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Neck collars for cervical pain: when they help and when they do not
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- Soft foam cervical collar. Best for: Short-term support after a neck sprain, if your clinician suggests it. See options on Amazon
- Low, firm pillow. Best for: Sleeping with neck pain. See options on Amazon
- Microwavable neck heat wrap. Best for: Stiff, tight neck muscles. See options on Amazon
- Spare pads for a rigid cervical collar. Best for: People already fitted with a hard collar. See options on Amazon
Soft collars and rigid collars are different devices
| Soft foam collar | Rigid (hard) collar | |
|---|---|---|
| Made of | Foam in a fabric cover | Moulded plastic with removable pads |
| Used for | Short-term comfort, for example after a neck sprain, if a clinician suggests it | Spinal fractures and some neck operations |
| Who decides | You and your clinician | Your hospital team, who measure and fit it |
| Wearing time | Brief | Often day and night for weeks |
AAOS OrthoInfo says a soft collar may be used after a neck sprain or strain to support the head and ease strain on healing ligaments. Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals explains that rigid collars keep the neck aligned and limit movement while bones and ligaments mend, most often after a spinal fracture.
Why a collar is not advised for most neck pain
The NHS self-care advice for neck pain lists not wearing a neck collar, and keeping the neck moving unless a doctor says otherwise. It notes most neck pain only lasts a few weeks. What it suggests instead:
- Paracetamol, or ibuprofen tablets or gel.
- Heat or cold packs.
- Gentle neck exercises.
- A low, firm pillow, with the head level with the body.
- Avoiding activities that would be unsafe without full neck movement, such as driving or cycling.
For pain that runs down the arm from a pinched nerve, see our page on the soft cervical collar for radiculopathy, where the evidence is different.
If you have been fitted with a rigid collar
- Wear it as told. Doncaster and Bassetlaw advises wearing it day and night unless your team says otherwise. James Paget University Hospitals says this is usually about 12 weeks, though it varies.
- Skin and pads. Pressure points are the chin, collarbones, earlobes and back of the head. Doncaster and Bassetlaw says the collar should not be worn without its pads, that wet pads should be changed, and that you will be given spares.
- Removing it. Doncaster and Bassetlaw says two people should help and you should not take it off alone.
- No creams under it. James Paget advises no creams, powders, lotions or oils under the collar.
- Sleeping. Doncaster and Bassetlaw allows one single pillow under the neck. James Paget advises against sleeping on your stomach and suggests rolling onto your side to get out of bed.
- No driving while wearing a collar.
If a clinician suggests a soft collar
Ask how many hours a day and for how many days to wear it, and whether to use it at night. Choose the height so your chin rests lightly without the head tipping back or forward, and size it by neck circumference using the maker's chart. AAOS OrthoInfo suggests ice for 15 to 30 minutes at a time, several times a day for the first 2 or 3 days after a neck sprain, then moist heat for up to 20 minutes, and says most symptoms settle in about 4 to 6 weeks.
What to look for when you buy
Soft foam cervical collar
Best for: Short-term support after a neck sprain, if your clinician suggests it
AAOS OrthoInfo says a soft collar may support the head and ease strain on healing ligaments after a neck sprain.
Watch out: The NHS advises against collars for general neck pain; use one only briefly and as advised.
See options on AmazonLow, firm pillow
Best for: Sleeping with neck pain
The NHS suggests a low, firm pillow and keeping the head level with the body for neck pain.
Watch out: The NHS also advises not sleeping on your front.
See options on AmazonMicrowavable neck heat wrap
Best for: Stiff, tight neck muscles
The NHS lists heat packs for neck pain, and OrthoInfo suggests moist heat for up to 20 minutes at a time after a sprain.
Watch out: Limit each session to 20 minutes, as OrthoInfo advises.
See options on AmazonSpare pads for a rigid cervical collar
Best for: People already fitted with a hard collar
Doncaster and Bassetlaw says you will be given spare pads and that the collar should not be worn without them.
Watch out: Buy only pads made for your exact collar model; ask your orthotics team.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Should I wear a neck collar for neck pain?
- Usually not. The NHS advises against wearing one for neck pain and suggests keeping the neck moving unless a doctor says otherwise.
- What is the difference between a soft and a hard cervical collar?
- A soft collar is foam and used briefly for comfort. A hard collar is moulded plastic, fitted by a hospital team after a fracture or surgery, and worn as instructed.
- Can I sleep in a cervical collar?
- With a rigid collar, usually yes: hospital leaflets advise wearing it at night. With a soft collar, ask the clinician who suggested it.
- Can wearing a soft collar weaken your neck?
- AAOS OrthoInfo says long-term use of a soft collar can weaken the neck muscles, which is why it should only be worn for a short time.
- How long does a neck sprain take to settle?
- AAOS OrthoInfo says most symptoms resolve in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Sources
- Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve) (orthoinfo.org), AAOS OrthoInfo
- Neck pain (nhs.uk), NHS
- Neck Sprains and Strains (orthoinfo.org), AAOS OrthoInfo
- Cervical collars (dbth.nhs.uk), Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Information on wearing a neck collar: a guide to cervical hard collar care (www.jpaget.nhs.uk/media/ygbh2535/information-on-wearing-a-neck-collar-a-guide-to-cervical-hard-collar-care.pdf), James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust