Patient education: Neck fracture (The Basics)

What is a neck fracture? — 

A "fracture" is a broken bone. A neck fracture is when a person breaks 1 of the bones in the neck. The bones in the neck are called the "cervical vertebrae" (figure 1).

There are different types of neck fractures, depending on which bone breaks and how. Some are much more serious than others.

In a serious neck fracture, the spinal cord (the bundle of nerves that runs down the back) can also be damaged. This can lead to paralysis. This is when a person cannot move certain muscles or parts of their body.

Because a serious neck fracture can lead to paralysis, a person with a possible neck fracture should lie still and not move (or be moved) after an injury. They should wait for emergency workers, who can bring them safely to the hospital. If a person with a neck fracture moves (or is moved), it could make their neck fracture and spinal cord damage much worse.

What are the symptoms of a neck fracture? — 

Symptoms can include:

●Neck pain

●Neck muscle tightness or spasm

●Being unable to move the neck or turn the head

●Weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs

●Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

Is there a test for a neck fracture? — 

Yes. The doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. They will also order an imaging test, such as an X-ray or CT scan, which creates pictures of the inside of the body. If the doctor suspects that you could have spinal cord damage, they might also order another imaging test called an MRI.

How is a neck fracture treated? — 

Treatment depends on the type of neck fracture, how serious it is, and whether it also causes paralysis.

People with a severe neck fracture or paralysis are treated in the hospital. There, the doctor can monitor them and treat their medical problems. For example, some people might need a breathing tube to help with breathing or medicines to help reduce swelling in the spinal cord.

Treatment of a neck fracture might involve:

●Surgery – A severe neck fracture might be treated with surgery. The doctor will put the neck bones back in the correct position. They will attach or "fuse" the bones to each other with screws or other devices. This helps them stay in place.

●A "halo" device – If the fracture is serious but the neck bones have not moved out of place, you might not need surgery. Instead, you might get a device called a "halo." The device held in place with screws that go into the skull. It is attached with bars to a body brace or vest. It prevents the head and neck from moving while the fracture heals. Sometimes, both surgery and a halo device are needed to treat a fracture.

●A collar or brace – You might need to wear a special collar or brace. These hold the neck in place while it heals. They do not restrict movement as much as a halo device.

●Pain medicines – Doctors can prescribe a strong pain medicine if you have a lot of pain or a severe fracture. For mild fractures, doctors will usually recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain medicine. These include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

●Physical therapy – After your fracture heals, you might work with a physical therapist (exercise expert). They will teach you exercises to strengthen your neck muscles and help your neck move more easily.

How long does a neck fracture take to heal? — 

It usually takes months to heal, depending on the fracture.

Healing time also depends on the person. Healthy children usually heal much more quickly than older adults or adults with other medical problems.

If the spinal cord has been injured, this does not heal.

How can I improve the healing process? — 

Follow all of your doctor's instructions while your fracture is healing. Doctors usually also recommend that people with a fracture:

●Eat a healthy diet that includes enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein (figure 2).

●Stop smoking. A fracture can take longer to heal if you smoke.

When should I call my doctor or nurse? — 

After going home, your doctor or nurse will tell you when to call.

Go to the emergency department right away if you have trouble:

●Breathing

●Moving your arms or legs

●Controlling your bladder or bowels

Call your doctor or nurse for advice if you:

●Lose some feeling in your arms or legs

●Have problems with your neck brace, such as fluid draining from around the screws or sores where the brace presses on your skin

More on this topic

Patient education: Neck pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Fractures in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Paraplegia and quadriplegia (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical collars for children (The Basics)
Patient education: Calcium and vitamin D for bone health (The Basics)
Patient education: Advance directives (The Basics)

Patient education: Neck pain (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Calcium and vitamin D for bone health (Beyond the Basics)