No parent wants to buy a neck brace for their child, but for certain injuries, this is a necessary part of treatment. Some of the most common neck injuries that often require a pediatric cervical collar among kids include:
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Neck Strain
Strains to the muscles of the neck are by far the most common source of kids’ neck pain. Its symptoms, including pain at the back of the neck and limited range of motion, might stem from a sports injury or simply sleeping in a funny position.
In most cases, kids’ neck muscle pain relief can be achieved by following simple, at-home steps such as applying heat to the sore region and taking a break from stressful activities. For children having trouble sleeping at night, you might consider putting a rolled towel under their neck or having them wear a soft neck brace for sleeping that limits movement.
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Whiplash
Extensive measures may be needed for more serious neck strains, such as whiplash.
Whiplash refers to a forceful back and forth movement of the neck, often due to a rear-end automobile accident. Sports injury (especially in contact sports), physical abuse, or other trauma can also cause whiplash.
This motion can damage your child’s bones, discs, ligaments, muscles, nerves, or other tissues of the neck. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a whiplash injury.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Headache
- Tingling or numbness
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Problems concentrating
- Irritability
- Ringing in the ears
Treatment for whiplash will vary on a case-by-case basis, but for many kids, it will involve rest, ice and heat therapy, and eventually stretching and movement exercises to return range of motion to their neck.
In many cases, a doctor will recommend your child wear a soft cervical brace to support their neck. Doing so can immobilize their spine in a neutral position, easing pain and inflammation.
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Torticollis
Torticollis is a rare condition that causes your baby’s neck muscles to contract, pulling their chin toward their shoulder.
If your baby has torticollis, a pediatrician might teach you neck stretching exercises to practice at home. Stretches help loosen your infant’s tight neck muscles and strengthen the weaker ones on the opposite side to straighten out their neck.
Some doctors also suggest having your baby wear a pediatric cervical collar or taking your baby to physical therapy to correct their head tilt.
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After Surgery to the Cervical Spine
Another scenario where youth might need a therapeutic collar for children is after surgery to the cervical spine. In some instances, a more elaborate neck brace for kids may be needed, while in other cases this simple, soft cervical collar for a child will suffice.
How Long Does My Child Need to Wear a Neck Brace?
Kids should only wear any child-size neck brace for a few hours at a time during the first week after injury. Long-term reliance on a child or baby neck collar can leave muscles weak, which can hinder their recovery.
A doctor might also recommend wearing a soft, foam neck support for a child at night, especially if your little one is having trouble sleeping. A cervical neck collar for sleeping can limit movement during the night, reducing pain and giving your child a better night of sleep.
In most cases, a children’s neck belt for pain should only be worn for around a week, but full recovery from whiplash often takes months. Be patient and follow a doctor’s instructions to avoid complications and help your child heal as quickly as possible.
4 Advantages of This Kids Neck Brace
This children’s foam neck brace features a simple construction that holds your child’s head in a neutral position, stabilizing their neck and allowing pain and inflammation to subside. Following is a detailed list that highlights some of the best features of this brace.
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Soft and Lightweight
This lightweight pediatric cervical collar is constructed of one-inch thick, medium-density foam that immobilizes and supports your child’s spine but is not so stiff that it is uncomfortable. A cotton stockinette material covers the cervical collar for youth. The breathable, skin-friendly material gives your baby comfort during continuous use, helping keep their neck cool and non-irritated. It does not contain any latex, making this soft cervical collar safe for kids with allergies.
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Ergonomic Design
An ergonomic and padded design contours to the natural shape of kids’ necks and chins, helping them maintain proper posture and stabilizing their head and neck during recovery. It can also be used in conjunction with the Kid’s Posture Corrector.
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Neck Brace Fits Infants, Babies, Toddlers, and Youth
This small cervical collar belt comes in three different sizes fitting various neck heights and circumferences. As a result, the same product that works as a baby cervical collar can also act as a toddler neck brace, a youth neck brace, or even a neck collar for adolescents and teens.
When selecting a size, pay especially close attention to the neck collar height measurement. While the circumference of the infant-sized neck brace can be adjusted quite a bit thanks to its hook and loop fastener, the height of the collar is set.
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Wear Day or Night
Neck pain can be quite unpleasant, especially discomfort that worsens while your child sleeps. As a parent, you have probably noticed your baby’s pain is worse in the morning. Sleeping in cervical collars corrects forward neck posture, helping kids sleep better and improving their neck health, especially if they have suffered a neck strain or are recovering from surgery.
