Despite the fact that most births end without complications, sometimes, however, there are some problems. Damage to the cervical spine in newborns is a fairly frequent pathology. With such birth trauma, the neonatologist usually appoints wearing the collar of Shantz for newborns.
Shantz's collar is a soft bandage that fixes the cervical spine. It limits the bending and rotation of this part of the body, thereby unloading the cervical spine and creating conditions for restoring its normal functioning. "Tire" or bandage around the neck for newborns, also called the collar of Shantz, normalizes muscle tone and improves blood circulation of the head and neck, which contributes to a quick recovery.
Indications for the use of the collar of Shantz
Wearing an orthopedic collar for newborns is prescribed only by a doctor. To a healthy child, such a collar is contraindicated, because it facilitates the loading of muscles, and this can lead to their atrophy.
The collar is shown in the following cases:
- neurological symptoms due to craniocerebral trauma;
- syndrome of CNS depression;
- hyperexcitability;
- a syndrome of impellent frustration;
- adjusting torticollis;
- short neck syndrome.
The pathology of the cervical vertebrae can lead to a disruption of the blood supply to the brain, which leads to a disruption in the development of the central nervous system. The first signs of a circulatory disturbance are a weak muscle tone and restless sleep. Therefore, the collar of Shantz not only eliminates the pathology of the cervical vertebra, but also prevents the violation of blood circulation.
How to choose the size of the collar?
Shanza's collar for newborns should be properly sized, because babies at birth differ in weight and, therefore, in length of the neck. A short bandage will be lost, and a long one will not provide a therapeutic effect. It is better to buy a collar of Shants for newborns in a special orthopedic store. In order to determine the size, it is necessary to measure the length of the neck from the angle of the lower jaw to the middle of the clavicle. The height of the collar for newborns ranges from 3.5 cm to 4.5 cm.
How to properly wear a collar?
If possible, it is better that the collar is worn by the doctor, but if there is no such option, the following rules will help you to cope with this procedure on your own.
- The collar is dressed so that the chin is placed in a special notch of the upper edge;
- the front collar is fastened with velcro;
- Between the collar and the neck of the child, your finger should pass freely.
How much to wear a trench collar to a newborn?
The term of wearing the collar is determined by the doctor. Usually it is put on the child immediately after birth for 1 month, but each individual case is treated separately. One child needs to wear a collar constantly, taking off only during bathing, while others take several minutes a day. The doctor may prescribe to wear
It is wrong to think that the baby who was prescribed wearing a collar will hold his head later than his peers. The collar should not cause crying or discomfort in the child. Correctly put on, it has a warming effect and limits painful movements. The collar is absolutely not harmful for the baby, and its wearing should not cause inconvenience to the child.
It should also be noted that the newborn requires special care and hygiene rules, so you need to carefully ensure that under the collar the baby's skin is always clean and dry, which is especially important in the hot season.