Cervical Fracture
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
A cervical fracture is a break in a vertebra (bone) in your neck. The 7 cervical vertebrae are called C1 through C7. Cervical vertebrae support your head and allow your neck to bend and twist. The vertebrae enclose and protect the spinal cord. Nerves in the spinal cord control your ability to move.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone else call if:
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, or have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
- You cannot feel or move your arms or legs.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have a sudden, severe headache with nausea and vomiting.
- You are seeing double or suddenly cannot see.
- You cannot stay awake.
- The pins in your halo brace have loosened or look deeper in the skin than before.
- You feel new weakness or numbness in your hands or fingers.
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
Call your doctor or neurologist if:
- You have a fever.
- You see a skin rash, redness, or sores under your brace.
- You have problems swallowing while you are wearing your halo brace.
- Your neck pain is not getting better even with treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your cervical fracture, medicine, or care.
Medicines:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Skin and brace care:
Skin breakdown can lead to deep wounds caused by pressure or pulling on your skin. Check your chin, ears, back of your head, and shoulders for redness or sores if you are wearing a brace. Check the skin daily around halo brace pins for signs of infection, such as redness or bad-smelling drainage. Change your vest lining if it gets wet. Ask your healthcare provider how to care for your halo pins and vest. Ask your provider for more information about using a halo brace, semirigid collar, or soft collar.
Therapy
may be recommended. A physical therapist and an occupational therapist may exercise your arms, legs, and hands. They may also teach you new ways to do things around the house. A speech therapist may work with you to help you talk or swallow.
Follow up with your doctor or neurologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
