Cervical Collar: Can we use a cervical collar for neck pain?

Cervical Collar: Can we use a cervical collar for neck pain?

Can we use a cervical collar for neck pain?

The use of a cervical collar is not helpful and maybe even harmful. Cervical collars (soft collars) are usually prescribed for the treatment of neck pain. The use of these collars for a prolonged duration is actually harmful. Initial transient pain relief can be obtained due to immobilization but on long-term use, disuse atrophy of the neck muscles which are the important support for the cervical spine has been reported.

Similarly in whiplash-associated disorders, the long-term use of these cervical collars is not recommended and hence should be discouraged. Hard and rigid cervical collars are useful in stabilizing the cervical spine in cases of cervical spine fracture or subluxation dislocations to prevent further damage.