- Spine
- Cervical Stenosis
- Herniated Discs
- Myeloplathy
- Spondylolisthesis
- Cervical Fractures
- Neck Strains & Sprains
- Sports-Related Spine Injuries
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)
- Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF)
- Cervical Laminectomy & Fusion
- Kyphoplasty
- Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomy
- Laminectomy / Hemilaminectomy
- Posterior Spinal Fusion
- Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
- Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)
- Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
What Is a Cervical Fracture?
A cervical fracture refers to a break in one or more of the seven vertebrae in the neck (C1–C7). These injuries are often serious because the cervical spine protects the spinal cord and supports head movement. When a fracture occurs, the bone may become unstable and can compress or damage nearby nerves or the spinal cord.
Cervical fractures typically result from high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries, although lower-impact falls can also cause fractures, particularly in older adults. These injuries range from stable fractures to severe injuries involving spinal cord compression.
Symptoms of Cervical Fractures
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the fracture and whether nerves are affected. Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain or severe stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain radiating to shoulders or arms
- Numbness or tingling in arms or hands
- Muscle weakness
- Swelling or bruising in the neck
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- In severe cases, paralysis
Symptoms may develop immediately after trauma or worsen as swelling increases.
Common Causes
Cervical fractures are typically caused by trauma to the neck or head. Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls from height
- Sports injuries
- Diving accidents
- Direct impact to the head or neck
- High-energy collisions
- Sudden hyperflexion or hyperextension of the neck
These mechanisms can create excessive force that fractures the cervical vertebrae.
How Cervical Fractures Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a physical and neurological examination. Your specialist will evaluate pain, stability, and nerve function. Imaging studies may include:
- X-rays to identify fractures
- CT scan for detailed bone imaging
- MRI to evaluate spinal cord and nerve injury
- Additional neurological testing if needed
These tests help determine fracture severity and guide treatment decisions.
Cervical Fracture Treatment Options
Treatment depends on fracture stability, location, and neurological involvement.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Stable fractures may be treated conservatively with:
- Cervical collar or brace
- Activity restriction
- Pain management medication
- Physical therapy after healing
- Close imaging follow-up
These approaches allow the bone to heal while protecting the spinal cord.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be recommended for unstable fractures or neurological symptoms. Surgical options may include:
- Spinal stabilization
- Cervical fusion
- Decompression surgery
- Internal fixation with plates or screws
The goal of surgery is to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
Recovery After Cervical Fracture Treatment
Recovery varies depending on fracture severity and treatment type. Mild fractures may heal over several weeks with bracing. Surgical recovery may take several months and often includes rehabilitation to restore strength, mobility, and function.
Early treatment is important to prevent complications and support optimal recovery.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
You should seek immediate evaluation if you experience:
- Neck pain after trauma
- Limited neck movement
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Weakness after injury
- Balance problems
- Severe stiffness or swelling
Prompt evaluation is critical to protect spinal cord function.
Why Choose TMI Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery
TMI provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for cervical fractures, including advanced imaging, conservative care, and surgical stabilization when necessary. Our spine specialists focus on protecting neurological function and helping patients recover safely.
