Ranging from a minor sprain to a severe fracture, any type of injury can affect a person's ability to function normally. During such conditions, using aids can help a person to relieve the pain and make them feel comfortable.
For instance, a person can use a neck collar to alleviate pain if they have a sprain in their neck. Similarly, a bed-ridden person might use a pressure relieving cushion to reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
However, if not used properly, these aids which should relieve your pain can actually aggravate it. So, it is necessary to understand what things to keep in mind to use these aids properly.
Things to Consider while Using a Pressure Relieving Cushion
Position the Body Properly
It is important to adopt a correct posture when sitting down. This reduces the pressure on the person's posterior.
The reason for this is when you place the pressure cushion on the top of an armchair, sofa or on any other sitting surface, its dimensions change. The increase in height may leave the person with their feet dangling in the air.
This, in turn, may increase the weight on the individual's seat, increasing pressure rather than reducing it. This leads to a greater risk of developing pressure ulcers. With this in mind, it is vital that the person's feet have proper support above floor level.
Choose a Suitable Chair
It is good to provide an appropriate pressure relieving cushion for people spending long periods of time sitting down. It is, however, equally important to ensure that the chair itself is suitable.
What if you choose a chair that is too wide to give postural support or let them reposition freely? In such a situation, a person will have no choice but to make extra efforts to reach armrests or get postural support. This may increase friction and they might start feeling uncomfortable.
So, it is important to make sure that while choosing a pressure relief cushion, you pick the right chair as well.
Things to Consider while Using a Neck Collar
Based on the hardness of the material there are two types:
Soft Collar
Hard Collar
A Soft Collar fits around the neck and jaw of the person. This type of collar does not completely immobilise the neck but restricts its movement. Additionally, they are a kinesthetic reminder for the person to reduce neck movement. Since it supports the chin, it minimises muscle contraction against gravity forces to keep the head in a normal position. To get relief from neck pain or discomfort, a soft cervical collar can be helpful.
On the other hand, hard collars contain firm materials like plexiglass. They restrict movement in flexion and extension. They not only support the chin but also the occiput. If a person needs greater stability and support, hard cervical collars can be useful. They generally are the best for a person with a severe neck injury like a fracture or accidental trauma.
It is crucial that you seek the advice of a medical professional with first hand knowledge of your condition before using a cervical neck collar.
Conclusion
A pressure relief cushion or a neck collar can provide comfort and help reduce pain. Understanding your specific requirements is a foremost consideration when choosing an appropriate aid. Proper research before buying a pressure-relieving cushion or collar can be helpful and they can be an adjunct to a person's treatment.
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