Home » Injuries & Treatments » Neck / Cervical Injuries

Even a minor neck injury can influence a person’s ability to function. Sprains or strains can make moving the head difficult or impossible. Commonly referred to as a “stiff” neck, the discomfort from a minor neck injury can be intense. These generally resolve with time and some over-the-counter pain medication. Severe injuries to the neck from a trauma, such as a fall or car accident, can shatter the victim’s way of life, or end that life.

The neck involves the upper portion of the spine, the airway, nerves, muscles and blood vessels^[1] and works in concert with the head and back. Because of this close proximity, an injury to the neck is often only one injury among many that are sustained by a single event. No matter how minor it may seem, a cervical injury is painful and stressful for the victim and a cause for concern.

What is the difference between neck injuries and spinal cord or brain injuries?

People often think of the spine as a single body part. In reality, the spine is an assembly consisting of distinctly different components, and injuries to each of these parts are often diagnosed and treated differently. The spine consists of:

• Spinal column (backbone) – the network of bones (also called vertebrae) that protect the spinal cord and provide the main structural support for the body. Vertebrae are categorized by area: neck (cervical) upper back (thoracic), lower back (lumbar), and the spine below the pelvis (sacral) ^[1]
• Spinal cord – the long, thin bundle of nerves that starts at the brain and ends at the lower back. Nerves branch from the spinal cord to other parts of the body. The brain is positioned at the top of the spinal column, and is not considered part of the spine.

The cervical spine consists of just seven vertebrae, but provides major support for a network of nerves, muscles and connective tissue as well as protecting the spinal cord and supporting the brain. Because of the nature of the spine, a single blow to one area can cause injury to other areas. For example, a trauma to the head can affect the brain, spinal cord and/or the cervical vertebrae, and the damage can extend to other parts of the spine, as well.

What causes cervical injuries?

Cervical injuries are very commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents. The most common neck injury in car accidents is whiplash.^[3] Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck caused by a rapid backward and forward (or side to side) motion, generally as a result of a crash. All drivers should be aware of the potential danger airbags pose to the neck ^[4], including elderly drivers in the Palm Bay, Titusville, Melbourne and other areas. Cervical injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents can be made more severe depending on air bag deployment. Drivers across Florida, including Brevard County, are encouraged to adjust headrests to decrease risk of neck injuries. ^[4] Neck injuries may also be caused by violent acts, such as battery or strangulation. ^[5]

What are the effects of a neck injury?

Minor neck injuries can involve a strain of neck muscles, causing chronic pain. ^[3] More severe injuries may impact the nervous system, spinal cord, vertebrae and/or airway. Symptoms of neck injury include: ^[1]

• Limited motion in the neck
• Breathing difficulties
• Bladder and bowel changes or incontinence
• Weakness, pain and numbness in upper extremities
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nerve problems
• Tinnitus
• Loss of balance
• Paralysis

Cervical injuries sustained through strangulation carry a much poorer prognosis. ^[5]

How is a neck injury diagnosed?

A physician should determine cervical injury, and will generally perform the following exams: ^[1]

• Palpation of the neck (including range of motion tests) and observation of the patient’s behavior and posture
• Neurologic testing
• X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) to look for signs of physical trauma such as fractures or anomalies which may indicate compressed blood vessels and/or nerves
   

How we can help

Couture Law, P.A. works with a number of leading neck and cervical treatment providers in Brevard County, and can provide referrals to those who are best able to answer your questions.

Couture Law, P.A. represents neck injury victims in Brevard County and its major cities, including Melbourne, Titusville, Palm Bay and surrounding cities and towns.
 

• Neck Strain, WebMD, WebMD.com
• National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC.gov
• Neck Pain, WebMD, WebMD.com
• Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, FLHMSV.gov
• Hanging Injuries and Strangulation, Dr. William Ernoehazy, Jr., Medscape EMedicine