Neck & Shoulder

What It Is

Seven bones in the neck make up the cervical vertebrae. They provide the head with support and keep it connected to the body and the shoulders. A fracture (break) in one of the cervical vertebrae is often referred to as a broken neck. Most of the time, a cervical fracture is the result of a high-energy trauma, such as a fall or a car crash. In older people, even a fall from standing height, such as falling off a chair, can cause a cervical fracture (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). Athletes are also at risk. For athletes, a cervical fracture can occur when:

An ice hockey player is hit from behind and ends up ramming into the boards
A gymnast misses the high bar while performing a release move and falls
A football player spears an opponent with their head
A diver hits the bottom of a shallow pool

Cervical Fracture Anatomy

Inside the spinal column, there is a tube for the spinal cord. This thick bundle of nerves starts at the base of the brain. It relays information between the brain and the body. Nestled between the vertebrae are the discs. Each individual disc is attached to the bottom of the vertebra that lies above it and the top of the one below it. Muscles and strong ligaments keep the column together. All of the structures work together to surround, protect and support the spinal cord.

A fracture can happen in any of the seven neck vertebrae, and it can range from a minor break to a large or complex one. Treatment depends on which vertebra is damaged and the type of fracture (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). A neck fracture does not necessarily mean you will be left with paralysis. But because the spinal cord runs through the middle of the vertebrae, any neck fracture is serious: an injury to the spinal cord at the level of the neck can cause temporary or permanent paralysis of the body from the neck down (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.

Treatment

Self-Care & Treatment

How a Cervical Fracture Is Treated

1. Immobilisation

If there is a possibility of a broken neck, it is vital that the neck is kept completely still (immobilised) until it has been checked with X-rays and reviewed by a doctor (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2016).

2. Exercises

Once your medical team has decided that you are ready, strengthening and range-of-motion exercises can be started. When performing the exercises, use the assistance of a physical therapist. Discuss the various types of physical therapy you should take part in, as well as any precautions and lifting restrictions, before beginning a program. Once your medical team has cleared you for hands-on treatment, I can support this with gentle hands-on work and exercise that stays within your team's precautions. See the My Approach tab for how I work.

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or medical team

These are decided and carried out by your hospital team. Always follow their own instructions about braces, activity and recovery.

Options outside my scope

Neck brace or collar: a minor fracture may be treated with a cervical brace, worn until the bone has healed (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).
Traction, rigid brace or halo vest: a larger or more complex fracture may need traction (gently pulling the neck to keep it in line), a rigid brace, a halo vest (a frame attached to the head and a vest to hold the neck still), or a combination of these (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).
Surgery: more severe fractures may need an operation (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

How I can help (see the My Approach tab)

Easing the shoulders, upper back and arms that work harder while your neck is protected
Gentle neck movement and scar work once your team says it has healed
Rebuilding strength and getting back to lifting and sport

Tips

Make sure you wear the appropriate padding and safety equipment whenever you take part in sports and other activities, and follow safety rules such as using a spotter and cushioning mats (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).
When it comes to football, make sure you use proper tackling technique. Never attempt to spear with your helmet.
Always wear a seat belt, whether you are driving or a passenger (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).
Never dive into water if you don't know how deep it is or what obstacles are there. Make sure young people are supervised when swimming and diving (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).
Prevent falls: stay active and agile by building strong muscles. For older people, small changes at home, like taping down rugs and fitting handrails near toilets and showers, can help reduce the risk of falls (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).
Eat a diet with enough calcium and vitamin D to help keep your bones healthy (NHS, 2022).
Build strong bones with weight-bearing exercise (where your feet and legs support your weight, such as brisk walking) and muscle-strengthening exercise (NHS, 2022).

Treatment

My Approach

A broken neck is always serious, so your hospital team leads your care. They decide how long you wear a collar, brace or halo, what movement and lifting are safe, and when the bone has healed. I work inside those limits and need your team's okay before we start any hands-on treatment.

Please bring any X-ray or scan reports and notes from your medical team to your first visit. They're an important part of planning safe treatment for you.

While Your Neck Is Protected

Work on the shoulders, upper back, low back and arms, which often tighten from wearing a brace and moving differently
Gentle drainage for any swelling, if your team agrees

Once Your Team Says It Has Healed

Hands-on work for the neck muscles, and gentle work around the scar once it has healed if you had surgery
Gentle neck movement exercises to ease stiffness, building up within what your team allows
Gentle joint mobilisation only once your team confirms the bone is solid, and never quick or forceful neck movements
Strengthening for the neck, shoulders and upper back, then lifting and a graded return to sport, with your team's okay

I check the strength and feeling in your arms as we go. If you notice new numbness, tingling, weakness or pain spreading into your arms, stop and get urgent help (see When to Get Emergency Help).

What to Expect

Typical Course

Typical course: Once your team clears you, visits are usually once or twice a week, then weekly, spacing out as you manage more on your own, with a reassessment along the way. Expect the brace stage to last as long as your team says the bone needs to heal, with movement and strength then rebuilt over the following weeks to months.

What I Focus On

Working Within Your Team's Limits

Compensation Relief

Neck Mobility

Scar Care

Return to Strength

Please read

When to See a Doctor First

When to Get Emergency Help

If someone may have broken their neck, for example after a fall, a car crash, a diving accident or a heavy tackle, call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital. If a neck injury is possible, call 911 rather than moving the person yourself. Warning signs include neck pain after an injury, pain spreading from the neck into the shoulders or arms, numbness, weakness or loss of movement in the arms or legs, and loss of consciousness. Emergency staff treat any unconscious injured person as if they have a neck injury (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

Sources

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.) Cervical fracture (broken neck). OrthoInfo. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/cervical-fracture-broken-neck/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2016) Spinal injury: assessment and initial management (NG41). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng41/chapter/Recommendations (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
NHS (2022) Osteoporosis – prevention. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/prevention/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).

Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooCervical Fracture

What It Is

Cervical Fracture Anatomy

Self-Care & Treatment

How a Cervical Fracture Is Treated

1. Immobilisation

2. Exercises

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or medical team

Tips

My Approach

While Your Neck Is Protected

Once Your Team Says It Has Healed

Typical Course

When to See a Doctor First

When to Get Emergency Help

References

Related Conditions

Book a session

Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooCervical Fracture

What It Is

Cervical Fracture Anatomy

Self-Care & Treatment

How a Cervical Fracture Is Treated

1. Immobilisation

2. Exercises

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or medical team

Tips

My Approach

While Your Neck Is Protected

Once Your Team Says It Has Healed

Typical Course

When to See a Doctor First

When to Get Emergency Help

References

Related Conditions

Acromioclavicular Joint Separation

Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow

Biceps Tendon Tear at the Shoulder

Burners and Stingers

Book a session