Cervical Fractures and Physiotherapy Treatment
Understanding Cervical Fractures and Physiotherapy Treatment
Cervical fractures, also known as broken necks, involve a break in one of the seven vertebrae in the cervical spine (C1-C7). These fractures can occur due to high-impact trauma such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Depending on the severity, cervical fractures can range from minor cracks to life-threatening injuries that may affect the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or even death. Prompt medical attention is crucial, and once stabilised, physiotherapy plays a vital role in recovery, helping patients regain mobility, strength, and function.
Causes and Symptoms of Cervical Fractures
Cervical fractures are most commonly caused by:
High-impact trauma: Motor vehicle accidents, falls from height, or contact sports.
Osteoporosis: Weakening of the bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.
Degenerative changes: Age-related wear and tear that compromises the structural integrity of the vertebrae.
Symptoms of a cervical fracture may include:
Severe neck pain
Swelling and bruising around the neck
Limited range of motion in the neck
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs (indicating potential spinal cord involvement)
Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
Physiotherapy Approach to Treating Cervical Fractures
Physiotherapy is a crucial part of the rehabilitation process for cervical fractures, focusing on pain management, restoring function, and preventing complications. The treatment plan varies depending on the type and severity of the fracture, as well as the patient’s overall health.
Initial Stabilisation and Pain Management
In the early stages, the priority is stabilising the cervical spine to prevent further injury. This often involves immobilisation using a cervical collar or brace. Pain management is also a key focus, with the physiotherapist working closely with the medical team to ensure the patient is comfortable. Gentle range-of-motion exercises for the neck and shoulders may be introduced to prevent stiffness, but care is taken to avoid movements that could jeopardise healing.
Gradual Introduction of Mobility Exercises
Once the fracture begins to heal and the patient is cleared for more active rehabilitation, the physiotherapist will introduce mobility exercises. These exercises aim to restore the range of motion in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. The physiotherapist will guide the patient through gentle stretching and mobilisation techniques, gradually increasing the intensity as healing progresses.
Strengthening and Stabilisation
As mobility improves, the focus shifts to strengthening the muscles around the cervical spine. Strengthening exercises target the deep neck flexors, as well as the muscles of the shoulders and upper back, to provide better support for the healing vertebrae. Stabilisation exercises are also introduced to improve the patient’s posture and ensure proper alignment of the cervical spine during daily activities.
Functional Training and Long-Term Recovery
Functional training is a critical aspect of rehabilitation, particularly for patients with more severe injuries. The physiotherapist will help the patient regain the ability to perform everyday tasks, such as lifting, bending, and reaching. This phase may also include balance and coordination exercises to reduce the risk of falls and further injury.
In cases where the spinal cord has been affected, more specialised physiotherapy may be required, including neurorehabilitation to address issues such as muscle weakness, spasticity, and coordination problems.
Education and Prevention
Preventing future injuries is a key component of physiotherapy for cervical fractures. The physiotherapist will educate the patient on proper posture, safe movement techniques, and strategies for avoiding high-risk activities. A customised home exercise program may also be provided to maintain strength, flexibility, and overall spinal health.
In conclusion, cervical fractures are serious injuries that require comprehensive rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing pain, restoring mobility and strength, and helping patients return to their normal activities with confidence. By following a carefully tailored treatment plan, individuals with cervical fractures can achieve significant improvements in function and quality of life.
