Comprehensive care
Neck fractures can range from mild, stable injuries to more serious breaks that affect the stability of the spine or place pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. Because of the neck’s critical role in both movement and neurological function, any fracture requires careful evaluation.
At MedStar Health, our experienced spine team performs thousands of surgeries each year, including surgery for neck fractures. We pride ourselves on offering the least invasive surgical options to allow you to recover quickly from surgery and return to your regular life as soon as possible. Our neck and spine surgery services are located throughout the Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, and Virginia areas.
Our surgeons take the time to explain your unique condition and walk you through your treatment from beginning to end. Our spine specialists will always encourage non-surgical options when possible and recommend surgical options only when necessary.
What is a neck fracture?
What are the causes?
Fractures are usually caused by severe trauma to the neck, which could include:
- Fall from a height
- Automobile accident
- Sudden blow to the head or neck
- Sudden twist of the neck
- Jumping head-first into shallow water
What are the symptoms?
It is important to seek emergency medical help immediately if you experience a sudden blow or fall that involves the neck or spine and any of the following signs:
- Neck pain, which will vary in severity
- Numbness in the arms or legs
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis of the arms or legs
- Swelling
- Bruising
How is it diagnosed?
At the first signs of a neck injury, it is important to see a specialist. At MedStar Health, our spine surgeons have years of experience diagnosing and treating these conditions. Your exam will likely include the following:
- Medical history evaluation–Your doctor will ask you about your past medical conditions and how the injury occurred.
- Physical exam–Your doctor will evaluate your neck, and check for signs of neurologic injury or paralysis.
- Imaging tests–Your spine specialist will conduct imaging studies, which may include X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans to analyze your bone injury and other internal structures.
What are the best treatment options?
There are a number of factors that will determine the treatment recommended by a spine surgeon at MedStar Health, including the location of the fracture and whether a spinal cord injury and/or paralysis has occurred.
Some treatment options for fractures that are not severe may include:
- Neck brace
- Physical therapy
However, when neck fractures are severe, they may require more advanced treatment, including anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
Our providers
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Spine Surgery
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Evelyne S Akoth, MD PA
Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
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Amjad Nasr Anaizi, MD
Brain and Tumor Neurosurgery, Skull Base Surgery, Vascular Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Neurosurgical Oncology & Neurosurgery
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Rocco Anthony Armonda, MD
Spine Surgery, Neurosurgery & Neurological Surgery
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Edward Fiore Aulisi, MD
Neurological Surgery, Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
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Joseph Leigh Ferguson, MD
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Seyed Babak Kalantar, MD
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Akhil Jay Khanna, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Mesfin A. Lemma, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Addisu Mesfin, MD
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Fred Mo, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Bradley William Moatz, AGRC MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Matthew Thomas Morris, MD
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Zan A Naseer, MD
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Oliver O. Tannous, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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David A Weiner, MD MS
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Sam W. Wiesel, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
Show All Spine Surgery
Our locations
Convenient locations in Washington, DC, Baltimore, Maryland, and Virginia.
Frequently asked questions
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Is a broken neck the same as a neck fracture?
Yes. A broken neck, also called a neck fracture or cervical fracture, occurs when one or more of the vertebrae in the cervical spine are broken. Because a neck fracture can damage the spinal cord and lead to serious complications, it requires prompt medical evaluation.
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What should I do if I think someone has a broken neck?
Seek emergency medical help immediately. Do not move someone with a suspected neck or spinal injury unless necessary for their safety. Keeping the head and neck still can help prevent further injury while you wait for emergency medical care.
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What are the symptoms of a neck fracture?
Symptoms may include neck pain, swelling, bruising, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, or paralysis. If these symptoms occur after a fall, car accident, blow to the head or neck, or another traumatic injury, seek emergency medical care.
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How is a neck fracture diagnosed?
A doctor will evaluate how the injury occurred, perform a physical examination, and check for signs of nerve or spinal cord injury. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be used to determine where the fracture occurred.
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Does a neck fracture always require surgery?
No. Treatment depends on factors such as the location and severity of the fracture and whether the spinal cord has been affected. Some less severe fractures may be treated with a neck brace and physical therapy. More serious or unstable fractures may require surgery to stabilize the cervical spine.