What is a neck injury?
A neck injury is any injury or trauma involving the neck. The neck consists of the cervical spine and spinal cord, nerves, intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, in addition to the windpipe (trachea), esophagus, and blood vessels. Any of the neck tissues and organs can be affected by trauma. Because it is a relatively exposed and unprotected area of the body, the neck is particularly vulnerable to potentially serious injuries caused by blunt trauma, compression injury, and sudden extreme movement of the head due to hyperextension (severe bending back of the neck) and hyperflexion (severe bending forward of the neck).
Anyone can experience a neck injury, from infants to the elderly. Neck injury is very common. In fact, neck sprains and strains are the most frequently reported injuries in insurance claims in the United States (Source: IIHS).
Neck injuries may cause a variety of conditions, from minor neck discomfort to paralysis or death due to cervical vertebrae fracture (broken bone or bones in the neck) and injury to the spinal cord, which carries nerve impulses between the brain and the body. Injuries to the neck are often associated with head injuries and commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents, sports-associated trauma, falls from significant heights, diving into shallow water, physical fights, and other types of trauma.
Common types of neck injury are neck sprains and strains (sometimes called whiplash). There are seven spinal column bones in the neck, called the cervical vertebrae, that are connected by ligaments. In a neck sprain, the ligaments are torn or stretched by a sudden and strong movement of the head. In a neck strain, the muscles of the neck are pulled or torn. Neck strains and sprains often heal on their own with rest, anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed, and massage or physical therapy. In some cases, a soft neck brace may be recommended for a short period of time.
Cervical fractures are caused by high-energy trauma, such as an injury incurred during a vigorous sport, a high-speed motor vehicle collision, or a fall from a significant height. Cervical fracture requires more comprehensive treatment, including traction and surgery.
Neck injuries can be serious and lead to serious or life-threatening complications, such as paralysis. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have been involved in an accident that can cause neck injury. In addition to neck pain, other serious symptoms that can occur with neck injury include a change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out,paralysis of any part of your body, profuse or uncontrollable bleeding, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
