Neck Supports can help with pain relief, assist healing and may prevent further injury

Neck supports are often used for people with muscle weakness or neck pain, where turning the head from side to side or holding the head upright may be difficult. Neck supports can assist with limited head movement which can contribute to a stiff neck, poor neck posture and severe pain. Weak neck muscle weakness can lead to limited head mobility and a stiff neck which may result in pain and further impairment of head mobility causing more pain and emotional distress. Emotional stress can further compound muscle tightness and cause pain.

Weak neck muscles and already injured neck muscles may require the use of neck supports because they are vulnerable to further injury if the head suddenly drops backward, forward, or sideways, causing muscles and ligaments in the neck to tear. In severe cases, it can also cause injury to the spinal cord or vertebrae in the neck. Such injuries may be a result of overstretching from a sudden force that propels the neck forward, backward, or to one side or another. Hyperextension (backward) or hyperflexion (forward bending) injury is often referred to as a whiplash neck injury for which various neck supports have traditionally been employed.

Often as a result of auto accidents, a whiplash type injury also may occur in martial arts or even when a person is being transfered in or out of a bed or a chair and the neck is jarred. For some with weak or damaged muscles and/or ligaments, neck supports can help because even a slight jerk of the head can cause a torn muscle or neck strain. Neck injuries can be very painful, especially when turning the head, raising and lowering in and out of bed or rolling over when in a lying position.

Neck supports can be part of an effective management of neck muscle weakness and injury to help prevent complications of pain and injury. Finding the best methods for supporting the head in an upright position to protect against further injury is essential.

Wearing neck supports is an effective method of holding up the head if this is difficult. People with advanced neck weakness should wear neck supports when walking, riding in the car or being transferred from one sitting position to another to protect against injury from sudden motion. Use of a cervical collar to hold up the head when walking permits better vision and may reduce the risk of falling.

To promote comfortable use, alternating among the different neck supports may be a solution to reducing pressure points on the skin of long-term users. We offer a variety of comfortable supports that are soft, flexible and lightweight. Some of these provide only minimal support for persons with advanced neck muscle weakness, while others use air pumps to provide a custom level of support on all sides of the neck. We have worked with some of these as an als neck support and were pleased with some of the results. The head neck support is a low-profile support with a padded chin rest and tubular design which feels cool and comfortable. None of our supports constrict the neck.

Improving head and neck posture and promoting mobility are important. Good body alignment when sitting can promote an upright head position and use of back support pillows can help align a slumped posture and keep the head and shoulders from slouching forward. In a seating system control depends heavily on the position of the pelvis and trunk. If sitting in a high back chair, even placing a rolled towel behind the neck can improve head posture and helps to prevent or alleviate discomfort in the neck. Additionally, if the armrests are not adjustable, placing a pillow under each arm or on top of each armrest of the chair may help promote an upright head position and provide extra comfort when sitting for a long time. Proper alignment of the head, neck, and body allows the lungs to expand for better breathing.

When in bed, avoid sleeping on a pillow that is too high or too low. This will not only strain the neck, but may cause loss of sleep at night. We have a wide selection of neck support pillows, however, even a rolled towel placed underneath the back of the neck with the head resting on a low pillow can provide needed support and comfort. People who have trouble keeping their head upright might try lying in bed a few times during the day to relieve stress on the neck muscles.

Neck exercises and stretching can help promote mobility of the head, alleviate stiffness of the neck, and help prevent and relieve neck pain. If you have a recent injury, prior surgery or advanced muscle weakness, evaluation and training by a health care professional may be warranted to evaluate the neck, help relieve neck pain, make recommendations for supporting the neck and head, and provide education on reducing the risk of neck injuries.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the neck supports, please feel free to contact Neck Solutions.