How to choose a cervical collar for osteochondrosis. Trench neck collar - expert advice. A task for you

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is unpleasant and very dangerous disease. Besides painful sensations in this area, cerebral circulation may be impaired due to pinching blood vessels. The Shants collar has a good effect on cervical osteochondrosis. therapeutic effect and helps cope with the symptoms of the disease.

For a collar to really help, you need to choose it correctly, and also know how and how long to wear it. You should beware of low-quality goods: they harm the health of the patient.

What is a Shants collar

The principle of operation of the Shants collar for cervical osteochondrosis is to fix this part of the spine. This reduces the load on intervertebral discs, destroyed by this disease.

This medical device looks like a wide strip of flexible but rigid material with fasteners at the ends. Outwardly, it looks more like a splint that is applied for fractures or injuries to the spine.

Varieties

Shants collars are represented quite widely on the orthopedic goods market. Unlike the original design, modern models more convenient to use and have more functions.

There are the following types of orthopedic collars:

• Rigid bandages made of plastic with a rubberized coating in the area where the structure touches the skin to prevent chafing. In the case of osteochondrosis, they are used only in the most severe cases. Most often, this type of Shants collar is necessary for patients with a neck fracture. Sometimes such bandages are made of leather or leatherette, inside of which there is a metal frame. Such a device performs its functions no worse than a plastic one, but it is much more difficult to disinfect.
• Collars made of polyurethane foam have anatomical shape, therefore they perfectly support the neck with osteochondrosis. The material is very elastic, but at the same time soft and pleasant to the touch. Another important feature is the ability to allow air to pass through, to “breathe.” This way the skin sweats less, especially in the hot season, and rashes and diaper rash do not appear on it. Attaching such a bandage is very simple, just snap on special fasteners or Velcro fasteners.
• Inflatable collars are representatives of a new generation of orthopedic devices. Such a bandage consists of several inflatable rings connected to each other. Air is pumped after the collar is put on and secured. The area that will come into contact with the skin is covered with a suede-like covering. The inflatable device is convenient because the water level of each person can be adjusted individually. The design also prevents the head from tilting to the side, which further reduces the outward pressure on the cervical vertebrae.
• Inflatable collars with stiffening rings. Between the inflatable parts there are compacted sectors. They are necessary to straighten the position of the vertebrae. With gradual inflation, the vertebrae are stretched without injury. This reduces their pressure on the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. Their price is a little higher, but also healing effect better.

Orthopedic collars sold in pharmacies or specialized stores. If a person plans to buy a bandage on his own, without preliminary consultation with a doctor, you should give preference to one of the inflatable options.

Indications and contraindications for use

The main indication for the use of bandages is the presence pain syndrome in the neck area. The therapeutic effect is achieved with regular use of the collar. If the patient is undergoing rehabilitation after surgery, then a bandage is required for the entire recovery period.

Indications for wearing a Shants collar:

• prevention of progression of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae if the disease is at an initial stage;
• the presence of spasm of the neck muscles against the background of pain from pinched nerves in the vertebrae;
• curvature of the cervical spine due to progressive osteochondrosis;
• disruption of microcirculation of brain tissue due to compression of blood vessels in the neck.

The corset is used as an auxiliary therapeutic agent simultaneously with taking vasodilators, warming ointments and massages. Depending on the severity of the disease, the rigidity of the device varies.

There are several contraindications to the use of a neck brace. If you have any skin diseases, the bandage will aggravate the problem. This is especially true for weeping ulcers and prickly heat.

An orthopedic device should not be used if the cervical spine is unstable, especially if the problem area is located between the 5th and 7th vertebrae. The displacement does not allow the bandage to be properly secured.

If work thyroid gland is broken, and it itself is significantly increased in size, it is undesirable to wear a neck brace. It is recommended to consult not only a traumatologist, but also an endocrinologist.

Therapeutic effect

A neck brace helps to cope with neck pain due to osteochondrosis, as well as solve problems that develop against its background. Normalizing the position of the vertebrae helps relieve tension from the intervertebral discs. Due to the high mobility of the section, they quickly wear out and are often injured.

The pain occurs due to pinched nerves. As soon as the cause goes away, the pain syndrome disappears, and with it spasms of the neck muscles and the walls of blood vessels. With a properly secured neck, a person cannot hurt himself by turning or tilting his head incorrectly. Sleep also improves and general state sick. Under the corset, the temperature naturally rises slightly. This helps to dilate blood vessels. Warming ointments and local gels have a similar effect.

Due to the fact that oxygen-enriched blood flows freely to the brain tissues, trophism and nutrition of the tissues improves. The patient's sleep is normalized and brain activity increases. He perceives and remembers information better. The feeling of numbness in the limbs also disappears.

How to wear

The bandage is easy to use and does not interfere with everyday activities. In a few days, a person completely gets used to the corset, but you cannot walk around in it all the time. Otherwise, the neck muscles lose tone and stop functioning normally.

Depending on how severe the symptoms of osteochondrosis are, you need to wear the bandage for 1.5-2 hours a day. In case of severe disturbances of blood circulation in the brain, they may be prescribed to wear it for 1-1.5 hours 2 times a day. If the patient is scheduled for massage, it is recommended to wear the collar immediately after manual therapy.

For people diagnosed with computer neck, it is recommended to wear a therapeutic bandage while working at the computer. The structure of the collar does not allow you to involuntarily pull your head forward, but fixes it in a natural position.

An orthopedic device requires special care in order for it to serve for a long time. If the gate is made of plastic, just wipe it under running water. Removable covers are washable washing machine at a temperature of 30-40⁰С. Inflatable ones are simply wiped with a damp cloth. You should not store them near heating appliances, as high temperatures deform the material.

How to choose

In order for the gate to have a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to choose it correctly. To do this, the neck is measured in its natural position. This is especially true for overweight people.

The procedure for taking measurements is as follows:

• The neck circumference is measured just above the jugular fossa. The muscles should be relaxed.
• On lower jaw find a ledge. It is located under the edge of the earlobe. The height is measured from this protrusion to the collarbone.

You can choose the appropriate size from the catalog or size chart on the product packaging. You should not purchase a used product: firstly, the size may not fit, which will make wearing the corset useless, and secondly, there is a possibility of contracting a skin disease.

During fitting, you should pay attention to how the cheeks are positioned relative to the upper edge of the corset. If they rest against or lie on it, it is better to choose a product that is slightly smaller in height. In this case, inflatable corsets are universal. Their height depends on how much air is forced inside. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the ligaments and muscles.

The lower part of the corset should rest tightly against the collarbones, but not cause pain. This is what makes it possible to unload the spine. The splint should not put pressure on the neck, otherwise suffocation cannot be avoided. After fixing the fasteners between the skin and the surface of the collar, your finger should fit freely. The chin should fit snugly on a special notch.

Asymmetrical splints cannot be used to treat osteochondrosis: they are used to correct crooked necks in newborns.

A cervical collar for osteochondrosis is one of the ways to treat this disease. Most often it is used to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, prevent its development, and the collar is also worn during the rehabilitation period. By wearing a collar, the cervical vertebrae are gradually elongated, and the space between them increases. This helps eliminate painful sensations, normalize blood supply and improve the general condition of the patient.

About the benefits of orthopedic collars

Osteochondrosis can be caused by various reasons:

• insufficient physical activity And in a sedentary manner life;
• features of the profession;
• various injuries;
• frequent muscle tension in the cervical region.

In addition, the development of this disease can be caused by incorrect posture. If the spine is curved and does not take correct position, the head involuntarily tilts to the side. To correct this uncomfortable position, she has to look for a way out of this situation, and she does this at the expense of the cervical spine.

Orthopedic collars cannot completely cure osteochondrosis. They are considered complementary treatments that allow the patient to temporarily reduce the symptoms of unpleasant symptoms diseases. They are used as a natural support for the spine and provide support to the head by redistributing its weight to the collarbone area and base of the neck. As a result, the head takes the correct position, and the muscles of the cervical spine do not suffer from additional stress.

Types of devices

There are many models of orthopedic neck collars for osteochondrosis. But they are united by the fact that they are all dense rollers that are fixed around the neck. Their main purpose is to provide the cervical vertebrae with the desired position during movement, preventing them from moving.

Shants collar

Most often, patients use the Shants collar for cervical osteochondrosis. It is a dense structure made of flexible material. Wearing it allows you to provide the affected part of the spine with the correct position and rest, protecting it from various movements. As a result, the pressure on the muscle frame is reduced and the blood supply to the diseased area is improved. In addition, the therapeutic design warms and provides a light massage effect, which only speeds up recovery.

Inflatable device

One of the analogues of the Shants collar is an inflatable device. It consists of two flat strips made of dense material. The mechanism that allows it to be inflated is located between them. First, the device should be secured to the neck and only then inflated using a special bulb.

Its use makes it possible to gently stretch the spine in the cervical region, gradually increasing the distance between the vertebrae. In addition, blood circulation is normalized both in the affected area and in nearby organs.

Another type of such a collar is a soft inflatable device that allows you to securely fix the spine in the desired position and prevent strong tilts of the head. The inflatable collar helps to gently stretch the vertebrae, thereby reducing the symptoms of the disease. The degree of inflation and adjustment of inflatable devices should be carried out by a specialist.

Rules for selecting and using devices

In order for the collar for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine to fulfill its purpose as fully as possible, certain rules must be followed when using it. First of all, you should avoid over-tightening. The treatment device should not put pressure on the neck and cause discomfort to the patient.

It’s easy to check that the device is securely fastened: you need to insert your finger between it and your neck. If the finger fits freely in the resulting space and nothing interferes with it, then the structure is secured correctly.

In addition, before wearing a collar, you need to check whether its size is correct. If the height of the collar corresponds to the distance between the lower and upper parts of the neck, then the choice is made correctly. With its lower part it should rest on the collarbones, and with its upper part it should support the lower jaw.

It is very important to choose a medical collar for your neck wisely. The main factor to consider before choosing is anatomical features spine.

The treatment device should follow all the lines of the neck. If you do not follow this rule, you can provoke a deterioration in the condition. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the reason that provoked the development of osteochondrosis.

To correctly choose a medical collar, you need to take certain measurements. You should keep your head straight to Auricle and the eyes were at the same level. Using a soft measuring tape, measure the distance from the chin to chest. The value obtained as a result of the measurement will correspond to the size of the collar.

If difficulties arise with taking measurements, you should contact a specialist. He will conduct the necessary research and determine the structural features of the spine.

In addition, some outlets provide demo samples for their clients that can be rented. This allows the patient to choose the most comfortable collar from cervical osteochondrosis.

Adverse reactions

The Shants collar should not be worn for a long time. Maximum use time 2.5 hours per day. Otherwise, you can cause unpleasant symptoms:

• pain in the neck;
• weaknesses;
• dizziness;
• vomit;
• fainting.

If at least one such symptom appears, you must immediately remove the collar and consult a specialist about its further use. The doctor will adjust the degree of inflation of the device and, if necessary, recommend a different model.

Collapse

Corset fixation for osteochondrosis is prescribed as it helps reduce the severity of symptoms and increase the effectiveness of treatment. For such immobilization of the cervical spine, a special inflatable neck collar for osteochondrosis is used. In this article we will look at what this product is, in what cases and for what it is intended, and how to choose it correctly.

What it is?

An inflatable cervical collar for osteochondrosis is an orthopedic design consisting of velor or other soft material, supplemented with polymer, or less often, metal ribs. The standard design also includes a tube and a pump for inflating the device. The structure is hollow, and when air is pumped into it using pumps, it increases in size - both in length and height, fixing the neck in such a way that it becomes motionless.

Devices are produced by different brands. Therefore, these devices differ in service life, quality, characteristics and material. Good corsets are made of soft material that does not rub the skin, and can be changed in size in a fairly wide range, suitable for patients with different dimensions.

Indications for wearing

Wearing a corset in the treatment of osteochondrosis is not always prescribed, since it is not comfortable, not aesthetically attractive, and wearing it may have side effects. But sometimes during periods of exacerbation of the disease it is impossible to do without it. It is prescribed for:

1. Immobilization of the cervical spine to relieve pain (when nerve tissue is pinched at the slightest movement, causing pain);
2. Relieving stress from intervertebral discs and fixing vertebrae in order to increase the effectiveness of treatment and access nutrients and medications for discs;
3. Stretching the cervical spine to relieve compression of blood vessels and nerve tissue.

The need to wear such a device is determined by the doctor in each specific case.

Efficiency

Provided that the device is worn in accordance with all the rules and recommendations of the doctor, it can be effective, but only as additional method. Removing the load from the affected intervertebral discs makes treatment and exacerbation more effective, but in itself therapeutic method is not. It is impossible to relieve the exacerbation of the disease only by wearing a collar - it is necessary medications and other methods of influence.

Varieties

There are several types of such devices, differing in design and scope, as well as wearing purposes:

1. Spiral inflatable collar – increases primarily in height when inflated. Necessary for stretching the spine, immobilizes gently. The degree of fixation is weak;
2. Collars with a lock are an open ring with Velcro. When pumping, they increase not so much in height as in width, fixing more rigidly;
3. The bandage with an inflatable insert is designed for rigid fixation in severe conditions. Typically, such corsets have a hard plastic part in front and an inflatable part at the back of the collar. Used when rigid fixation in the back of the neck is not needed.

The doctor can choose the appropriate option in each specific case. Since uncontrolled wearing of a collar can have Negative consequences, you cannot prescribe it to yourself and choose it yourself, because it can be harmful to your health.

How to choose?

Your doctor will help you choose the right inflatable collar for osteochondrosis. The dimensions of the patient, the required degree (rigidity) of fixation, the nature of the damage, etc. will be taken into account, but there are a number of general recommendations when choosing a bandage:

1. In front, the upper edge should rest against the chin, the lower edge should run parallel to the collarbones;
2. At the back, the upper edge should pass near the base of the skull;
3. The corset should not rub the skin, be excessively rigid, or have sharp parts;
4. You need to select a collar according to your size.

Inflatable braces are difficult to choose - more difficult than other types of such corsets. Therefore, you need to carefully discuss the aspects of your choice with your doctor.

Where can I buy?

You can buy the device in an online store or at physical points of sale, in pharmacies. The price varies significantly depending on the manufacturer and type of device. Devices made in Germany and the USA are considered the highest quality and most expensive.

1. Made in Germany //www.medspros.ru/shop/lechebnyj_vorotnik_2.html ;
2. Made in Germany //www.medspros.ru/shop/lechebnyj_vorotnik_1.html ;
3. Made in Germany //www.medspros.ru/shop/lechebnyj_vorotnik_2a_s_magnitami.html ;

Children's varieties of this collar are sold very rarely.

How and how much to wear?

Wearing such a device incorrectly or for too long can have a negative impact on your health. When wearing the device for a long time, the muscles completely lose their own tone without load. As a result, when the collar is removed, they are unable to independently hold the vertebrae in their physiological positions, and as a result, the symptoms become more pronounced.

When wearing, you need to adhere to several rules:

1. Wear twice a day, morning and evening;
2. The period of one use is no more than one and a half hours, no more than 3 hours in total per day;
3. Wear no more than 5 days in a row.

If the patient follows these rules, then using the bandage will only be beneficial.

Conclusion

Wearing a corset is not always necessary, but in certain conditions it is necessary measure. It is important to take a responsible approach to choosing a device and carefully follow the doctor’s recommendations, both when choosing and when wearing the product. In this case, its use will only bring benefits.

Content

In modern orthopedics there are many devices that successfully correct spinal abnormalities and prevent the development of disability. Among these is the Shants collar, which can be prescribed from the first days of life or already in adulthood. In any case, this is an important component of the treatment of cervical pathologies. spinal column.

What is a Shants collar

If the orthopedist has prescribed you to wear a splint cervical spine spine, the first step is to find out what it is, why it is needed, what the results are, and how soon they can be expected. Shants's collar is effective method correctional treatment, when a patient at any age is prescribed an orthopedic device made of special material.

The main purpose of wearing such a collar is to reduce the load on the affected cervical spine, provide warmth and light massage characteristic focus of pathology. The orthopedic device has several varieties, where the determining factor is the material of manufacture. Structurally, Shants collars do not have significant differences.

Shants soft tire

To easily stretch the cervical vertebrae and suppress attacks of the disease, orthopedists prescribe a soft therapeutic collar. It is made of medical foam rubber or elastic porous material for the comfort of the patient. Externally, it is a flexible strip that has an anatomical notch specifically for the chin, and convenient Velcro for securely fixing the position of the neck.

This orthopedic device by Shants limits head tilt, stretches and strengthens weakened vertebrae, and prevents the development of cervical osteochondrosis. The collar is often prescribed in childhood, a common indication for use is torticollis in newborns. It is important to choose the right “spine corrector”, otherwise therapeutic effect completely absent.

Semi-rigid collar

Structurally, this option is not much different from its predecessor, it characteristic feature is the material of manufacture. Shants semi-rigid collar is used for more serious pathologies The cervical spine, since it fits tightly around the neck, limits turns and tilts of the head in different directions. It is made of dense material with metal inserts and structural elements. When worn every day, it gives the patient a feeling of discomfort. Provides traction of the vertebrae not only in children, but also in adults.

Shantz's hard collar

This metal structure is used for severe lesions of the spine, as an option for a fracture of the cervical spine. A rigid cervical bandage firmly fixes the spinal column in one position, while requiring very long daily wear. It is made of metal or durable types of plastic, with competent medical participation it provides non-surgical methods for eliminating such global problem with health.

What is the Shants collar used for?

For injuries, disorders and age-related weakness of the cervical vertebrae, the orthopedist prescribes corrective treatment, which can take up to a month. If you wear a Shants collar, it limits the flexion and extension of the vertebrae of the neck, holds them in one position, and promotes soft and imperceptible traction. A cervical collar is also necessary for injuries, when it is important to limit increased load to the affected part of the spine.

Shants collar for newborns

If in the first days of life the doctor suspects torticollis, parents will have to buy an orthopedic collar for newborns and put it on the baby, according to all medical prescriptions. Such a device is necessary to stretch and strengthen weakened vertebrae, perform a gentle massage and provide a warming effect. A soft retainer for a baby can be bought at a pharmacy, but before making your choice, it doesn’t hurt to carefully read the instructions. The principle of operation of the Shants collar is explained by a pediatric orthopedist.

Other indications for everyday wearing of a collar are as follows:

• hyperexcitability;
• short neck syndrome;
• movement disorders;
• birth injuries of the cervical spine;
• depression of the nervous system.

Shants collar for cervical osteochondrosis

If in the background severe pain migraines occur in the neck, frequent dizziness, decreased visual acuity and general weakness, it is possible that these are signs of cervical osteochondrosis. The disease progresses more often in adults, but also requires additional wearing of corrective devices on the recommendation of an orthopedist. An orthopedic neck collar for osteochondrosis effectively relieves acute pain, strengthens the muscle frame, restores blood supply to the vessels of the neck, stabilizes the sleep phase, and normalizes the emotional background.

Shants collar - application

If the attending physician prescribes such orthopedic device, you should not violate his recommendations. The Shants collar is an effective method of corrective therapy for lesions of the cervical spine different intensity. It is put on the neck, tightly fixed, long time don't take it off. The duration of wear ranges from one to several months, determined individually by the orthopedist. The main indications for everyday wear are the following clinical pictures:

• osteochondrosis;
• spondylosis;
• poor posture;
• myositis;
• torticollis of newborns;
• compression spinal cord;
• rehabilitation period after injuries, spinal surgeries;
• migraines and dizziness of a neurological nature.

How to choose a Shants collar

When choosing such a corrective fixation, it is important to consult an orthopedist for advice. Otherwise, you can only worsen your overall health. The specialist will tell you what types of orthopedic products are appropriate in a specific clinical picture, what size, and how to properly try on. Before buying a head holder, it is recommended to consider the following nuances:

1. After trying on the Shants brace, neck mobility should be as limited as possible - it is impossible to tilt your head back or tilt it forward.
2. The length of the neck and the height of the collar coincide, and the upper line of the orthopedic device should be located at the base of the skull, the lower line - first of the neck.
3. The upper edge of the retainer should rest against the chin and jaw, and the lower part of the structure runs parallel to the collarbones.
4. The collar acts as a neck holder, so when making the right choice There is no pain at all when wearing it.

Shants inflatable collar

The use of such a design for diseases of the cervical spine has become widespread among the masses, since the retainer is convenient to use, practical for everyday wear and, if chosen correctly, does not cause discomfort to the patient. The Shants inflatable neck splint is a convenient model that is used for mild damage to the spinal column. Air is pumped into the structure using a special bulb, which provides gentle traction of the vertebrae and increases the space between the joints.

Inflatable bandage

This is an orthopedic structure similar in principle of operation, into which air is also pumped with a bulb. An inflatable neck bandage is a kind of “alternative” to the Shants collar, however, the device itself does not treat spinal problems, but eliminates the impact of pathogenic factors on the affected area. An inflatable bandage is used for osteochondrosis to maintain a period of remission, as well as for disease prevention. When treating injuries to the cervical spine, radical methods are used.

Neck brace

The rigid collar around the neck is radical treatment spinal column problems. The need to wear it every day arises when severe injuries or vertebral fractures. Such a fixator provides restrictions on neck rotation, minimizing the load on the affected area, and full control of the adjacent muscles. It will not be possible to quickly cure the characteristic illness; the patient will have to undergo several months of persistent rehabilitation in the hospital and at home.

How to choose the size of a Shants collar

Before you buy a collar at a pharmacy or order it from an online pharmacy, you should decide on the size, since such an orthopedic device can no longer be returned. To do this, position your head so that your eyes remain level with your ear openings. Then, using a centimeter, measure the distance from the sternum to the chin, which is the determining size of Shants’ collars. Neck circumference is a secondary indicator, since all orthopedic collars have a universal clasp and can be adjusted to fit the neck circumference.

How to wear an orthopedic collar

Wear this neck brace tightly, but do not squeeze soft fabrics. Otherwise, side effects are observed, and the patient complains of nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It is important that there is a slight finger gap between the device itself and the neck. Only in this case does it fulfill its main purpose. The optimal height is that the collar should cover the entire neck, from the bottom to the top. In this case, the lower edge rests on the bones of the collarbone, the upper edge holds the lower jaw.

How long to wear a Shants collar

You should wear such a collar every day, and in some clinical pictures It is completely contraindicated to remove it within the specified time interval. The question of how long to wear the Shants collar is best addressed to your orthopedist. The answer is individual for each case, for example, with congenital torticollis, you will have to wear the specified brace for at least a month. In case of exacerbation of a hernia or cervical osteochondrosis, the collar should be worn until the alarming symptoms completely disappear. In this way, you can further strengthen the musculoskeletal system.

Is it possible to sleep in a Shants collar?

If we are talking about children's body, a newborn child with torticollis is allowed to sleep in a Shants splint, and remove it only for bathing. Improvements will be noticeable within the first month of daily wear. However, there are pitfalls in this issue. For example, if you do not remove such a collar, the muscles will atrophy. Therefore, in older adults, doctors prescribe wearing the specified orthopedic device for 4-5 hours a day, no more. The time interval for wearing can only be selected by the attending physician for medical reasons.

How to wear a Shants collar for newborns

For torticollis, such a brace is prescribed from the first days of life. Parents must understand how to use it correctly so as not to harm the health of the baby. The Shants collar for torticollis in infants must be worn for a month. More often than not, this time interval is enough to strengthen weakened neck muscles. It is important to put the collar on correctly so that the child does not experience discomfort, then he will completely forget about the existence of the retainer. He must sleep in a collar, and stay awake in Shants's collar. Treatment takes place under strict medical supervision.

How to wear a collar with osteochondrosis

This pathology often progresses in adulthood and is associated with previous spinal injuries, work characteristics of an adult patient, and genetic predisposition. The focus of the pathology is indicated for rest, so the orthopedist must prescribe a collar for the cervical vertebrae. This is protection, massage, and the necessary warming effect. Wear a retainer depending on medical indications, but more often this is a period of 4-5 hours per day for several months.

Shants collar price

You can buy such an orthopedic device at specialty store Moscow and beyond. To make the purchase inexpensive, it makes sense to place an order based on photos from catalogs in thematic online stores. The cost of products is much cheaper, but you can make a mistake with the size. Prices in city pharmacies are different; for example, you can check the prices in the capital using the following table.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a chronic progressive pathology that occurs against the background of destructive and degenerative changes in cartilaginous tissues. His clinical manifestations become sharp or aching pain, limited neck movements, dizziness. Damaged cartilage cannot be completely restored, so the main goals of treatment are to alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of the disease to healthy vertebrae and intervertebral discs.

Diagnosis by X-ray.

For this purpose, the patient is recommended to exercise regularly. therapeutic exercises, wearing bandages. Orthopedic devices are designed to reduce the load on the vertebrae, stimulate blood circulation, and prevent the progression of cervical osteochondrosis.

Exercises for the prevention of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine.

Why are orthopedic products needed?

The use of bandages or orthoses in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis contributes to the correct distribution of loads on upper section spine by increasing the distance between the vertebrae and discs. While wearing, spasmed muscles relax, compression of sensitive nerve endings, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels. The displaced vertebrae assume an anatomically correct position, which significantly increases the functional activity of the entire spinal column.

The Shants collar fixes the cervical vertebrae in an anatomically correct position.

One of dangerous symptoms osteochondrosis - frequent dizziness due to compression of blood vessels and oxygen starvation brain cells. The use of a collar allows you to normalize blood circulation, restore the supply of nutritional and biological nutrients to all tissues. active substances, molecular oxygen. To improve the well-being of patients, two conditions must be met:

• reducing the load on the vertebrae. Any intense static or dynamic movement provokes not only increased pain and stiffness of the neck. When the vertebrae and discs come into contact, they are further damaged - cartilage tissue become thinner, and the edges of the bone plates grow pathologically;
• improvement of blood circulation, production sufficient quantity synovial fluid, performing the function of a shock absorber. While wearing the brace, movements in the cervical spine are not completely limited. Rhythmic oscillations with small amplitude occur. This is enough to produce synovium and supply blood to tissues that have undergone degenerative changes.

The use of an orthopedic neck collar for osteochondrosis eliminates the deficiency useful substances in the absence of intense damaging movements. During therapy with NSAIDs, analgesics, and glucocorticosteroids, it is necessary to periodically wear a soft or hard collar. With a combination of physical relaxation of the cervical spine and drug treatment You can reduce the dosage of drugs that often have pronounced systemic side effects.

The constant use of collars of any degree of rigidity is strictly prohibited, as it may provoke further degenerative changes cartilage. It is necessary to increase the duration of breaks between wearing exercises physical therapy. A bandage is an artificial support and support for the cervical vertebrae and discs. Regular exercise will help you build up and strengthen your own muscle corset, and in the future you will be able to do without any fixatives.

Types of fixing devices

Independent choice of collar - common reason worsening symptoms, deterioration of the patient’s well-being, progression of the disease. When determining which fixation is needed for a particular patient, the vertebrologist takes into account many factors. This is the stage of the pathology, the degree of damage to cartilage tissue, the age, and weight of the patient. Results are taken into account instrumental studies. The resulting images visualize osteophytes (bone growths), compressive vessels and nerve roots. The more such formations in the cervical spine, the stiffer the orthosis should be. The range of pharmacies and medical equipment stores is presented various types orthopedic products:

• rigid and semi-rigid orthoses with solid inserts - metal or plastic knitting needles, hinges, plates, spirals;

Cervical spine orthosis, height adjustable.

• collars with soft fixation, which are suitable for both the treatment of osteochondrosis of grade 1-2 severity and for prevention;

Anatomical splint collar.

• inflatable products that reliably fix the vertebrae, massage, warm the neck, and prevent pinched nerves;

Inflatable cervical collar for osteochondrosis.

• various designs and sizes, preventing abrasion and wear of intervertebral discs and vertebrae.

Shants collar.

Each type of fixation has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are well known to the vertebrologist. An excessively hard collar will worsen the condition of the vertebrae in a patient with initial stage osteochondrosis, preventing the strengthening of skeletal muscles. But a disease complicated by chondrosis or spondylosis requires wearing a hard collar. His top part contacts the chin, and the lower one is located in the chest area. This helps to relieve the cervical spine as much as possible, reduce the severity of pain, and prevent pinching of nerve endings.

IN Lately preference is given to inflatable models. The design provides the ability to pump different volumes of air to provide the necessary fixation of the neck, which distinguishes them from other types of bandages that have several sizes. But the most popular model of retainers is the Shants collar. When worn, it has a diverse effect: relaxes muscles, supports the vertebrae, massages, warms, and increases the gaps between all structures of the cervical spine.

Indications and contraindications

Wearing bandages has a number of contraindications. They cannot be used if there are open wound surfaces on the neck, deep cracks, ulcers. The temperature under the bandage is always elevated, which can cause tissue infection and the development of an inflammatory process. If there are warts, papillomas, or large moles on the neck, the patient is referred for consultation to a dermatologist or oncologist. Do not use a collar if there is severe vertebral instability. In this case, the only thing that can help the patient is surgical intervention with the installation of implants.

In what cases do vertebrologists, traumatologists, and neurologists recommend that patients wear orthopedic devices:

• relapses of osteochondrosis, deforming osteoarthrosis, spondylosis, not accompanied by severe instability of the elements of the cervical spine;
• torticollis - a disease in which the head tilts and simultaneously turns in the opposite direction;

Torticollis.

• muscle pain caused by injuries, physical overexertion, exacerbation of chronic pathology;
• radiculitis, affecting the spinal roots in the cervical spine;
• - inflammatory process, occurring in skeletal muscles;
• formation intervertebral hernia- representing a protrusion intervertebral disc between vertebral bodies;

Intervertebral hernia in the cervical spine.

• narrowing of the lumen vertebral artery, provoking disorders of a vestibular, vascular and autonomic nature.

Wearing support collars or orthoses is indicated for patients during the recovery period after surgery or injury. People who spend a lot of time at the computer notice that after a few hours they experience discomfort in the neck area. This condition often becomes a prerequisite for the development of osteochondrosis. Prevention of the disease will be the use of a soft elastic bandage for 1-2 hours.

How to use collars

The use of cervical corsets relaxes skeletal muscles and reduces the intensity of pain. But long wearing should not become a habit, as it can lead to atrophy of the part muscle fibers. Optimal duration medical procedure- about 3 hours a day. Vertebrologists also give the following recommendations:

• Do not apply ointments with a warming effect to the neck area and then put on a collar. The temperature underneath will rise significantly, increasing the likelihood of a chemical burn;
• It is strictly forbidden to sleep with a corset on the neck, especially a rigid or semi-rigid orthosis. Your health will deteriorate significantly due to compression of nerves and blood vessels;
• you need to put on a bandage before any physical activity, for example, lifting weights. This will prevent protrusion of the vertebrae and displacement of the discs.

All collars are equipped with fasteners: Velcro, plastic buttons, wide ribbons, lacing. A vertebrologist will tell you how to attach the device to the neck so that it does not restrict breathing, but securely fixes the vertebrae.

Cervical osteochondrosis refers to pathologies in the treatment of which drugs are used only to eliminate symptoms. The main methods of treatment are physical exercise and regular use of support collars. This combination will allow you to get rid of painful pain without pills. muscle spasms and stiffness, prevent relapses of osteochondrosis.