“Do neck braces help with neck pain?”
I am a 34 year old male. I want to know if neck braces help with neck pain?
2 Answers
Hello,
The correct answer depends on what the reason for the neck pain is. If due to mild strain/sprain, then a period of relative rest until pain decreases followed up with good physiotherapy should do the job. May also help with mild arthritis for period of rest and then strengthening with therapy. So, it does assist in protecting and resting cervical spine. For a fracture, infection, tumor, it may give some temporary relief. So, yes, they can assist to relieve pain like any splint/brace, but how helpful depends on accurate reason for using the brace.
Good luck!
The correct answer depends on what the reason for the neck pain is. If due to mild strain/sprain, then a period of relative rest until pain decreases followed up with good physiotherapy should do the job. May also help with mild arthritis for period of rest and then strengthening with therapy. So, it does assist in protecting and resting cervical spine. For a fracture, infection, tumor, it may give some temporary relief. So, yes, they can assist to relieve pain like any splint/brace, but how helpful depends on accurate reason for using the brace.
Good luck!
They only work for acute episodes of pain, not chronic pain. For example, if you wake up with a "crick in your neck," then it's okay to use a brace for 2-3 days. Braces work by limiting motion. However, if you use it too long, the muscles in the neck will become dependent on the brace and they will weaken. For chronic neck pain, a traction device used for 30 minutes 2-3 times a day is more effective.
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
