Cervical spine · Long Beach, CA

Cervical trauma in Long Beach, CA

Neck injuries range from a muscle strain that settles in days to fractures that threaten the spinal cord. Knowing which you have, quickly, is what matters most.

Cervical trauma care in Long Beach, with patients welcome from across South Bay, Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area.

Book a consultation (562) 427-8119

Overview

What is cervical trauma?

Cervical trauma covers any injury to the bones, discs, ligaments or spinal cord of the neck. The most common are whiplash type sprains from car accidents and falls, which hurt but heal. Less common and more serious are fractures of the vertebrae, torn ligaments that leave the neck unstable, and injuries to the spinal cord itself.

The neck is the most mobile part of the spine and the least protected, which is why it is vulnerable in car accidents, falls, diving and contact sport. In older adults even a simple fall can fracture a vertebra weakened by osteoporosis or arthritis. Dr. Bhalla serves as Vice Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and treats the full range of cervical injuries, from bracing to complex stabilization.

Book a consultation (562) 427-8119

Causes

Common causes

The mechanism of injury tells us a great deal about what structures are likely damaged.

Motor vehicle accidents

The leading cause of serious neck injury, from whiplash sprains to fractures and dislocations.

Falls

The most common cause in older adults, often with fractures of the upper cervical spine.

Sports and diving

Head first impacts in football, rugby, gymnastics and shallow water diving.

Osteoporosis

Weakened bone that fractures with low energy, such as a fall from standing.

Stiff, arthritic spine

A fused or rigid neck, as in ankylosing spondylitis, breaks like a long bone with minor force.

Violence or workplace injury

Direct blows, crush injuries and falls from height.

Symptoms

What to watch for

After a neck injury, these symptoms separate a sprain from something that needs urgent imaging.

Common symptoms

Neck pain and stiffness after an accident or fall
Pain that is severe, central and tender over the bones
Headache at the base of the skull
Muscle spasm and difficulty turning the head
Pain, tingling or numbness into the arms
Dizziness, visual disturbance or trouble swallowing

See a doctor right away if

Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs after an injury
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe neck pain after a fall in someone over 65 or with osteoporosis
Any neck injury with loss of consciousness or a head injury

These can be signs of a problem that needs urgent care. Call (562) 427-8119 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Diagnosis

How we assess it

The first task is to find or rule out an unstable injury. Everything else follows from that.

01/Protect
Immobilize first
Until a serious injury is excluded, the neck is protected in a collar.
02/Examine
Neurological examination
Strength, sensation and reflexes in arms and legs to detect any cord or nerve involvement.
03/Image
CT and MRI
CT is the best test for fractures. MRI shows ligaments, discs and the spinal cord. X rays assess alignment and stability.
04/Plan
Stable or unstable
Dr. Bhalla classifies the injury and explains whether it can heal in a brace or needs surgical stabilization.

Treatment

How it is treated

Most cervical injuries are stable and heal without surgery. Unstable injuries and those compressing the cord are stabilized surgically to protect the nerves and allow early mobility.

First: without surgery

Where almost everyone starts

Rigid or soft collar for stable fractures and sprains
Halo vest for selected upper cervical fractures
Pain management and muscle relaxants
Physical therapy once healing allows, to restore motion and strength
Serial X rays to confirm the injury is healing in a good position

When needed: surgery

The least invasive option that will work

Decompression of the spinal cord or nerves
Fusion with plates, screws and rods to stabilize unstable segments
Reduction of dislocations under neuromonitoring
Minimally invasive posterior fixation where the injury allows

Everyday care

Recovering from a neck injury

Healing bone and ligament takes weeks. These steps protect the repair and help you return to normal life.

01Wear the collar exactly as prescribed, including the hours you are told.
02Keep follow up imaging appointments. They confirm the injury is healing in position.
03Start therapy when cleared. Early guided movement prevents long term stiffness.
04Avoid driving until you can turn your head freely and have been cleared.
05Address bone health if the fracture happened with a low energy fall.
06Report any new arm or leg symptoms immediately.

Questions

Things patients ask about cervical trauma.

If your question is not here, call the office. We are happy to talk it through.

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I had whiplash. Do I need an X ray?

Not always. Doctors use clear rules based on your age, the mechanism of injury and your examination to decide who needs imaging. Severe midline tenderness, numbness, age over 65 or a high energy accident all call for a scan.

How long does whiplash take to heal?

Most people improve substantially within a few weeks and recover fully within three months. Staying gently active, rather than resting in a collar, speeds recovery for simple sprains.

Will I need surgery for a fracture?

Many cervical fractures are stable and heal in a collar. Surgery is needed when the injury is unstable, the bones are out of alignment, or the cord or nerves are compressed.

Can I return to sport after a neck injury?

Often, yes, once the injury has healed and strength and motion are restored. Return to contact sport after a fracture or fusion is decided case by case, and Dr. Bhalla will give you a clear answer for your situation.

Near you

Cervical trauma treatment in Long Beach, CA

If you are living with cervical trauma in Long Beach or a nearby city, Dr. Bhalla can examine you, explain your options and plan the least invasive treatment that will work. Dr. Bhalla leads the Spine Center at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center.

Most people start with a consultation and imaging. Patients come from Signal Hill, Lakewood, Seal Beach, Orange County and across Southern California.

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