Ruff
Valeria Dahm is a freelance writer in the medical department. She studied medicine at the Technical University of Munich. It is particularly important to her to give the curious reader an insight into the exciting subject area of medicine and at the same time to maintain the content.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.A neck brace, also called a cervical brace or neck tie, restricts the mobility of the cervical spine (immobilization). The cervical spine is supported and relieved. Neck ruffs are always well padded and adjusted to the length of the neck so that there are no pressure points or the neck is too narrow. Read all about the cervical collar, how it works, and the risks it poses.
What is a ruff?
The neck brace is a medical orthosis and is also called a cervical brace or neck tie. It consists of a dimensionally stable, washable foam that can be stabilized by a plastic core. Neck ruffs are selected to match the size of the patient and fastened with the help of Velcro fasteners.
When do you use a ruff?
Depending on the reason for the use (indication), the plastic from which the cervical collar is made is more or less flexible and can be reinforced with additional splints. Neck braces are used in both orthopedics and emergency medicine for the following diseases or injuries:
- Immobilization for fractures of the upper cervical vertebrae
- Stabilization after operations
- Stabilization and pain relief in the event of irritation or damage to the nerve roots
- Pain relief and relief for cervical spine syndrome (cervical syndrome) - non-specific back or arm pain that originates in the cervical spine (cervical spine)
- Whiplash
What do you do with a ruff?
The ruff is put on with the greatest care, especially in emergency medicine during rescue operations. Because if the cervical spine breaks, the vertebrae must not move against each other. Otherwise there is a risk of paralysis if the spinal cord is squeezed. This particularly stable ruff - also known as a stifneck - should be handled by two people if possible. One person stabilizes the head, while the other determines the size of the ruff and applies it from the belly to the back. The ruff is fixed with the help of Velcro fasteners.
You can also put on soft cervical collars for stabilization and pain relief yourself. Your doctor will show you how to use the neck brace and what to look out for.
What are the risks of a ruff?
Used correctly, the cervical brace protects and stabilizes the cervical spine. In the event of an accident, however, it can impede adequate ventilation (intubation) and, if used improperly, displace broken vertebral bodies against each other.
Medical studies in the field of pain medicine also show that the cervical collar can relieve pain, but should only be worn for as short as possible. A neck brace is in no way a substitute for muscle-strengthening physiotherapy. If put on incorrectly, excessive pressure can cause sore skin and pain, and it can restrict swallowing and breathing.
What do I have to consider with a ruff?
Let your doctor show you how to properly put the neck brace on. It shouldn't hurt or squeeze when you wear it. Your doctor will tell you when and for how long to wear the neck brace, and if you should take it off at night. Accompanying physiotherapy is usually useful and is also used after wearing the neck brace, so that weakened muscles are strengthened and mobility is restored.
