What to Know About Neck Collars

Understanding Neck Collars

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Neck collars serve diverse roles in medical and military contexts, offering benefits such as pain reduction and protection. However, their effectiveness can vary based on the type of injury or application. While rigid collars can reduce postoperative pain, soft collars may not significantly impact recovery from whiplash injuries. In military applications, the design of neck collars must balance protection with comfort and performance. Further research is needed to optimize the use of neck collars across different scenarios.

Neck collars, often used in medical and military settings, serve various purposes ranging from immobilization after injury to providing ballistic protection. This article explores the different types of neck collars, their applications, and the outcomes associated with their use.

Medical Use of Neck Collars

Postoperative Use

Rigid cervical collars are commonly used postoperatively to protect surgical sites, such as after laminoplasty, by reducing the risk of hinge fractures and preventing spring-back phenomena. A study found that using a rigid collar post-surgery can lead to less axial neck pain in the first two weeks, although it does not significantly impact the range of motion or quality of life in the long term1.

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft cervical collars are often prescribed for whiplash injuries. However, research indicates that they do not significantly affect the duration or degree of persistent pain following such injuries. Patients with whiplash injuries often experience persistent pain for at least six weeks, and the use of soft collars does not seem to alter recovery outcomes3. Similarly, for soft tissue injuries from road traffic accidents, early mobilization without a collar has been shown to facilitate a quicker return to work compared to those treated with a soft collar7.

Cervical Radiculopathy

In cases of recent onset cervical radiculopathy, a semi-hard cervical collar combined with rest has been shown to reduce neck and arm pain more effectively than a wait-and-see approach. Physiotherapy also offers similar benefits, suggesting that both interventions can be beneficial in the early phase of this condition9.

Neck Collars in Sports and Military

Sports Injuries

The role of rigid cervical collars in sports, particularly in managing head and neck trauma, remains controversial. Studies are ongoing to determine their effectiveness in reducing head and neck acceleration during emergency spinal immobilization and extrication procedures in sports like football2.

Military Applications

In military settings, neck collars are part of body armor systems designed to provide ballistic protection. However, their design can impact comfort and performance. Collars that are shorter and thinner tend to be more comfortable and less restrictive, although they may offer less protection. There is a need for standardized assessments of military body armor components to balance protection with comfort and performance4.