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, breathing becomes more difficult, and the gastrointestinal tract is compressed.

When to wear an orthopedic corset?

In the event that repairs, gardening or other physical labor are required. It is also useful for sports training, outdoor activities, and long driving. Wearing it is recommended if you experience back pain, osteochondrosis or radiculitis. To prevent chafing, it is recommended to wear underwear underneath. When using a neoprene corset in summer, sweating increases. Therefore, after removing it, it is necessary to wipe the lower back to protect yourself from colds, preventing the deterioration of your back condition.

How to wash an orthopedic corset?

Typically, they can be washed in a washing machine. This information is indicated on the packaging. Before washing, you need to remove all the splints, if the design allows, and fasten the corset. It is best to use a delicate wash cycle or place the product in a special laundry bag.

How does an orthopedic corset affect muscle tone?

Despite the beneficial effects on health, there is a downside to wearing it. On the one hand, it “helps” the spine, as it unloads it and transfers part of the load to the pelvic ring. On the other hand, due to the reduced load on the back muscles, they become “lazy”. And due to the constant lack of load, they weaken and cease to cope with increased loads. Accordingly, the patient will have to put on the corset again. To determine the optimal wearing time, consult your doctor. And remember that without special indications it is better not to wear the product.

How do you know if the corset is not tightened correctly?

If pulsation is clearly felt in the navel area, this indicates excessive tightening. Accordingly, it needs to be weakened. If, on the contrary, the product easily scrolls and slides off slowly, this indicates that it is tightened very loosely and does not have the desired therapeutic effect. Therefore, you need to tighten it more.

The product should fit correctly around the lumbar region. Its upper edge should touch the lower back, and the lower edge should tightly fit the upper part of the pelvis. Difficulties with tightening will arise in women with a slender waist. Therefore, such ladies need to choose special models for women that take into account the anatomical structure of the body.

The author of the article is a general practitioner, expert in the field of orthopedic products Ilona Valerievna Ganshina

Rules for using a bandage for the cervical spine

To achieve maximum benefit from the product, we advise you to adhere to the following rules during operation:

• Wear the bandage exclusively on your bare neck;
• It is not recommended to use the neck brace while driving or sleeping;
• Introduce the product into your life gradually so that your neck gets used to it. For the first time, wearing the bandage for 15 minutes is enough. In the following days, put the collar on for a couple of hours, then take it off for about forty minutes to rest.

The product must be worn for about two months; with individual doctor’s recommendations, the period may increase. After the course, you need to gradually wean yourself off the collar, reducing the time you wear it daily.

How to choose

An orthopedic bandage should be selected by a doctor based on the results of examinations. In this case, it is necessary to follow certain rules:

• With the help of a specialist, you need to accurately select a model based on the purpose for which it is needed.
• You cannot take a bandage one size larger or smaller. The product should fit snugly to the entire body, but not cause discomfort or pain.
• The product itself must be made of high-quality material - durable, breathable and not causing allergic reactions. When used, the fit must be tight, there should be no wrinkles, and the bandage must be washable.
• It is not recommended to save. More expensive products are of high quality and functionality. The best option is considered to be a bandage that is made to individual measurements, but the cost of the product will be higher than that of store-bought ones.
• Be sure to pay attention to the package. It is important to inspect all straps and fasteners. It is worth understanding how to use an item to get the desired result from it.
• It is best to buy a corset in specialized stores and pharmacies, and not in dubious retail outlets. In this case, you can receive a guarantee for service, clear instructions, and you can be sure that this is a truly high-quality medical product.

It is important to choose a bandage carefully, because such products cannot be returned or exchanged. The speed, quality of therapy and your own comfort depend on the choice of product. The price of the bandage also differs, from cheap products to very expensive ones.

Instructions for choosing a corset

Step 1. First you need to decide what type of corset to buy. You need to take into account its functionality and rigidity. Usually the choice is made depending on the indications.

Decide on the type of corset

Step 2. You should study the corset market and find out what models are on sale, which one is better to buy, and what they are made of. At the same time, the budget is immediately taken into account.

Check out the available models

Step 3. Then you need to familiarize yourself with the corset fastening systems and choose the one that seems most comfortable.

How to use it correctly

The packaging of each corset contains special instructions that describe the rules of use. However, there are a number of general conditions that should be adhered to:

• It is not recommended to wear an orthopedic bandage for more than 6 hours a day. This is permissible only on the recommendation of the treating specialist.
• All adjustments of belts and clamps are carried out in a standing position.
• The corset is not worn on the naked body; it is imperative to wear underwear under it that will not cause allergies.
• Before going to bed, the bandage is removed.
• The belts should be adjusted evenly and there should be no pressure or looseness.
• It is recommended to wear the products during physical activity and sports.

Only with proper use will it be possible to achieve the desired result.

Orthopedic product size

The choice of a semi-rigid orthopedic corset should take into account the anatomical features of the figure. The size range of products manufactured by different manufacturers may vary significantly.

When choosing a corset, you most often need to focus on waist size. But there are also orthopedic products, the size of which is determined by the circumference of the back.

When measuring your waist, the measuring tape should fit as closely as possible to your body. It should not be loosened or tightened too much.

Osteochondrosis and back pain

Corset therapy is a section of orthopedics that includes treatment through dosed use of wearing therapeutic belts and corsets.

Does your back hurt after lifting weights? Constant lumbago in the lower back? Are you tormented by pain in your back muscles, hips, legs? In most cases, these are all signs of osteochondrosis...

Osteochondrosis and back pain bring discomfort into our lives - they do not allow us to work effectively, do not allow us to fit into the rhythm of modern life, and give rise to self-doubt and self-doubt.

As a result of many factors that urbanization brings: a sedentary lifestyle, stressful situations, poor diet, excess weight, lack of desire or time to maintain the body in good physical shape, osteochondrosis has become one of the most common diseases on Earth, and this disease does not spare no one - from teenagers to older people. But the most unpleasant thing is that osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine often begin to manifest themselves at the most working age, namely from 30 years and above. This leads to frequent sick leave, the inability to perform many daily activities, frequent visits to doctors, and even early disability.

Causes of osteochondrosis

The cause of osteochondrosis and the accompanying pain is simple - due to the above reasons, the cartilage of the intervertebral disc becomes thinner, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, and intervertebral nerves and blood vessels are pinched. Due to the constant irritating effect on the intervertebral nerves, disruption of normal blood supply, nagging, unpleasant pain appears in the lower back, and sometimes radiating to the leg, constant numbness of the lower extremities, the inability to sit or lie on one side for a long time and other manifestations.

A corset for lumbar osteochondrosis is represented by a wide belt with cross and longitudinal inserts made of plastic or metal.

A corset is prescribed only for severe pain and a high risk of further spinal deformation.

Before purchasing an orthopedic corset, you must follow your doctor’s recommendations. If the corset is chosen incorrectly, it will not only not bring any benefit, but will cause a deterioration in the condition and the occurrence of muscle blockade.