Definition

A neck fracture is a break in one or more of the cervical bones (vertebrae in the neck). The vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine.

A neck fracture is very serious and can lead to paralysis or possibly death. A person with a neck injury should not be moved without competent medical care, which is needed immediately.

It is important to recognize the possibility of a neck fracture. Injuries severe enough to cause head injury or other trauma often also cause neck fracture.

Cervical Spine Fractures Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

A neck fracture is caused by severe trauma to the neck. Trauma includes:

• Falls, such as from a horse or bike
• Collisions, such as motorcycle or automobile
• Diving into shallow water
• Severe and sudden twist to the neck
• Severe blows to the head or neck area

Risk Factors    TOP

Risk factors for a neck fracture include:

• Being age 65 years or older
• Decreased muscle mass
• Osteoporosis
• Certain contact sports, such as football or soccer
• Violence
• Not wearing your seatbelt when driving in a car
• Head injury or other traumatic injury such as severe chest trauma, pelvis or femur fractures

Symptoms    TOP

Symptoms include:

• Pain, which may or may not be severe
• Swelling and bruising
• Tenderness
• Decreased feeling in the arms or legs
• Muscle weakness or paralysis of the arms or legs

Diagnosis    TOP

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The doctor will examine the injured area.

Tests may include:

• X-rays —tests that use radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones. It is used to look for a break in the bone or a dislocation of the vertebra.
• MRI scan —a test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to make pictures of structures inside the neck and back. An MRI provides cross-sectional images that allow the doctor to see if there is damage to the spinal cord.
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses computers to make pictures of structures inside the neck and back. It can be used to analyze bone injury and to see if the spinal cord is compressed by a collection of blood.

Treatment    TOP

Treatment depends on:

• The severity of the fracture
• If there is an associated dislocation or instability
• Which cervical bones are broken
• Whether there is spinal cord or nerve injury, with muscle weakness or paralysis

Treatment includes:

Prevention    TOP

To help prevent a neck fracture:

• Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the cervical bones.
• Always wear a seatbelt when driving in a car.
• Wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports or activities.
• Use proper tackling techniques in football. Do not spear with the helmet.
• Never dive in the shallow end of a pool.
• Never dive into water where you do not know the depth or what obstacles may be present.
• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
• Do weight-bearing exercises to build strong bones.
• Build strong muscles to prevent falls and to stay active and agile.