Vertebra can be fractured or broken following a major injury such as a fall or collision, which will cause severe neck pain and spasm, and can cause numbness, weakness, or paralysis if bone fragments press on the nerves or the spinal cord. Most patients that go to the ER with a neck injury will come away with a diagnosis of 'Cervical Sprain,' which is usually correct, and will get better with supportive care, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and physical therapy. These injuries usually get better on their own, without specific treatment. Most commonly, injuries to the neck involve the ligaments and muscles, and are classified as sprains or strains. Any of these structures can be damaged and cause pain. The vertebrae are connected by soft tissues - muscles and ligaments - which support and align the spine, and the tough intervertebral discs - the spacers in between each vertebra that act as shock absorbers and stabilizers for every segment of the spine. The neck, like all segments of the spinal column, is made up of separate bony structures - the vertebrae - that provide strength and bear the loads of the body. Whether the symptoms come on after a recognized and sudden injury (a car accident, sports injury or a fall), after excessive activity (yard work or heavy lifting on the job) or just slowly develop out of the blue, patients usually know they have a 'neck problem.' While many patients will cope with neck pain and chalk it up to over-use or wear and tear, they often have a fear the arm pain is coming from something more serious than a simple strain. Neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling and weakness are symptoms that can trigger alarm in any previously healthy patient. Vincent Charity Medical Center, recently published the following article to provide information regarding cervical disc injury, cervical fusion, disc replacement surgery and more. McLain, M.D., a spine surgeon in the Spine and Orthopedic Institute at St. Weight loss is the most personal journeys we can take.Ĭaregivers working in Behavioral Health are specially trained in the field to manage psychiatric illness and always treat each patient with respect and understanding.

Neck fusion problems years later