Always remember that movement is the ointment. So use the muscle or risk losing it.
Published Apr 18, 2023 | 4:24 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 18, 2023 | 4:24 PM
One should not sleep with a cervical collar or lumbar belt on as it can lead to pressure on skin and subsequent injury
A spinal orthosis is a force system device that provides support and restricts movement. It can also treat deformities of the spine. Its main purpose is to reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent further injury.
Spinal orthosis can be classified according to the region of the spine it immobilises (cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral) and also according to the material used (soft, semi-rigid and hard). The most commonly used are cervical collars and lumbar belts.
Soft cervical collars are made of foam and other soft materials.
They provide minimal restriction of neck movements and are used commonly to address neck pain due to cervical spondylosis and neck strains.
A soft cervical collar allows the soft tissues to rest, provides warmth to muscles, and is a kinaesthetic reminder to the patient to avoid extremes of neck movement.
They are typically used for four-six weeks till the neck pain reduces. Then neck movements/exercises should be commenced to strengthen the neck muscles, which in turn provides long-term pain relief.
They should NOT be used continuously for a longer duration as this would weaken the neck muscles and in turn cause more pain.
Remember, movement is the ointment!
Semi-rigid cervical collars are a combination of soft and hard materials and offer a balance of support and comfort.
They are usually used in case of stable cervical spine fractures, immobilisation, and transport of cervical spine injury patients following a vehicular accident and also in patients who have had cervical spine fusion surgeries.
Hard cervical collars/cervico-thoracic orthosis are made out of rigid material and offer greater movement restriction and more stability to the cervical spine. They are used in unstable cervical spine fractures and also following cervical spine fusion surgery.
They are more complex devices and should be used under strict guidance and observation of a specialist doctor or trained healthcare personnel.
A lumbar orthosis, also known as a lumbar support or back brace, is a device that is worn around the lower back to provide support and stability to the lumbar spine/lower back.
It is often used to treat acute or chronic low back pain, improve posture, and reduce the risk of further injury.
Lumbar orthoses are available in a range of styles, including those that are worn around the waist, those that are worn over the shoulder, and those that are worn around the thigh.
Some lumbar orthoses are designed to be worn all day, while others are only worn during activities that put extra strain on the lower back, such as lifting or sports.
There are several types of lumbar orthoses available, including:
Lumbar support belts: These are often worn to provide temporary relief from lower back pain or to support the lower back during physical activity.
Lumbar braces: These are more rigid devices that are worn to provide long-term support and stabilisation of the lumbar spine. They may be prescribed to people with spinal fractures, degenerative disc disease, or other conditions that cause instability in the lower back.
Lumbar corsets: These are similar to lumbar braces, but they are often more flexible and may be made from softer materials. They are prescribed to people with mild to moderate lumbar instability or to those who need support during the healing process after surgery.
In spinal cord injury patients who are unable to sit or stand and are restricted to a bed, belts should be avoided as they cause skin problems.
Impaired mental status.
Impaired skin sensation.
Non-compliant patient.
Skin rashes or wounds.
It is always important to consult with the orthopaedic spine surgeon before using any type of advanced medical device, including a lumbar belt or cervical collar, to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for use.
No. One should not sleep with a lumbar belt on as it can lead to pressure on the skin and subsequent injury.
Yes. A cervical collar will help indirectly with a pinched nerve as the movement is reduced, thus lessening pain.
Using a lumbar belt for spondylolisthesis needs a spine surgeon assessment as surgery is indicated in most cases.
No. One should not sleep with a cervical collar on as it can lead to pressure on the skin and subsequent injury.
A lumbar orthosis, also known as a lumbar support or back brace, is a device that is worn around the lower back to provide support and stability to the lumbar spine/lower back.
Lumbar sacro/sacral belts are more rigid devices that are worn to provide long-term support and stabilisation of the lumbar spine.
Remember again that movement is the ointment. So use the muscle or risk losing the muscle.
(Dr Kiran Kumar Lingutla is a consultant spine surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad. These are the personal views of the author)
