1. Use the Right One
Neck braces are generally prescribed by a doctor to provide stability after an injury, surgery or to prevent certain deformities of the spine from becoming worse. There are many varieties of neck braces available, so if you do not receive yours directly from your doctor, make sure it is the appropriate type. Some braces offer comfort only, while others restrict movement. There are many levels of support available, so make sure your neck brace provides the stability needed for your condition.
2. Make Sure It Fits
A neck brace that is too small will be very uncomfortable, while one that is too big will not provide the right amount of support. In order to ensure that your brace is effective, make sure you have the correct size. Often, your doctor or an orthotist will personally fit you for your brace. However, if you are responsible for getting your own, make sure you measure your neck and choose the size accordingly. When you wear your neck brace, make sure that it is adjusted correctly. In most cases, unless approved by your doctor, you should not be able to turn your head from side to side or move your chin up and down. If you can, tighten the straps.
3. Wear It Was Ordered by Your Docter
Your neck brace wearing schedule depends on your condition. Some braces are meant to be worn 24 hours a day, while others may only need to be worn when you are sitting up. Make sure you are clear about your doctor's orders. Attempting inappropriate activities without your brace or ignoring the wear schedule increases your risk for further injury or strain. Even if your neck brace is uncomfortable, it should be worn as directed until your doctor tells you to discontinue it. This ensures proper alignment during healing.
4. Take It Off When It is Time
Believe it or not, you may not be ready to let go of your brace when your doctor tells you to do so. After it has been immobilized, the neck may feel weaker than before your injury. Wearing the brace may make you feel more supported as you are recuperating, however you run the risk of weakening your neck further if you wear the brace after it has been discontinued. This is because muscles that are not used eventually begin to waste away. After awhile, the neck muscles will be unable to support the head. Hard as it may be, throw the brace away when it is time.
Neck braces are generally prescribed by a doctor to provide stability after an injury, surgery or to prevent certain deformities of the spine from becoming worse. There are many varieties of neck braces available, so if you do not receive yours directly from your doctor, make sure it is the appropriate type. Some braces offer comfort only, while others restrict movement. There are many levels of support available, so make sure your neck brace provides the stability needed for your condition.
2. Make Sure It Fits
A neck brace that is too small will be very uncomfortable, while one that is too big will not provide the right amount of support. In order to ensure that your brace is effective, make sure you have the correct size. Often, your doctor or an orthotist will personally fit you for your brace. However, if you are responsible for getting your own, make sure you measure your neck and choose the size accordingly. When you wear your neck brace, make sure that it is adjusted correctly. In most cases, unless approved by your doctor, you should not be able to turn your head from side to side or move your chin up and down. If you can, tighten the straps.
3. Wear It Was Ordered by Your Docter
Your neck brace wearing schedule depends on your condition. Some braces are meant to be worn 24 hours a day, while others may only need to be worn when you are sitting up. Make sure you are clear about your doctor's orders. Attempting inappropriate activities without your brace or ignoring the wear schedule increases your risk for further injury or strain. Even if your neck brace is uncomfortable, it should be worn as directed until your doctor tells you to discontinue it. This ensures proper alignment during healing.
4. Take It Off When It is Time
Believe it or not, you may not be ready to let go of your brace when your doctor tells you to do so. After it has been immobilized, the neck may feel weaker than before your injury. Wearing the brace may make you feel more supported as you are recuperating, however you run the risk of weakening your neck further if you wear the brace after it has been discontinued. This is because muscles that are not used eventually begin to waste away. After awhile, the neck muscles will be unable to support the head. Hard as it may be, throw the brace away when it is time.
