What is a neck fracture?
A person with a neck fracture has broken one of the vertebrae in the neck. The most common causes of neck fractures include sports injuries and falls. Neck fractures are the most common cause of spinal cord injury. About 5,000 neck fractures cause quadriplegia every year in the US.

What are the symptoms of a neck fracture?
Symptoms of a neck fracture include neck pain, neck tenderness near the spine, neck swelling, neck muscle spasm, and neck stiffness. Symptoms of a serious neck fracture include arm weakness, leg weakness, arm numbness, leg numbness, loss of bladder control, loss of bowel control, and an inability to walk.

How does the doctor treat a neck fracture?
Treatment for a neck fracture may include a cervical collar, narcotic pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. Neck fractures that result in an injury to the spinal cord may require treatment with corticosteroids and surgery.