5 Things You Need to Know About a Broken Neck

1. Damage Can Involve Bones and the Spinal Cord

The top seven vertebrae of the spine make up the bones in the neck. Breaking or dislocating one of these bones results in a broken neck, but not necessarily paralysis or death. When damage occurs to the spinal cord due to the break, and the damage involves the nervous system, you can suffer long-lasting effects. Quadriplegia is paralysis of the arms, legs and trunk, and it can result in an inability to breathe on your own or to control bodily functions. Spinal shock happens when you sever your spinal cord, causing an interruption of the nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels. This often leads to sudden death due to the immediate, severe drop in blood pressure.

2. Offer Support for a Broken Neck

If you suspect that someone has a broken neck, don't move him. Call for emergency medical help and keep the victim still until that help arrives. If the victim is unconscious, find a pulse and check his breathing. When you need to perform CPR, keep the neck stationary by lifting the jaw to open an airway. If you need to turn the victim to prevent choking on vomit or blood, have someone help you if possible. One person holds the head stationary, while the other person positions herself at the victim's side. Both work together to slowly and carefully roll the victim onto his side without moving the neck.

3. Falls and Other Trauma

Falls are a common cause of broken necks. Landing on your head and compressing the vertebrae in your neck can break the bones and damage the spinal cord that these bones protect. Trauma from a car accident, being hit extremely hard in the head or neck or diving into shallow water can cause a broken neck.

4. Broken Necks Aren't Always Obvious

Some people can break their necks and not even know it. If you notice tenderness or swelling in the neck or weakness in your arms or legs, ask your health care provider to examine your neck. If you find it difficult to breathe or experience a loss of feeling in your arms and legs, get checked right away to prevent further damage to your spinal cord in case you do have a broken neck.

5. Risky Business

There are some factors that increase your chances of breaking your neck. These can relate to your age, activities or habits. Your risk of falling increases as you age, and your bone density can decrease, leading to easier breaks. Playing contact sports, such as soccer or football, can cause a neck injury or break, and forgetting to put on your seat belt when you drive increases your risk of a broken neck if you are in a collision.