A broken neck is a severe and potentially life-threatening injury that needs immediate medical attention. It often requires long-term care as well. The term itself sounds distressing, but thankfully, modern advancements have greatly improved treatments and recovery.
Knowing what a broken neck involves, including its causes and treatments, is critical for anyone who has experienced this kind of injury. Learn more about broken neck injuries in this guide.
What Is a Broken Neck?
A “broken neck” refers to a fracture in one or more of the seven vertebrae that make up the upper portion of the spine. These bones protect the spinal cord, which carries nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. A break in the cervical spine can range from a minor fracture to a serious, life-threatening injury that damages the spinal cord.
There are actually several types of neck fractures. They include:
- Odontoid: A break in the second vertebra (C2) that’s common in falls and car accidents
- Hangman: A fracture of the C2 vertebra caused by forceful hyperextension of the neck
- Compression: An injury that happens when excessive force compresses the vertebrae and is often seen in diving accidents or falls
- Burst: A severe fracture that causes the vertebra to shatter, which could also damage the spinal cord
- Jefferson: A break in the first cervical vertebra (C1) that usually happens when a strong, direct impact or force lands straight down onto the head
Some neck fractures are relatively stable and can heal with minimal intervention. However, others can be serious enough that they lead to paralysis or even death.
What Can Cause a Broken Neck?
A broken neck can happen in a wide variety of situations that lead to high-impact accidents. Here are some common ways you can experience this injury.
Car Crashes
Vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of neck fractures. The high speeds and forces can violently whip the neck forward or backward, which often leads to whiplash but can also cause the vertebrae to break. In busy areas like Las Vegas Boulevard or I-15, such accidents are unfortunately frequent.
Slips and Falls
Tripping might not sound like a big deal, but falls lead to a surprising number of injuries in the Las Vegas area. They’re particularly common in crowded hotels, casinos, and construction zones. Slip and fall accidents can cause direct impacts to the head or neck and lead to cervical fractures. Older adults are especially vulnerable to these types of injuries.
Sports and Recreation
Playing contact sports, diving into shallow water, and engaging in high-risk activities like ziplining or extreme sports can lead to severe neck injuries. Though they’re pretty popular, these hobbies bring an inherent risk when safety precautions are ignored.
Work Injuries
Las Vegas has an active construction industry, and falls, equipment malfunctions, and falling objects can all end with someone getting a broken neck. Workers who don’t have the right safety equipment are at a higher risk.
Pedestrian Accidents
With the high volume of foot traffic in the city, pedestrian accidents are increasingly common. Collisions between people on foot and motor vehicles often cause catastrophic injuries, including broken necks.
What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Neck?
The exact symptoms of a neck fracture will depend on how severe the break is and whether the spinal cord has been affected.
Some common symptoms include:
- Severe neck pain
- Swelling or bruising around the neck
- Limited range of motion
- Inability to move the neck
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Paralysis (in severe cases)
If you were just in an accident and suspect a neck injury, do not move unless there’s an immediate danger. It can worsen the injury and increase the chances of damaging the spinal cord. Call 911 immediately and wait for first responders.
How Do You Treat a Broken Neck?
Though exact treatment will vary based on the circumstances of your accident, immediate medical attention is needed when a neck injury happens. A doctor will assess the severity of the break and create a treatment plan to prevent further damage, particularly to the spinal cord.
In the emergency room, doctors will stabilize your neck with a cervical collar and use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to evaluate the damage. If they suspect that the spinal cord has been harmed, you may need immediate surgery.
For more stable fractures, non-surgical options can involve a number of treatments. You may have to wear a neck brace or collar for a while to keep the neck still while it heals. Medications can be used to manage pain and inflammation, and rehab and physical therapy can help restore strength and mobility.
Severe fractures, especially those that compromise spinal stability, frequently require surgery. Doctors may use a spinal fusion to hold the vertebrae together with screws and rods, and decompression surgery can relieve pressure on the spinal cord by removing fractured bone fragments.
Recovering From a Broken Neck Injury
Recovery from a broken neck is a slow and often challenging process. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for the bones to heal, and some patients face long-term disabilities.
Any given person’s prognosis depends on how badly they were hurt, the exact location of the fracture, and whether the spinal cord was involved. Many people regain full function and can eventually go about their lives as normal. However, others end up needing care for the rest of their lives.
When To Hire Legal Help After a Neck Injury
Even a minor neck fracture can majorly disrupt your daily life. Hefty medical bills, lost time from work, and costs from the ongoing rehab all add up quickly. When you account for the physical and emotional challenges, too, it creates a lot of stress during an already difficult time.
That difficulty is only compounded in cases where the accident that led to your broken neck was caused by someone carelessly or intentionally trying to hurt you. The good news is that you have legal options in those situations. Nevada law lets victims file a personal injury lawsuit to get compensation for damages and costs related to their injury.
While every case is unique, compensation tends to cover hospital costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Other expenses may be included, too. An attorney will be able to help you figure out the true value of your case, and they’ll fight to make sure you get the payment you’re entitled to.
Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer If You Suffered a Broken Neck in an Accident
If you or a loved one suffered a broken neck in an accident in Las Vegas, don’t wait to ask for help. Contact De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers today at (702) 222-9999 to schedule a free consultation. Our team will help you understand your rights and options and give you the support you need to get through this challenging situation.
