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The Kendrick Extraction Device, or KED, is designed to completely immobilize the spine while a victim is extracted from a potentially dangerous situation. Emergency medical technicians use this device to stabilize the spine until the victim can be placed on a backboard. A KED is used on stable patients in scenarios that do not pose an immediate threat. In dangerous situations, the victim is manually stabilized while being extracted. A KED is primarily used on victims in a seated position, such as car accident victims. Individuals that are lying down or standing up are immediately secured to a backboard.
If you think there is even a slight possibility that a person has a cervical spine injury, then it is very important to keep them as immobile as possible until they can be examined by a doctor and x-rays can be taken. One way to keep them immobile before being diagnosed is with a cervical collar, also called a neck brace. However, the person may also need to wear this collar if a doctor determines they are suffering from a cervical spine injury. Keeping the area immobile is part of the treatment process.
A cervical collar is the brace that is used for various types of neck injuries to stabilize the neck. It prevents further injury as well as helping to promote healing.
Cervical collars restrict the movement of a patient's neck after an injury, bone fracture or surgery. Emergency personnel often use cervical collars when transporting a patient from the scene of an accident to a hospital.
Cervical spondylosis---also known as cervical osteoarthritis and neck arthritis---is a chronic degenerative disorder that affects cartilage and bone tissue in the cervical vertebrae, better known as the neck. Cartilage and bone wear away and mineral deposits form between the vertebrae, causing pain and stiffness among other symptoms. Wearing a cervical collar---or, a neck brace---can ease these symptoms and may even resolve your cervical spondylosis altogether.
A cervical collar provides support for patients of spine and neck injuries. Whether your friend or relative suffers from whiplash, a spinal fracture, or simply a considerable amount of neck pain, a cervical collar can immobilize their neck to better spur the healing process. According to Spine Universe, cervical collars come in hard and soft (bending) varieties, in addition to temporary and permanent models.
Wearing a cervical (neck) collar or brace is difficult. When it is necessary to keep the head/neck in a neutral position, doctors usually prescribe the use of one, but don't always give helpful feedback on how to stay comfortable wearing one. Here's some easy tips on how to maximize your comfort and get some more sleep while wearing a cervical collar.
Your doctor is the best person to determine if you need a rigid cervical collar for the type of neck injury you have. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are different types of neck injuries that can heal with the use of a rigid cervical collar. Each individual's injury will require a medical evaluation, and it is not possible to give a "one-size fits all" recommendation for cervical collars.
A soft cervical collar helps to stabilize the cervical spine or neck when there has been a recent injury, pain or surgery. Some neurosurgeons and spine specialists avoid the implementation of a cervical collar in spine pain treatment and the use of a soft cervical collar is debated by specialists. Soft cervical collars should not be used for an extended period of time because immobilization can have adverse effects, such as muscle loss and stiffness.
Cervical collars were designed to assist in protecting the spinal column and cord from further injury. It is not designed to completely immobilize this region but provides support until further medical diagnosis and care can be obtained.
Most patients end up in a cervical collar because of neck injuries or surgery. Sleeping can be a challenge. Although the cervical collar keeps your neck positioned in the appropriate alignment, this isn't the position most people sleep in and you may have some trouble getting comfortable. The key to sleeping comfortably is adjusting the rest of your body so that it matches the alignment of your neck.
