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Neck Fracture Discharge Instructions


About this topic


A neck fracture is a break in one or more of the cervical bones in your neck. The cervical bones are the bones that make up part of the spine. They also help to protect the spinal cord. When the spine is badly damaged, it may lead to life-threatening health problems. Neck fracture are most often caused by car crashes, sport injuries, falls, diving accidents, direct hit or blow to the neck, or a sudden twist of the head or neck. There are many ways to treat a broken neck. Your doctor with pick the best one for you. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Your doctor may tell you to wear a neck splint, spinal brace, or neck collar. Keep this in place. Take it off only when the doctor tell you to.
  • Get lots of rest. Use a pillow that will support your neck when you lie down.
  • Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Do this 2 to 3 times a day.
  • Try not to look down or bend your head from side to side. When you need to look at someone or something behind you, turn your whole body.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan to make sure that your bone is healed all the way.
  • If you are wearing a neck splint, spinal brace, or neck collar, ask your doctor when it will be removed.
  • Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Relax your muscles
  • Prevent or fight an infection
  • Prevent blood clots

Will physical activity be limited?


  • You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your pain gets better. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
  • Ask your doctor when you may drive or return to work.

What problems could happen?


  • Long-term neck pain
  • Spinal cord and nerve injury
  • Short-term or long-term paralysis
  • Bone heals in the wrong position
  • Harm to the nerves and blood vessels
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Skin breakdown or scarring

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Be careful with sports like football, soccer, rugby, skateboarding, or other activities that may put you at risk of neck injury.
  • Wear proper padding and safety gear when playing sports or activities.
  • Always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car.
  • Wear helmets when riding motorcycles or bicycles.
  • Do not dive head first into water unless it is an approved area and a lifeguard is present.
  • Practice good posture and proper ways to lift or exercise.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, mouth sores, or wounds that will not heal.
  • Neck pain or swelling get worse
  • Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in your arms, hands, or legs
  • Trouble breathing
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my fracture.
  • I can tell you how to care for my injured area.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing or have numbness or tingling in my arms or legs.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚  
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00414 ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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