Fractured or Dislocated Neck Treatment

A fractured or dislocated neck can be a mild to severe spinal cord injury, resulting in severe pain and other serious symptoms.

At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we specialise in fractured or dislocated neck treatment to:

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.

  • A fracture or breaking of the cervical vertebrae may damage the spinal cord and can have serious consequences – this part of the spine connects the central nervous system in the brain to the rest of the body.
  • A dislocation within the cervical spine is a result of an abnormal separation of vertebrae, causing instability and possible injury to the spinal cord.
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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:

  • 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.

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

What are the symptoms?

  • Neck pain – can be severe
    • 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)
  • Inflammation/swelling/bruising in the affected area
  • Dizziness and/or headaches
  • Nerve pain (tingling sensations)
  • Varying levels of consciousness after possible break/dislocation
Neck Pain
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:

  • 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

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.

How to book an appointment?

If you have fractured or dislocated your neck, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy, a ‘physiotherapist near me’, can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.

Due to the nature of this kind of injury it is necessary to have clearance from your specialist or GP prior to commencing physiotherapy.

After you have clearance, all you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.

You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.

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Need Help?

Are you in pain caused by a fractured or dislocated neck? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment.

Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.

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Sinnamon Park Village

3/58 Oldfield Road, Sinnamon Park Qld 4073

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