About the condition

What is a fractured or dislocated neck?

Within the cervical spine (neck) are a range of structures, including bones (vertebrae), joints, discs, ligaments, nerves and muscle. These act to support and stabilise the spine. Fractures or dislocations of the neck, however minor, require urgent medical attention to avoid severe or permanent injury. They can occur independent of or concurrently to each other.

Adislocationwithin the cervical spine is a result of an abnormal separation of vertebrae, causing instability and possible injury to the spinal cord.

Causes

What are the causes?

Usually, a broken or dislocated neck is caused by a high impact or traumatic incident. Age and bone health can be a contributing factor which may increase the risk of occurrence. The sudden twisting, bending or snapping movement immediately after the trigger (e.g., moment of collision in a motor vehicle accident) is what results in damage to the cervical spine structures, and can have a secondary impact in surrounding spinal areas. Stress fractures (repeated/constant stress on the neck) are rare, but can also occur.

Common causes of a fractured or dislocated neck include:

Typically, males aged between 15 and 24 years of age are at the highest risk of fractures or dislocation.

Trauma– e.g., motor vehicle accidents.
Falls– usually from a significant height, or even a seated position.
High Impact Activities– e.g., contact sports, violent activity
Spinal conditions– e.g., osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, etc.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Neck pain – can be severe Referred pain which radiates down hands, neck, back, arms or legs
Referred pain which radiates down hands, neck, back, arms or legs
Stiffness/tenderness in the neck and back of head
Muscle spasms
Difficulty with breathing and/or swallowing
Reduced reflexes, control and range of movement Severe cases: partial or complete paralysis (temporary or permanent)
Severe cases: partial or complete paralysis (temporary or permanent)
Inflammation/swelling/bruising in the affected area
Dizziness and/or headaches
Nerve pain (tingling sensations)
Varying levels of consciousness after possible break/dislocation

Treatment

Treatment for a broken or dislocated neck

If you have fractured or dislocated your neck, it is vital that you seek emergency attention to determine the extent of your injury. Most people can recover from a break or dislocation; however, this is dependent on timely medical diagnosis and the severity of the injury. It is likely that you will require CT, X-ray or MRI scans.

Physical therapy is highly beneficial in reducing pain and other symptoms, after a clearance from your GP. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use neck support (braces), or a suitable pillow.

Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
Stretching exercises
Restoring range of movement
Postural improvement
Shockwave Therapy
Dry needling
Taping
A unique home exercise program
Graded Exposure to load program

Fractured or Dislocated Neck Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What is a fractured or dislocated neck?

What are the causes?

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for a broken or dislocated neck

Treating Fractured or Dislocated Neck in Sinnamon Park

Get it assessed properly