A broken neck can be a life-altering experience. If you are one of the lucky ones and survive a car accident with this type of injury in Michigan, it’s important to take the right steps in your recovery.
You may need a neck brace
When you first break your neck, it’s important to keep your head and spine in alignment. This will help prevent further injury and give your body a chance to heal. For this reason, you may be fitted with a neck brace, a halo or other device to keep your head and spine in alignment.
Physical therapy is key
After your initial healing period, you’ll need to do some physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility in your neck. This may include exercises to improve range of motion, strength and endurance. Sometimes, physical therapy can also help relieve pain, especially if your injury is a result of a serious car accident.
You may need surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize or repair damage to the spinal cord, and the type of surgery will depend on the severity of your injury. For instance, if you have a fracture, the surgeon may need to insert rods or screws to stabilize the bone.
Prescribed medication and strengthening exercises may help
When it comes to broken necks, pain management is important. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help with the pain. In addition, strengthening exercises may help improve your neck’s range of motion and prevent further injury. One of the most important things you can do is to follow your doctor’s orders and stick to your physical therapy regimen.
Recovering from a broken neck can be a long and difficult process. It’s important to be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions. With time and care, you can usually make a full recovery.
