Neck (Cervical Spine) Fracture

A complete or incomplete break in a bone in the neck (cervical spine). Injuries to this region of the spine are frequently a combination of sprain, dislocation and fracture. The most serious can injure the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or death.

Body Parts Involved

• Bones in the neck (cervical spine).
• Joints in the cervical spine.
• Spinal cord (sometimes).
• Soft tissue surrounding the fracture site, including muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and connective tissue.

Causes

Direct blow or indirect stress to the neck. Indirect stress may be caused by twisting.

Signs & Symptoms

• Severe pain in the neck at the fracture site.
• Swelling of soft tissue around the fracture.
• Tenderness to touch.
• Numbness below the fracture site (sometimes).

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These
instruction are supplemental.

First Aid

• Keep the person warm with blankets to the possibility of shock.
• Don't move the injured area. Don't try to remove a helmet or other headgear.
• Use a stretcher or spine board with sandbags or a cervical collar to immobilize the neck while transporting the injured person to an emergency
  facility. Do this only if you are trained in emergency medical assistance or if no help is available.
• The doctor will apply traction to manipulate the broken bones slowly back to their original action lines up and holds the broken neck bones as close to their normal position as possible. Manipulation should be done as soon as possible after injury. Six or more hours after the fracture, bleeding and loss of body fluids may lead to shock. Also, many tissues lose their elasticity and become difficult to return to a normal position.
• Immobilization will be necessary. The best method must be determined by your doctor based on your age, sex and the possibility of spinal-cord injury.

Continuing Care

Treatment after manipulation and healing:

• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Narcotic or synthetic narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
• Special corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, to reduce swelling and
  minimize spinal-cord damage.
• Stool softeners to prevent constipation due to inactivity.
• Acetaminophen for mild pain.
• Antibiotics to fight infection if skin is broken or surgery is needed.

Home Diet

• Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to treat the fracture. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting while under anesthesia more hazardous.
• During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the skull and neck.

Prevention Tips

• Build your strength with a good conditional program before beginning regular athletic practice or competition. Increased muscle mass provides additional protection to your bones.
• Use a "spotter" (helper) when attempting difficult moves in gymnastics or similar activities.
• Use appropriate protective equipment, such as padded collars and shoulder pads, when competing in contact sports.
• Ensure an adequate calcium intake (1000mg to 1500mg a day) with milk and milk product calcium supplements.