Neck Brace
A neck brace is a protective orthotic device used to support the considerable weight of the head after a
neck injury
or during a severe
neck pain
condition. Bracing is old school medicine, but still has valuable applications when prescribed for appropriate conditions. Inappropriate or extended use of a cervical collar can be counterproductive, resulting in muscular atrophy and even an increased symptomatic expression. Always consult with a qualified physician before using a brace for any neck pain issue.
Neck Brace Uses
Most people are given a cervical brace after significant neck trauma or after a confirmation of
fractured vertebrae
in the
cervical spine.
Any injury causing a
broken neck
is no laughing matter and must be treated carefully to insure proper healing, full rehabilitation of range of motion and preservation of neurological functionality. A brace can be just the right device to protect the cervical spine during this healing time. Braces prescribed for
acute neck pain
without a fracture are less useful and might actually be counterproductive to the healing process. Simple
neck muscle pain
might be severe enough to warrant a brace, but this device should only be used for a short time, to prevent tissue atrophy and the retardation of the healing process from a complete lack of use. Remember, gentle movement of many injuries is recommended by the majority of doctors and physical therapists, since motion increases circulation, oxygenation and overall healing response.
Other Neck Brace Functions
Another more specific use for bracing of the cervical spine includes post surgical protection of the
spine
after an operation (especially in the upper back or neck). This use should be carefully monitored by your surgeon to insure optimal healing after the procedure. Sometimes, a brace may be used for an extended duration after cervical spinal fusion to help the bones join together in a strong bond. Braces are also sometimes used to treat neurological or neuromuscular diseases and disorders in which the patient can not support the weight of their own head. Obviously, this use is not typical for the average
back pain patient,
but is very important for people affected by these conditions. Finally, neck bracing is sometimes integrated into a
back brace
program for highly specific types of
scoliosis
and other forms of
spinal curvature.
While this is less common today than in the past, some cases still warrant the addition of a brace orthotic to the cervical spine.
Neck Brace Advice
The old stereotype cervical braces are still seen so frequently in the court rooms of today’s
back pain lawsuit
industry. Some lawyers buy these orthotics in bulk and actually keep a few in the trunk of their cars, just to be safe and well prepared. While the picture of a poor soul wearing a brace might influence some naïve judges and juries, most will see past this courtroom ploy and may actually hold the pitiful vision against the plaintiff.Be careful using a brace for
chronic neck pain
and muscular conditions. Continuing use of any brace orthotic will certainly reduce the strength and integrity of the natural musculature, ligaments and tendons in the neck. While the brace might be useful in the short term, talk to your doctor about better long-term solutions for lasting painful complaints. If you have been prescribed a neck support brace and are not sure if it is a wise recommendation, always feel free to get a second opinion. This can not hurt and may actually help you to get on a better path towards health or at least gain more confidence in your present treatment protocols.
Neck Brace to Back Pain
9/23/09 Revised 2/2/12
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