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A cervical
fracture, best known as a broken neck, is identified when a single or multiple
of the seven vertebrae located in the cervical area of the spine undergoes
trauma from an injury that outcomes with a fracture, break, or crack, in the
bones of the neck. Fractures to the cervical spine are known to be moderately
common, especially among athletes, but an injury that caused a broken neck
usually leads to further complications and pain. There’s various ways of preventing
a fracture to your cervical spine.
Tips for
Preventing a Neck Fracture
The vertebra in
the neck form the essential structure that supports the head, attaching it to
the shoulders and the body as well as guarding the spinal nerve roots that
connect from the brain to the rest of the body. Avoiding injury is optimal for
anyone as a fractured neck can result in serious complications depending on the
grade of the injury. Considerable precautions can be taken to prevent an injury
to the neck.
A key element of
neck injury prevention during high intensity exercising is to warm up. Beginning your work out routines with several stretches is not enough, you also want
to include a series of aerobic exercises to release the tension in the muscles. If
during any part of your warm up you don’t feel well, consider taking a break
from physical exercises for the day.
Another important
element for neck injury prevention is to wear protective headgear. Protective
headgear fitting to each sport were designed to ensure safety from experiencing injuries and wearing them is advised at all times to be effective. A helmet
should fit securely and snug around your head and the straps should be closed
and tightened.
Neck injuries can occur for numerous reasons but not
taking the necessary precautions or measures to avoid them are some of the major causes.
Prevention is key for a cervical fracture but when precaution is not enough,
seeking the appropriate treatment from a physical therapist and continuing with
rehabilitation will help improve your injury.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
By Dr. Alex Jimenez