Neck and Back Injuries

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Condition
Neck and back injuries can occur in many ways but the most common causes include falling from height, sports injuries and road accidents. Whenever unusual or abnormal forces have been exerted on the back or neck you should always suspect a spinal injury.

In some cases neck and back injuries are very serious as they can result in paralysis and need emergency medical care.

The spinal cord is a vital communication link between the brain and the rest of the body. Spinal cord injury can cause loss of function in areas such as sensation and muscle control, because the link between the brain and the body has been damaged.

Recognition
The symptoms of spinal cord damage usually appear immediately after the injury and they may include weakness, poor coordination or paralysis particularly below the level of the injury.

They may experience numbness, tingling or loss of sensation as well as loss of bowel or bladder control and pain.

Graphic

• Weakness, poor coordination or paralysis, particularly below the level of the injury
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Pain

Action
Many people with traumatic injury to the neck and back also receive other injuries at the same time. At the accident scene the main priority is preservation of life establishing an open airway and ensuring that the person is breathing and that their heart is still beating takes priority.

It is important that you keep the neck and or back completely still until the emergency services arrive. You should only move them if they are in immediate danger as any neck, head or back movement can cause paralysis or death.

If at all possible immobilise the neck or spine with towels or clothing and if necessary hold the sides of their head to keep them still. Talk to the patient and reassure them, you may want to see if they can feel their hand or toes, any inability to move may indicate a spinal injury.

In the case that you need to move them try to keep their head and neck still and move the person as one unit. Always keep the spinal cord and column in alignment and hold the neck in line with the body to prevent movement.

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