10 Different Signs of a Broken Neck

The neck consists of seven bones called the cervical vertebrae. When one or more of these vertebrae break, this is known as a broken neck. These vertebrae help protect the spinal cord and nerves, which can result in paralysis or even death when damaged. If you suspect you have a broken, sprained, or fractured neck, you should seek medical help immediately.

Some trauma often causes a broken neck in the area, such as an automobile crash or a sports accident. The likelihood of breaking your neck increases as you age. The best way to heal from a broken neck is to avoid injury to the neck in the first place. However, if we are already past that step, keep reading to determine if your neck is broken or sore.

It is important to note that the most surefire way to determine a broken is to seek a medical professional. They have the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to form a reliable diagnosis. They will ask questions about your medical history and likely conduct an x-ray to diagnose your concern.

If you are attempting to determine whether your neck pain is from a broken neck or if it is simply whiplashed from falling too hard, here are a couple of signs of a broken neck that can help you make the distinction.

Sign #1: Neck pain

Unsurprisingly, pain is the most common sign of a broken neck. This symptom can be the result of a pinched nerve in the neck. Pain in the neck can be felt over the neck, shoulder, and upper arms. You should seek physiotherapy North York to alleviate this pain symptom.

Sign #2: Tingling or numbness

When the sensory nerve (which carries signals to your brain that help you touch, taste, smell, and sense the world) is compromised, it can cause tingling and numbness. This indicates that the vertebrae in your spinal cord may be compromised.

If your injury causes your vertebrae to become misaligned, this may lead to long-term consequences. Like neck pain, tingling and numbness can be felt over the neck, shoulder, and upper arms.

Sign #3: Trouble with balance

When there is a misalignment in the spinal cord, which a broken neck can cause, it may be difficult or impossible for your brain to send signals to the rest of your body. As such, depending on the severity and location of the break, it may be able to cause balance and mobility issues.

A broken neck can also cause dizziness. Cervical vertigo makes an individual feel like the world around them is spinning due to the impacted nerves.

Sign #4: Neck stiffness

A stiff neck can result from a muscle strain or ligament sprain when your neck is broken. It can also develop if one or more of the vertebrae is injured due to your nerves’ reaction to damage.

Sign #5: Muscle weakness/paralysis

Depending on the severity of the damage, it can cause difficulty or an inability to move. When the motor nerve (the nerve that helps your muscles contract and relaxes for movement) is affected, it can lead to paralysis and muscle weakness.

Paralysis can be permanent or temporary. If you are experiencing paralysis, immediately stabilize your neck and remain immobile until medical professionals can offer help.

Sign #6: Decreased range of motion

Similar to why muscle weakness or paralysis may occur, a decreased range of motion of the neck and spine may be present with a broken neck. This is because the motor nerve is again damaged, disallowing your full range of motion.

Sign #7: Bruising and swelling

Bruising and swelling in the area can result from an impact on the tissue in the neck. Breaking a part of the neck causes direct injury and damage to the blood vessels throughout the area around the neck, shoulders, and back. The trauma causes blood to seep into the surrounding tissues.

Sign #8: Difficulty breathing

When your neck is broken, potential damage to nerves that affect your lungs and airways can make it difficult to breathe normally. This is because the nerves that connect to the diaphragm are at the third through fifth vertebrae, impacting your diaphragm’s ability to contract.

Sign #9: Difficulty swallowing

Muscular neck pain, as stated before, is a common symptom of a broken neck because the muscles are likely strained. Because the muscles in the neck are also used to swallow, you may feel pain or find difficulty when swallowing.

Sign #10: Headache

Headaches are often another symptom of a broken neck. This can result from the neck pain radiating up towards the head due to damaged nerves. The pain is commonly described as a steady ache with varying intensities, usually occurring on one side of the neck and head.