Neck (Cervical Spine) Dislocation

A displacement of spinal vertebrae in the neck so that adjoining bones no longer touch each other. Subluxation is a minor dislocation. Joint surfaces still touch, but not in normal relation to each other. Neck subluxation followed by spontaneous reposition occurs frequently in athletes. A neck dislocation is a serious injury that can lead to spinal-cord damage and paralysis of all four extremities, and sometimes leads to death.

Body Parts Involved

• Vertebrae of the spine in the cervical (neck) region.
• Ligaments that hold the vertebrae in proper alignment.
• Cartilage between the vertebrae that cushions the bones.
• Spinal-cord and nerve roots (sometimes).

Causes

• Forceful flexing, extension or rotation of the neck.
• Direct blow or violent force on the neck or head.
• End result of a severe neck sprain.

Signs & Symptoms

• Excruciating pain at the time of injury.
• Loss of function in the neck and severe pain when attempting to move it.
• Visible deformity if the dislocated bones have locked in the dislocated position. Bones may spontaneously reposition themselves and leave no deformity, but damage is the same.
• Tenseness over the dislocation.
• Swelling and bruising in the neck.
• Numbness or paralysis below the neck dislocation site from pressure, pinching or cutting of blood vessels or nerves.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These are instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

• Don't move anyone with a neck injury except on study boards and with the neck immobilized. Don't remove the victim's headgear.
• Transport the victim immediately to an emergency facility.
• Ice helps stop internal bleeding. Prepare an ice pack of the cubes or chips wrapped in plastic or a container. Place a towel over the injured area to prevent skin damage. Apply ice for 20 minutes, then rest 10 minutes until
  medical help is available. Compress the area with a loose-fitting elastic wrap to hold ice in place. Don't wrap too tightly. This can cause further damage.
• The doctor will manipulate the dislocated bones or apply traction for 12 to 24 hours to return bones to their normal position. Manipulation should be done as soon as possible after injury. Six or more hours after dislocation, bleeding and displacement of body fluids may lead to compression of the spinal cord-a surgical emergency. Also, many tissues lose their elasticity and become difficult to return to a normal functional position.

Continuing Care

At home:

• Apply heat frequently. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers or heating pads.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe:

• General anesthesia or muscle relaxants prior to joint manipulation or application of traction.
• Acetaminophen, aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for mild pain.
• Narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
• Stool softeners to prevent constipation due to decreased activity.
• Antibiotics to fight Infection, if surgery is necessary.

Home Diet

• Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to correct the dislocation. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting while under general anesthesia more hazardous.
• During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the neck and skull.

Prevention Tips

• Build your overall muscle tone with a conditioning program appropriate for your sport
• Warm up adequately before physical activity.
• After healing, wear protective devices (such as a soft or rigid neck collar) to decrease the likelihood of reinjury during participation in any
  sports. Avoid all contact or collision sports.