How is a cervical fracture treated?
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. ...
- Immobilization is used to keep your head and neck from moving as your cervical fracture heals. ...
- Surgery may be needed to repair the fracture. ...
- Therapy may be recommended. ...
What are the symptoms of a cracked vertebrae?
- weakness in your arms or legs
- numbness in your arms or legs
- pain that travels down your arms or legs (radiculopathy)
- difficultly walking or moving
- bowel/bladder problems
- paralysis (in rare instances)
What causes cervical neck problems?
You can get cervical spondylosis at any age if:
- your job involves repetitive neck movements or a lot of overhead work – like painting and decorating
- you have previously had a neck injury
- you have a family history of the condition
What is a C4 fracture?
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury corresponding to C4 vertebrae include:
- Loss of diaphragm function
- Potential requirement of a ventilator for breathing
- Limited range of motion
- Paralysis in arms, hands, torso, and legs
- Trouble controlling bladder and bowel function
What is a stable fracture of the spine?
- Osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones that can occur in postmenopausal women and older men
- Injuries
- Tumors
How long does it take for a fractured cervical vertebrae to heal?
Traction allows for very little movement. You'll have to wear rigid braces or a halo vest to steady your spine. During this time, you won't be able to drive or do other activities. This treatment can take up to 12 weeks, while your fracture heals.
How serious is a cervical fracture?
Also known as a broken neck or a cervical fracture, it is a break in one or more of the bones found in the cervical (neck) portion of the spine. A fractured vertebra in the neck is a very serious condition which can result in paralysis and even death.
Can you recover from a cervical fracture?
How long does it take to recover? A simple break that doesn't affect your spinal cord can be treated with a neck brace worn for six to eight weeks until the bone heals. More complicated breaks can require surgery and other treatments such as a stiff neck brace for up to three months.
What is the prognosis of a cervical spine fracture?
Damage to the spinal cord is very serious and can result in paralysis or death. Injury to the spinal cord at the level of the cervical spine can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis of the entire body from the neck down.
What cervical fracture causes paralysis?
C7 spinal cord injury and other injuries to the lower cervical vertebrae/nerves can result in paralysis and other health complications. The C6 and C7 cervical vertebrae (and the C8 spinal nerve) form the lowest levels of the cervical spine and directly impact the arm and hand muscles.
What happens if you fracture your cervical vertebrae?
Breaks can occur in the body of the vertebrae, or to one of the processes. When a fracture occurs it can also damage your spinal cord and might result in paralysis (loss of feeling and movement) below the level of the injury, reduced muscle power (weakness), altered sensations and muscle tone.
What are the signs and symptoms of a cervical spine fracture?
What are the signs and symptoms of a cervical fracture?Pain, tenderness, swelling, or muscle spasms in your neck.Not being able to turn or twist your neck freely.Trouble swallowing or breathing.Loss of feeling or pinprick pain in your arms or legs.Numbness, pain, or tingling at the base of your head.More items...
What are the long term effects of a broken neck?
Slip and Falls: What Are the Long Term Effects of a Broken Neck? A fall that causes trauma to the neck and spine can result in permanent nerve damage which can not be surgically repaired. A broken neck and severe spinal cord injuries may result in paralysis.
Can a broken neck cause brain damage?
Brain injuries Many people who have had severe trauma to their neck and back may also have injuries to their brain. These can range from a mild concussion to more severe injuries.
Can you survive a C1 and C2 fracture?
Injuries to the C1 and C2 vertebrae are rare, accounting for only 2% of spinal injuries each year. However, they are also considered to be the worst spinal cord injury that it is possible to sustain, and often fatal.
Why are cervical injuries life threatening?
Injuries to the nerves and tissue relating to the cervical region are the most severe of all spinal cord injuries because the higher up in the spine an injury occurs, the more damage that is caused to the central nervous system.
Can injuries to the cervical spine cause death?
[28] also observed that injuries of the cervical spine causes death at the accident site more often than other multiple injuries with cardiovascular instability.
What Is A Cervical Fracture?
A cervical fracture is a break in 1 or more of the 7 cervical vertebrae (bones) in your neck. The 7 cervical vertebrae are called C1 through C7. Ce...
What Causes A Cervical Fracture?
A cervical fracture is usually caused by sudden, forceful impact. The following are the most common causes: 1. Motor vehicle accidents 2. Falls 3....
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of A Cervical Fracture?
1. Pain, tenderness, swelling, or muscle spasms in your neck 2. Problems moving your neck 3. Trouble swallowing 4. Loss of feeling or pinprick pain...
What Are Common Types of Cervical Fractures?
1. Odontoid fracture: The odontoid is a part of your C2 vertebrae, also called the axis. When the odontoid breaks, you cannot turn and twist your n...
How Is A Cervical Fracture Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask how your injury occurred. He will ask about your signs and symptoms and feel for painful areas on your neck. Your...
How Is A Cervical Fracture Treated?
1. Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain. 1. Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medi...
What Are The Risks of A Cervical Fracture?
1. Wearing a neck brace may lead to skin rashes, sores, and infections. You may have problems swallowing while wearing a halo brace. Halo brace pin...
When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider?
1. You have a fever. 2. You see a skin rash, redness, or sores under your brace. 3. You have problems swallowing while you are wearing your halo br...
When Should I Seek Immediate Care Or Call 911?
1. You have a sudden, severe headache with nausea and vomiting. 2. You are seeing double or cannot see out of 1 eye. 3. You cannot stay awake. 4. T...
What is a cervical fracture?
A cervical fracture is a break in a vertebra (bone) in your neck. The 7 cervical vertebrae are called C1 through C7. Cervical vertebrae support your head and allow your neck to bend and twist. The vertebrae enclose and protect the spinal cord. Nerves in the spinal cord control your ability to move.
What to do if you have a fractured arm?
You may also have surgery after immobilization if your fracture has not healed. Therapy may be recommended. A physical therapist and an occupational therapist may exercise your arms, legs, and hands. They may also teach you new ways to do things around the house.
What tests are needed to check for neck pain?
Your provider will check for problems with your muscles, reflexes, and sense of touch. You may also need any of the following tests: X-rays may be used to check for broken bones or other neck problems. A CT scan or MRI may show pressure on or damage to your spinal cord.
Can a semi rigid collar be removed?
It will not be removed while you are getting treatment. A semirigid collar uses plastic plates to stop side-to-side or up-and-down motion in your neck. A soft collar is a flexible brace placed around the neck. It is often used after a more rigid collar. Surgery may be needed to repair the fracture.
What is a cervical fracture?
Cervical fractures and dislocations are typically classified according to their region/location and injury/fracture pattern. Because of the unique anatomy of the spine in the region close to the head, cervical injuries are categorized as occipital-cervical (occiput-C2) and subaxial cervical spine (C3-C7) injuries.
When should cervical spine fractures be suspected?
Cervical spine fractures and dislocations should always be suspected when a patient has been involved in a trauma or accident, especially those patients with neck pain. The diagnosis can be complicated when the symptoms or physical findings are atypical.
What is cervical dislocation?
A cervical dislocation means that a ligament injury in the neck has occurred, and two (or more) of the adjoining spine bones have become abnormally separated from each other, causing instability. Patients can have a cervical fracture or dislocation, or both. Fractures and dislocations of the cervical spine are not uncommon, ...
What are the physical findings of cervical fractures?
The physical findings for patients with cervical fractures are variable. Patients will typically demonstrate profound tenderness and spasm, with significantly decreased neck range-of motion. There is often visible swelling and ecchymosis (bruising) over the fracture site in the back of the neck. If the fracture/dislocation is severe, there will be a visible and palpable “step-off”, meaning the bones are not lined up properly which can be seen and felt by the examiner . If the spinal nerves are severely compressed, there may be significant weakness and numbness in the arms and/or legs. Patients will have complete loss of strength and sensation in the setting of a complete spinal cord injury. Deep tendon reflexes may be diminished or absent. Pulses and vascularity of the arms and legs should be normal.
What is the best test for cervical spine fracture?
A CT scan is the best test to verify that a fracture is or is not present. If no fracture is identified, but a patient has neck pain and was involved in large trauma or accident, flexion/extension x-rays are often obtained to verify that there if no evidence of ligamentous instability. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test is useful to evaluate the severity of nerve compression or spinal cord injury, but is less accurate at detecting a fracture than a CT scan. A MRI test should generally always be obtained before performing a reduction procedure (closed or operative) in neurologically intact patients with a cervical fracture/dislocation.
Which part of the spine is most susceptible to injury?
The majority of fractures and dislocations of the spinal column occur in the cervical spine because it is the most mobile portion of the spinal column, and understandably, the most vulnerable to injury. Although the lumbar (low back) region is most commonly injured during daily laborious, low-energy activities, ...
What age do you get a spinal cord injury?
The majority of spinal column and spinal cord injuries occur in males between the ages of 15 and 24 years old.
How do you know if you have a fractured cervical spine?
Everybody with a cervical spine fracture will experience slightly different symptoms, depending on the part of the vertebrae which is broken, where the break has occurred, and any other related injuries, for example to surrounding muscles or ligaments. Common symptoms include: pain at the fracture site – on movement and when pressure is applied.
Why does my neck hurt after a spinal fracture?
Following a spinal fracture you can develop stiffness and pain in your neck as a result of decreased normal movement. You may experience some muscle spasm in the surrounding tissues which can also contribute to this pain. Some people may suffer from some muscle weakness or numbness / tingling if they have any damage to the nerves.
What happens when you break your vertebrae?
When a fracture occurs it can also damage your spinal cord and might result in paralysis (loss of feeling and movement) below the level of the injury, reduced muscle power (weakness), altered sensations and muscle tone.
What is a break in the spine called?
This surrounds and protects your spinal cord. A break in one of these bones in the upper part of the column is called a cervical or neck fracture.
What happens after a fracture in the neck?
Following a fracture, some people develop pain and stiffness in their neck. During your admission to Hospital you will be provided with advice and an exercise sheet. You should complete the exercises daily to help restore full range of movement.
What to do if you have neck pain?
If you have difficulty in achieving full range of movement in your neck, you have pain which does not settle or if you find it difficult to return to full work duties or hobbies, you may need a referral to outpatient physiotherapy. This can be done via fracture clinic or your GP.
How to tell if you have a fractured neck?
Common symptoms include: pain at the fracture site – on movement and when pressure is applied. reduced range of movement in the neck and surrounding areas . reduced muscle power in the neck muscles. reduced mobility. reduced balance.
What is the risk of cervical injury?
Patients with cervical injuries are particularly at risk of cardiorespiratory compromise. High cervical injuries (C1 to C5) are especially prone to deterioration, which can lead to respiratory depression and carbon dioxide retention as a result of diaphragmatic function insufficiency.
What is a C spine injury?
Cervical spine (C-spine) trauma constitutes a variety of injuries ranging from relatively mild ligamentous and muscular strains to fractures and dislocations of the bony vertebrae, which can result in significant spinal cord injuries (SCIs). C-spine injuries account for half of all spinal injuries, with approximately 500-600 people enduring acute ...
How to treat a cervical fracture?
A primary goal of treating a cervical fracture is to stabilize the head and neck. This is usually done through immobilization, which means wearing a cervical collar or neck brace, or using another form of traction.
What is the treatment for a minor neck fracture?
A minor compression fracture often can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication and a cervical collar or brace to immobilize the neck until the break heals. A hangman's fracture—a break in the second vertebrae down from the skull (the C2)—is likely to require traction and surgery may be necessary for very severe neck fractures.
What is a neck fracture?
Treatment for a neck fracture —also called a cervical fracture or broken neck—depends on the severity of the injury, which cervical vertebrae (bones in the neck that protect the spinal cord) are injured, and if the spinal cord is involved. A minor compression fracture often can be treated with over-the-counter ...
What is the goal of neck surgery?
The overall goals of surgery for a neck fracture are to preserve or improve neurologic function, provide spinal stability, and decrease pain. This is usually done by fusing the bone together.
How long does it take for a fractured neck to heal?
Even a fracture that is successfully treated with surgery may take weeks or months to heal completely, and physical therapy and rehab may be necessary for a person to gain full function. That said, most neck fractures can be successfully treated with no lasting repercussions.
What is a cervical collar?
Cervical collar: Cervical collars can be soft or semi-rigid. Soft collars are typically made of foam or rubber and allow for limited movement of the neck. A semi-rigid collar often has plastic plates on the sides to prevent side-to-side or up-and-down movement of the head.
How long does it take for a skull fracture to heal?
Halo vests are worn at all times until a fracture is fully healed, which can take up to 12 weeks.
What are the procedures to repair vertebrae?
Surgery. A lot of damage to your neck, spine, and the vertebrae may need surgery. Surgical procedures can: Reconnect pieces of bone and hold them in place. Repair vertebrae on your spine. Relieve pressure on your spinal cord. Remove damaged vertebrae discs. Some surgeries may include using plates, screws, or wires.
How to prevent spinal cord injury?
To prevent a spinal cord injury, we'll need to first: Keep you still (immobile) Stabilize your body. If the fracture has caused shock or obstructed your airway, we'll need to give you fluids or a breath ing tube. We're on the scene: You'll start getting treated right away by our experienced emergency team.
How many bones are in the neck at UVA?
Whether there is temporary or permanent spinal cord or nerve injury. At UVA, you'll get fast, expert care in our Level 1 Trauma Center. Your neck, made up of 7 cervical bones, forms part of your spine. These bones protect your spinal cord. They hold your neck and head and make it possible for you to move.
What is the number to call for a neck fracture?
Call 434.924.2663. Schedule Online. A neck fracture can happen from a fall, a car wreck, or violence. If you're older or have weak bones from disease, even a sudden, hard twist can break your neck. However it happens, this kind of trauma is serious and scary. A neck fracture can paralyze you or even lead to death.
How long does it take for a traction fracture to heal?
During this time, you won't be able to drive or do other activities. This treatment can take up to 12 weeks, while your fracture heals.
Can a fractured neck cause death?
A neck fracture can paralyze you or even lead to death. If you fracture your neck, you'll feel extreme pain, swelling, and a loss of feeling in your arms and legs. You shouldn't be moved, and you should go to the hospital right away.
Is a fracture in the neck scary?
A fracture in your neck is scary and serious. You want to get care from the best. At UVA, you'll find specialists committed to finding the least risky and painful method possible. You can trust their experience and compassion.
What is the best treatment for nerve pain?
Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications help relieve vertebral injury and nerve pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tricyclic antidepressants, and muscle relaxants are examples of pain-relieving medications used for these injuries. Opioid pain medications may be prescribed for short durations in order to avoid ...
How to treat C1-C2 pain?
The treatment of pain that stems from C1-C2 in the upper neck is usually nonsurgical. In rare cases when 3 months of treatments have not reduced the pain, or if a spinal instability threatens the spinal cord or a nerve root, surgery may be indicated. 1 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography ...
What is C1 C2 traction?
Traction of C1-C2 may help decrease compression of the C2 nerve. Traction of cervical vertebrae is a commonly recommended procedure for both adults and children. The results are often limited to short term pain relief. Traction can either be applied manually or by spinal traction devices. 4.
Where is C1 C2 surgery performed?
Fusion of the C1-C2 vertebrae. This surgery is usually performed at the back of the cervical spine. The fractured vertebrae are fixed together with wires, plates, and screws. This surgery provides a high level of stability to the damaged vertebrae.
Does C1-C2 help with compression?
Traction refers to stretching and/or realigning the spine to relieve direct nerve pressure and stress on the vertebral levels. Traction of C1-C2 may help decrease compression of the C2 nerve.
What causes cervical vertebrae injury?
What Causes Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries? The most common causes of cervical vertebrae injury and spinal cord damage include a spinal fracture from diving accidents and sports, as well as medical complications.
Which vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine?
The C3, C4, & C5 vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine. C3 - C5 cervical vertebrae injuries tend to be severe because the central nervous system is more damaged.
What is the C5 vertebra?
The C5 spinal vertebra is the fifth vertebra from the top of the column. The C5 vertebra is significant for determining the severity of neck and spinal injury. If the injury is at or above the C5 vertebra, the person may be unable to breathe since the spinal cord nerves located between the third and fifth cervical vertebrae control respiration.
How many vertebrae are there in the cervical spine?
There are seven vertebral levels in total in this region, known as C1-C7. These vertebrae protect the spinal cord running through the cervical region of the spine, as well as provide support for the neck and head. The C3, C4, & C5 vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine.
What is the most severe spinal cord injury?
A cervical vertebrae injury is the most severe of all spinal cord injuries because the higher up in the spine an injury occurs, the more damage that is caused to the central nervous system. Depending on the severity of the damage to the spinal cord, the injury may be noted as complete or incomplete.
How long does it take to breathe with a C4 vertebrae?
Patients with C4 spinal cord injuries typically need 24 hour-a-day support to breathe and maintain oxygen levels. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury corresponding to C4 vertebrae include: Loss of diaphragm function. Potential requirement of a ventilator for breathing. Limited range of motion.
Where is the C4 vertebra located?
The C4 vertebra is located in the neck region of the spinal column, just above the thoracic vertebrae.
