10:38 07/05/2024 Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics) - UpToDate

Official reprint from UpToDate®

www.uptodate.com © 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics)

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate

Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.

What are cervical collars?

A cervical collar, or "C-collar," is a type of brace for your neck. They are sometimes called
"cervical immobilizers" or "neck braces."

The neck has 7 bones that are stacked on top of each other. These bones are called the "cervical
vertebrae." They make up the top part of the spine, called the "cervical spine." Ligaments attach
the bones to each another. A thick bundle of nerves called the "spinal cord" runs through the
cervical vertebrae, and connects the brain to the rest of the body. C-collars help protect the
cervical spine.

There are different types of C-collars:

● Rigid C-collars ( figure 1) – These are made of hard plastic and foam. They usually have
a piece that goes under your chin. They keep your neck very still. These are usually used
after surgery or a serious injury, such as a neck fracture. They support your head and limit
how much you can move your head and neck while you heal.

● Soft C-collars – These are made of foam. They give your neck some support and limit your
side-to-side movement. Some people find that they help with neck pain. But doctors
generally do not recommend that people wear these, especially for long periods of time.
This is because they can actually make the neck muscles weak. If you use a soft C-collar,
only wear it for less than 3 hours at a time.

This article focuses on rigid C-collars. If you are interested in using a soft C-collar for neck pain,
talk to your doctor or nurse.

How do I wear a C-collar?

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cervical-collars-for-adults-the-basics/print 1/7
10:38 07/05/2024 Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics) - UpToDate

You will learn how to wear your C-collar in the hospital. Before you go home with your C-collar,
make sure that you know:

● When you should wear it – In some cases, you might need to wear your C-collar all of the
time, or you might be able to remove it for certain tasks. Follow your doctor or nurse's
instructions.

● If you will need help – For example, you might need someone else to put the collar on,
wash your hair, or help you do other tasks while you are wearing the C-collar.

Each C-collar is slightly different, so follow the instructions for your specific collar.

The general steps for putting on and taking off your C-collar are below. Your doctor might
instruct you to do this while seated or while lying down. It might be easier if you have someone
help you.

To take the C-collar off and put it back on while seated:

● Sit down, and keep your head still while you remove the collar.

● Carefully undo the straps on the side of the collar. Open the collar, and pull it away from
the skin. Move slowly, and be gentle.

● Try not to move your head and neck too much while the collar is off.

● While the collar is off, you can clean your neck area and check for any skin irritation. You
can also clean the collar.

● After you check and clean the neck area, you can put the C-collar back on. Make sure that
the back piece is centered on the back of your neck. Then, carefully bring the rest of the
collar around your neck. It might help to gently pull the collar down toward your belly
button as you bring it around your face, then bring it back up toward your head. Your chin
should rest on the chin piece.

● Fasten the C-collar into place. Rigid C-collars usually have straps on 1 side.

● The C-collar should be snug, but not uncomfortable. Your head and neck should not be
able to move very much once the C-collar is on. If your head and neck are moving a lot, try
putting on the collar again.

To take the C-collar off and put it back on while lying down:

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cervical-collars-for-adults-the-basics/print 2/7
10:38 07/05/2024 Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics) - UpToDate

● Lie down flat on your back on a bed, without a pillow. Keep your head in a neutral position,
looking at the ceiling.

● Undo the straps on the side of the collar.

● Carefully open the front of the collar, and bring it to the other side of your head. Gently
slide the back panel out from under your neck.

● While the collar is off, you can clean your neck area and check for any skin irritation. You
can also clean the collar. You might need another person to help you do this.

● To put the collar back on, stay lying down. Keep your head in a neutral position, looking at
the ceiling.

● Without moving your head or neck, carefully slide the back panel of the neck brace under
your neck. Make sure that the back panel is in the right position, centered on the back of
your neck. If you have long hair, make sure that it is outside of the collar.

● Carefully bring the rest of the collar around your neck. It might help to gently pull the
collar down toward your belly button as you bring it around your face, and then bring it
back up toward your head. Your chin should rest on the chin piece.

● Fasten the C-collar into place. Rigid C-collars usually have straps on 1 side.

● The C-collar should be snug, but not uncomfortable. Your head and neck should not be
able to move very much once the C-collar is on. If your head and neck are moving a lot, try
putting on the collar again. If you are still having trouble, call your doctor or nurse.

What else should I know?

The exact instructions depend on what type of collar you have and why you need it. Ask
questions if there is anything you do not understand. Talk to your doctor or nurse about
whether there are things you shouldn't do while wearing the collar.

Some general tips:

● Clean the C-collar once a day (you might need someone else to do this for you):

• Handwash any plastic pieces with mild detergent, and dry with a towel.

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cervical-collars-for-adults-the-basics/print 3/7
10:38 07/05/2024 Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics) - UpToDate

• Some rigid C-collars come with removable liners for the chin, front of the collar, and
back of the collar. Hand-wash the liners with mild detergent. Let the liners air dry.
Follow the collar manufacturer's instructions on how to change the liners.

● When you take the C-collar off for cleaning, check your neck for redness, sores, or skin
irritation. If you have any of these symptoms and they do not go away within 20 minutes
after removing the C-collar, tell your doctor or nurse.

● Use good posture while wearing a C-collar. Try not to slouch.

● Do not do any heavy lifting or heavy exercise.

● Sleep with your C-collar on, unless your doctor tells you not to.

● Never drive when wearing a C-collar. Ask your doctor about bathing. Do not wear the
collar in the shower or bath.

● Keep your C-collar away from heat or flames.

When should I call the doctor?

Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

● Your arms or legs are weak.

● You have trouble when you breathe, swallow, eat, drink, or talk.

Call your doctor or nurse for advice if:

● You are able to move your neck or head easily with the C-collar on.

● You have pain in or around your ears or face.

● You have skin irritation that does not go away within 20 minutes of opening or removing
the collar.

● Your arms or legs are numb or tingling.

More on this topic

Patient education: Cervical collars for children (The Basics)

Patient education: Neck fracture (The Basics)

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cervical-collars-for-adults-the-basics/print 4/7
10:38 07/05/2024 Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics) - UpToDate

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete.

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: May 07, 2024.

Disclaimer: This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or

medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to
help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does
NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks
that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for
the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care
provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances.
Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health,
medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of
medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe,
effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim
any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this
information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms. 2024© UpToDate, Inc.
and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Topic 142956 Version 2.0

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cervical-collars-for-adults-the-basics/print 5/7
10:38 07/05/2024 Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics) - UpToDate

GRAPHICS

Rigid C-collar

This person is wearing a rigid cervical collar (or "C-collar"). It is used after neck surgery or a serious injury
to the neck. It supports the head and limits how much the neck can move while it heals.

Graphic 141954 Version 1.0

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cervical-collars-for-adults-the-basics/print 6/7
10:38 07/05/2024 Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics) - UpToDate

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cervical-collars-for-adults-the-basics/print 7/7