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 helps me manage pain without taking pain medicine." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • 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
  • 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
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Amazing and very professional. Explained everything that was happening as well as made me feel comfortable." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "They were friendly, efficient and caring. The whole practice is better than I've ever experienced" Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Cervical Discectomy "From surgery date to post surgery, the contact , concerns, and follow up has been excellent." Provider: Richard S Lee MD
  • Laminectomy / Foraminotomy "I felt complete confidence in Dr. Mudiyam, therefore I believe it made going into the surgery easier with no anxiety!" Provider: Ram Mudiyam MD
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "Dr. Safman was quick, efficient and kept me talking to distract me. The procedure was done before I knew it." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "Dr. Safman is caring and takes the time to learn something about the patient beyond just the medical problem being handled." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "My appointment was on time, the office staff and Dr. Charlu were all very careful to make my visit go smoothly. I was on my way very quickly and I have been quite comfortable since the epidural. My thanks to Dr. Charlu and his whole staff." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "I really like Dr. Safman's and Naomi's interest in making me feel comfortable before the procedure. She is quick and efficient and it was time for me to leave before I knew it! It was so pleasant and almost painless!" Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Patient Reviews are anonymous and provided through GetWell, a HIPAA compliant patient engagement tool.
Related Videos
Related Blogs
Related Locations