A cervical collar is a plastic neck brace that is used to secure the cervical Vertebra in the normal position. The term normal anatomical position is used to describe the position of the head, neck and spine in the manner in which they appear with a human body lying supine with palms facing upward. With the head, neck and spine aligned in such a manner, the potential for injuries to these organs is decreased.
It is especially important to protect the cervical Vertebra as death or paralysis can occur as a result from any injury to those vertebra.