Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Cervical Fracture

Expert Spine Surgeons in Orange County, CA

What is a Cervical Fracture?

Also known as a broken neck, cervical fracture refers to a break in one or more of the seven bones, or vertebrae, comprising your neck. The cervical vertebrae encase the spinal cord and connect your head to the rest of your body.

Causes of Cervical Fractures

Cervical fractures are usually the result of severe injury or trauma. Car crashes, diving headfirst into shallow water, and athletic injuries are just some examples of how cervical fractures occur. Because the cervical vertebrae encase the delicate spinal cord-that intricate network of nerves that serves as the command center for feeling and movement throughout your body-injury to the neck can be particularly serious. Damage to the spinal cord can result in long-term paralysis and death, depending on the severity of the injury.

Cervical Fracture Symptoms

Patients suffering from a cervical fracture will usually experience pain at the site of the injury and sometimes down into the shoulders and arms. There may be some bruising and swelling at the back of the neck. Depending on the severity of the injury, the patient may or may not be able to move his extremities.

Treatment for Cervical Fractures

Treatment will depend on the location and kind of fracture sustained. A minor compression fracture can be treated with a cervical brace worn for six to eight weeks until the bone heals. A more complex or extensive fracture may require traction, surgery and internal fixation, two to three months in a rigid cast, or a combination of these treatments.

Schedule a consultation with a Newport Orthopedic Institute orthopedic spine surgeon in Orange County to treat your cervical fracture.
Call (949) 722-7038.

Related Providers
*Please note that all physicians are listed in random order and search results are refreshed every hour to comply with Stark Law.
Related Testimonials
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "Dr. Charlu is a great doctor and always explains everything to you. He is very caring." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "Dr. Charlu helps me manage pain without taking pain medicine." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Cervical Discectomy "Dr. Gordon provides first class care!" Provider: Michael L Gordon MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Nice office, nice people, good Doctor and immediate support staff. I can tell Dr. Mudiyam treats his employees well and that everyone there loves what they do." Provider: Ram Mudiyam MD
  • Laminectomy / Foraminotomy "Everyone is extremely nice and helpful. All questions are answered with a smile and an explanation. My care was exceptional." Provider: Ram Mudiyam MD
  • Lumbar Decompression with Fusion (anterior) "Great and knowledgeable physician. Amazingly encouraging and will always recommend him!!" Provider: Richard S Lee MD
  • Lumbar Discectomy "I would like to thank Dr. Gordon and staff for caring about my pain level and comfort." Provider: Michael L Gordon MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Her empathy and understanding of my concerns." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "I think Dr. Safman is a very competent and caring doctor ( this is often times a rare combination). I also really like Naomi and Dr. Safman's assistant for the epidurals." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Lumbar Decompression w/Fusion (anterior) "Dr Lee and his team made me feel cared for and not just a number. All my questions and concerns have been addressed and answered and the follow up has been amazing. Thank you to everybody!" Provider: Richard S Lee MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Everyone was very friendly & encouraging" Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "On time and very caring and professional." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Patient Reviews are anonymous and provided through GetWell, a HIPAA compliant patient engagement tool.
Related Videos
Related Blogs
Related Locations