The soft type of cervical collar is very flexible, yet least limiting. It is for chronic conditions. It cannot be used in extreme conditions as it can cause further damage due to its flexibility. The risk of further fracture is greater in patients who are suffering from medical conditions such as Osteoporosis. This cervical collar type is generally used in case of minor injuries.
Miami J collars are most frequently used by the patients suffering from head or neck injuries. This type of collars is incorporated in sets of rigid braces. These braces are used to serve the purpose of constraining the head and neck of the patient together. Stability can be increased by additional head and chest braces.
During an accident, if someone gets a cervical fracture, these cervical collars are use to support their head and to prevent further damage to internal head parts. If these cervical collars are not used in such situations, then there is a huge risk of spinal cord injury to the patients.
If you are wearing the Miami J collars, then follow the following steps completely to avoid any problems.
Putting the whole collar together:
First of all,
· Move the elastic strap around your head.
· Attach the elastic strap to the other side of the collar.
· Do not tighten the elastic strap. It will hold up the front piece of the collar, so that you can easily put all other parts into place.
· Now, take the back piece and then place it behind your head. Settle the back piece at the center to even it.
· Take both of the Velcro straps and move them to the front. Attach the Velcro straps to the collar.
· Now, hold the front piece in one of your hand and tighten the back piece with your other hand.
· Make it sure that the both sides of the collar overlap each other. This is to ensure that proper support is provided.
· In the end, make sure that the collars rest directly behind your neck.
Removing the collar:
Collar removal is a very sensitive process and it should be done with great care, as any wrong move may result in further injury.
First of all, if your doctor has not allowed to remove you collar in sitting position, and then you will have to get you collar removed while you are lying.
To remove the collar while you are in a sitting position, follow the following steps.
· Sit straight on a chair with your head and neck in a natural straight position.
· Stay straight; do not bend your neck.
· Now, undo the Velcro straps of the collar.
· Now, remove the back part of the collar by sliding it gently.
· Now, remove the front part of the collar.
Move to a mirror. Do not apply force in this whole process. Otherwise, it will cause damage to your body. Gently take the front piece to your chin by sliding it up your chest. While doing so, make it sure that the front piece of the collar stays on the top of your shoulders. In the end, rest your chin slowly in the chin support area of the collar.
Benefits of Miami J collars:
There are one to many different advantages of the Miami J collar. If you get into an accident and get injured in your neck or head area, then this Miami J collar can help you to avoid any further injuries, until your current situation is analyzed and a treatment method is devised on the basis of the results of the analyzation.
In case of head or neck injuries, Miami J collars are applied to the patients. It has many benefits for the patient. Using a cervical collar also helps greatly in stabilizing the cervical area, such as skull or spinal cord, of the patient. In this way, the chances of further injury are greatly reduced. It is of very much importance as any pressure on the damaged part can lead to paralysis, damage to the spinal cord or even death in some cases.
For recovery:
Neck braces are widely used during the time of the recovery of patient from surgeries such as the traumatic neck, head or spinal cord surgeries. It helps greatly for the speedy recovery of the patient. It provides a stable and constant neck posture which results in the quick healing of the patients.
Basically after a surgery, immobilization of the operated part is required. The Miami J collar ensures the immobility of the cervical parts. Thus, results in boosting up the healing process. It is usually used from start to end of the recovery time period.
Whiplash Recovery:
Cervical collars are frequently used in the treatment of conditions resulting from whiplash or other conditions of the like. Exercises and physical therapy are used to treat such conditions but cervical collars are also used in the treatment.
Neck pain:
It is one of the most prevalent health problems in the whole world. Neck pain results due to neck injuries, stress or strain. It is very awful and often the pain is unbearable. Cervical collars are thus used in such cases for the purpose of pain management.
Miami J collars come in different sizes and also with different additions. You can add pads to make them more comfortable. Make sure to get the correct size that fits your body. Using a wrong size collar can result in severe pain and even damage.
A good cervical or Miami J collar is used to immobilize your neck or associated parts for the speedy recovery but it is not meant to discomfort you. If it is discomforting you, then contact your doctor. This may be due to incorrect fitting or incorrect size.
If you have severe pain in the neck or back, then you should immediately call your doctor. Remember, that it is a very sensitive matter and great care should be taken. Always be gentle while wearing, taking off the collar or while changing pads.
