cervical collars

[snowwoman03]

Hi,

I am wondering what your input is on using neck collars. I have had to use a soft collar since the tethered cord dx. It helped alittle with the pain issue but found the material irritating to my neck. I was put into a rigid collar after my first shunt surgery and had a problem with this as well.

Do they usually put a patient in a collar post op and do you think a collar could be considered long term?

Thanks
Leenie

[Emi2]

I wore my collar for 3 months after my fusion, except when I was in bed. It was a hard, philidelphia collarr.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow"
~ Anon

[SCI-Nurse]

The type of collar used depends on the extent of laminectomy or fusion done after spinal surgery. The more levels, the more rigid the collar needs to be, and the higher the surgery, the more rigid the collar. At C1-2, for example, really only a halo brace will provide sufficient stability for many.

When using any plastic collar, I always cover it with tubular stockingnet, taped to the outside with holes cut for the straps. This helps protect the skin from sweat and irritation and is more comfortable. It also allows you to change the stockingnet as needed for hygiene or if it gets soiled. You can get stockingnet (usually the 4" tubular works best) from either your orthopedic doctor or the orthotist who fits your neck brace. Get 6-8 feet so you have plenty for several changes.

(KLD)

[november]

Mine was a miami collar. I had to wear it for six months after my fusions. Six long months with no soft collar http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/frown.gif

Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn't know that, so it goes on flying anyways--unknown