A<unk> , also known as a neck brace, is a medical device used to support a person's neck. It is also applied by emergency personnel to those who have had traumatic head or neck injuries, and can be used to treat chronic medical conditions. Whenever people have a traumatic head or neck injury, they may have a<unk>  fracture. This makes them at high risk for spinal cord injury, which could be exacerbated by movement of the person and could lead to paralysis or death. A common scenario for this injury would be a person suspected of having whiplash because of a car accident. In order to prevent further injury, such people may have a collar placed by medical professionals until X-rays can be taken to determine if a<unk>  spine fracture exists. The<unk>  only stabilizes the top seven vertebrae, C1 through C7. (Other immobilizing devices such as a Kendrick Extrication Device or a backboard can be used to stabilize the remainder of the spinal column.) The routine use of a<unk>  by a first aid provider is not recommended.<unk> s are also used therapeutically to help realign the spinal cord and relieve pain, although they are usually not worn for long periods of time. Another use of the<unk>  is for strains, sprains, or whiplash. If pain is persistent, the collar might be required to remain attached to help in the healing process. A person may also need a<unk> , or may require a halo fixation device to support the neck during recovery after surgery such as<unk>  spinal fusion.
Cervical collar
Bone collar
Casal collar
Spinal board
Spinal manipulation
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Spinal decompression
Occipital nerve block