Cervical Fracture Risks
Factors that increase your risk of neck fracture include:
- Falls from heights, such as a ladder, bike or horse
- Advancing age
- Osteoporosis
- Certain diseases or conditions that result in bone or mineral loss, such as abnormal or absent menstrual cycles, or post-menopause
- Certain diseases and conditions that weaken bones, such as tumors or cysts
- Decreased muscle mass
- Playing certain sports that may result in neck fracture, such as football, rugby or ice hockey
- Not wearing your seatbelt or protective sports equipment
- Head or other traumatic injury, such as severe chest trauma, pelvic or femur fractures
- Violence
Fractured Neck Symptoms
A neck fracture is very serious and can lead to paralysis or possibly death. A person with a neck injury should not be moved without competent medical care, which is needed immediately.
Neck fracture may cause:
- Severe pain
- Swelling and possible bruising
- Tenderness
- Decreased feeling in the arms or legs
- Muscle weakness or paralysis of the arms or legs
