Broken Neck Can lead To Serious Personal Injury and Complications Says Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer Steven Peck

Written by Adam Peck Category: Injury Law January 16th, 2013 2 min read

When an injury occurs in the neck area of the spine, and the individual vertabrae become fractured or dislocated, the neck can be described as broken says California Personal Injury Lawyer Steven Peck.

The neck area of the spine is refered to as the cervical area. Cervical vertebrae (neck bones) are the top 7 bones in the spinal column. These top 7 bones form the top part of our “backbone” and they also serve to protect the spinal cord from injury. If the vertebrae are broken or severely dislocated, but the spinal cord is unharmed, then no neurological problems result. People with this type of injury are treated very carefully while the bones heal to avoid damage to the spinal cord.

If the spinal cord is bruised or partially damaged due to swelling or laceration, then quadriplegia or other neurological problems may occur. If the spinal cord is severely injured and this injury is at or above the fifth cervical vertebra (C5), then breathing may be effected and the person may die from asphyxiation. In order to help someone breath, a hole is cut into the windpipe (trachea), and a tube inserted which is connected to a ventilator to supply the lungs with oxygen.

The portion of the cord that controls breathing via the diaphram is about C3 through C5. If the damage is below C6, then paralysis may occur, but breathing would be left intact although at a reduced capacity.

However, if the cord is severely injured or transected (cut or torn in half), there is sudden loss of nerve supply to the entire body, including the heart and blood vessels. The victim may suffer a sudden and profound drop in blood pressure (BP) This is called “spinal shock.”

If you think someone could possibly have a spinal injury, DO NOT move the injured person even a little bit, unless it is absolutely necessary (like getting someone out of a burning car).

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.