Neck injuries

Neck injuries can be minor or very serious, especially when there is damage to the spinal cord. Common neck injuries include burners, whiplash, and fractures.

A burner (or stinger) is an injury of one or more nerves between the neck and shoulder. This injury often happens while playing a sports activity, like football. It may occur when the shoulder is pushed down while the head is forced to the opposite side or the head is moved quickly to one side or the collarbone is hit directly. Burners usually last a few minutes, but may take several days or weeks to heal. Burners cause a burning or stinging feeling between the neck and shoulder and possibly in the arm. The arm or shoulder may feel numb, weak, and tingly. Burners occur in only one arm at a time. If both arms or shoulders are injured, it can mean a more serious injury. The injured person must lie down and wait for medical care without moving or turning the head.

Burners get better on their own. Physical therapy may be needed to stretch and strengthen the muscles. When a burner goes away completely, activity can be resumed. This may be within a few minutes time after the injury occurred. Do not return to activity until all the symptoms are gone.

Common causes of more serious neck injuries include:

• car crashes
• bicycle, motorcycle, and all-terrain vehicle crashes
• a direct blow to the face, neck, head, or back (usually from playing sports)
• diving into shallow water
• roller coasters and other amusement park rides and
• shootings and stabbings

Sudden jerking of the head back and forth causes whiplash, an injury of the soft tissues of the neck. It is usually a neck strain or sprain in which the ligaments that connect the spine are stretched or torn. Pain may start right after the injury or may take a few hours or days to develop. Other symptoms may include neck stiffness, headache, dizziness, or unusual sensations, such as burning or a pins-and-needles feeling. Sometimes there may be shoulder and back pain. Some people may have trouble sleeping, memory loss, trouble concentrating, irritability, fatigue, or depression. These symptoms can last for several months.

Medical care for whiplash may require wearing a soft neck collar on an intermittent basis for a short period of time. Pain medications, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and cervical traction are other treatments that may be needed. The symptoms of whiplash are usually better in 3 months. Neck pain and headaches can continue for some time.

The most serious of neck injuries is a fracture of a bone or bones in the neck. A fracture of the neck means that a bone (vertebra) of the neck is broken. A fracture can cause the body to be paralyzed from the neck down if the broken bone injures the spinal cord. A high-energy force or impact (like a motor vehicle crash, fall, or sports activity) can break bones in the neck. Examples of sports activities that can cause a broken neck include a football player who spears an opponent with his head, a gymnast who misses the high bar during a release and hits the mat head first, and a diver who hits the bottom of a pool head on. A fractured bone in the neck can cause severe pain, numbness and tingling, or complete paralysis. The injured person may also be unconscious.

Treatment of a fractured neck depends on the injury. A compression fracture, with the bones pushed into each other, can sometimes be treated with a cervical collar for 6 to 8 weeks. A more serious fracture may need traction, surgery, or a rigid frame to keep the neck from moving.

If a neck injury is known or suspected from circumstances, do not move the person unless there is an immediate threat to their life. Call 911 immediately for emergency help. If moving becomes absolutely necessary to save the person, support the head and neck so it is in a straight line with the body and move the entire body, including the head and neck, as a single unit.

Anyone with a neck injury, even one that seems very minor, needs to remain lying down or, if standing, lie down carefully. Never remove a helmet from anyone wearing a helmet who may have a possible neck injury. The head, shoulders, and neck must not be turned. Movement may mean more injury to the spinal cord, which could be the difference between a minor injury, paralysis, or death.

There are many ways to lower your risk of having a neck injury. Always wear your seat belt when riding in a car. Never dive into a shallow pool or unknown lake, river, or other body of water. Always wear the right protective equipment when playing a sport. Follow the safety rules for sports and recreational activities. Avoid motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Do not drink when driving, swimming, or diving.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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