If the damage to the neck is a minor break then with a neck brace and the proper treatment the healing period can be up to eight weeks long. But if there is a more serious injury, such as a neck fracture then it could take up to three months to recover, and surgery may be required.
Surgery May Be Necessary
As previously stated, a neck brace and proper rest will suffice for most minor neck breaks.
For more serious breaks, You may be hospitalized for a time during the initial recovery period. You might also temporarily require a breathing tube depending on the severity of your injury.
Cervical traction can also assist in your recovery. This involves wearing head braces and a harness that will re-align your spine over a period of time. Additional tools such as wires, rods, and screws are also commonly used in the alignment process. Traction is also sometimes used as a prep for the surgery itself.
If you have a neck fracture or damage to your nerves, you may have to undergo cervical spinal fusion surgery. This surgery’s primary purpose is to stabilize your neck and prevent permanent damage by joining two or more of your spinal vertebrae. The recovery process from this surgery is 4 to 6 weeks, but it may take months to resume all of your previous activities.
The diagnosis itself will usually involve a neuro exam, x-ray, MRI, or CAT scan to determine if the injury is a minor break, strain, or fracture.
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What Steps Can I Take During the Recovery Process?
Proper rest and sleep will be one of the primary things necessary to recover from your injury, but there are a few therapeutic activities you can engage in to help speed the process along.
- Light walking daily will increase your body’s blood flow and decrease muscle soreness if you’ve undergone surgery.
- Take time off of work as necessary.
- Avoid lifting heavy things that would put a strain on your back or neck.
- Avoid more intense physical activity or sports until you’ve properly recovered.
- Do not drive until recommended by your doctor. Avoid long car trips for 2 to 4 weeks as well.
- Drink lots of fluids. Avoid constipation and bowel straining if possible. Integrating additional fiber into your diet or supplements may help
- Take medication only as instructed by your doctor, including any pain medicines you are prescribed.
- If you had surgery, follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the healing process of your incision.
- Attend physical therapy as instructed by your doctor.
- If you have a physiotherapist, follow any exercise instructions given by them for your physical health.
Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing symptoms such as pain that does not go away, an opening of your incision, possible blood clotting, or any potential signs of infection in the performed area such as pus or swelling.
Short and Long-Term Effects of a Broken Neck
Naturally, a broken neck will make head movement difficult or impossible, but if there is damage to the nerves in your spinal cord, you may feel the effects in other areas of your body, such as:
- Struggling to balance
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain
- Difficulty moving body parts such as the arms and legs
- Tingling in hands and feet
Nerve damage can also result in long-term effects like paralysis. And in the worst cases, even death.
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What Can Cause a Broken Neck?
Any sort of intense trauma can be the cause of a broken neck. Though some cases could be considered more common, such as:
- Car Accidents
- Bicycle Accident
- Slip and Fall
- Accidents During Athletic or Sports Activities
A broken neck could also be an eventual occurrence caused by a hairline fracture or “stress fracture.” A bone injury can slowly appear from stress due to overuse of a muscle from constant or repetitive action in that area over a long period of time.
Certain body parts are more prone to hairline fractures, such as the feet. Still, a neck fracture can also occur this way, particularly in older individuals or those with osteoporosis. Additionally, pain, bruising, and swelling are some of the symptoms associated with a hairline fracture.
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Can You Fully Recover From a Broken Neck?
It will depend on the injury itself. With the proper treatment, people with a minor neck break can see a full recovery in up to eight weeks depending on how long it takes for the bone to heal. A more severe fracture may require surgery and take up to three months to heal, but a full recovery is still possible.
Unfortunately, you may never fully recover from a spinal cord injury. The bone will heal over time, but the damage done to the nerves can be permanent. There is currently no treatment for spinal cord damage, and you could end up with life-long aftereffects.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Is Ready to Help You Today
If you or a loved one have suffered a broken neck due to the actions or negligence of another, you may be owed compensation. The team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is ready to help you seek justice as you recover from this potentially life-altering injury.
You do not have to go through this ordeal alone. We can help you navigate the legal system and make sure you make the most informed choices possible. Call us today or fill out our online form for your free consultation.
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