Acute Nerve Root Pain

What Is a Broken Neck?

A broken neck refers to a fracture or dislocation of one or more of the seven cervical vertebrae in the spine. While a neck fracture does not always involve damage to the spinal cord, this can only be confirmed through medical assessment. A broken neck is a serious and potentially life-threatening injury that requires immediate medical attention. If a neck fracture is suspected, the person should not be moved unless by trained professionals. Once stabilized, physiotherapy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process, helping restore movement, strength, and function.

Above: Soft tissue massage and gentle mobilisations

What Causes a Broken Neck?

A neck fracture is normally caused by severe trauma to the neck. Examples include:

  • 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

What are the symptoms of a broken neck?

  • pain
  • reduced range of movement
  • weakness
  • tingling / pins and needles
  • headaches

Above: Soft tissue massage and stretches applied to the muscles and connective tissues of the neck

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Broken Neck?

If you believe you may have fractured your neck, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency department. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs will likely be performed to determine the extent and nature of the injury. Prompt assessment is essential to prevent further complications and ensure safe, effective treatment.

What Shouldn’t I Do If I Have a Broken Neck?

Do not ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical care, as this can lead to serious complications, including spinal cord damage. If someone else is suspected to have a broken neck, do not move them under any circumstances. Movement may worsen the injury. Instead, call emergency services immediately (dial 999) and wait for trained professionals to assist. A broken neck requires careful handling and expert medical treatment.

Medical Treatment for a Broken Neck

Once a neck fracture is confirmed, the medical team will determine the most suitable treatment based on the severity and location of the break. In many cases, surgery is required to stabilize the spine. This may involve fusing the broken vertebrae to adjacent healthy bones or replacing the damaged vertebrae with a bone graft. In some situations, traction devices may be used to gently realign the cervical spine during healing. Neck surgeries are often complex, and recovery can take weeks to months, involving ongoing medical supervision and rehabilitation.

Above: Mobilisations of the cervical vertebrea to relieve pain and stiffness

Physiotherapy treatment following a broken neck.

Once the neck fracture has healed and you’ve been cleared by your medical team, it’s important to begin physiotherapy to aid full recovery and restore function. Physiotherapy focuses on gradually rebuilding strength, improving mobility, and preventing long-term stiffness or weakness. A tailored rehabilitation program may include:

  • Electrotherapy
  • Exercise Programmes
  • Massage
  • Fracture Treatment
  • Range of movement exercises
  • Post Surgical Rehabilitation

Does a Broken Neck Have Any Long-Term Effects?

A broken neck is a severe injury and often involves an extended period of medical care and rehabilitation. While the recovery process can be lengthy, many individuals achieve good outcomes with the help of a structured physiotherapy program. With proper treatment, long-term complications such as chronic pain, stiffness, or limited mobility can often be minimized or avoided. However, the extent of recovery largely depends on the severity of the fracture and whether the spinal cord was involved.

Above: Experienced Physiotherapist conducting an assessment of the cervical spine, muscles and connective tissues in the neck

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.

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