MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Spinal/neck injury

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Spinal/neck injury

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Considerations Causes	Symptoms First Aid Do Not Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if Prevention

Illustrations

Skeletal spine

Vertebra, cervical (neck)

Vertebra, lumbar (low back)

Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)

Vertebral column

Central nervous system

Spinal cord injury

Two person roll - series

Spinal anatomy

Alternative names Return to top

Neck/spinal injury

Definition Return to top

Your spinal cord contains the nerves that carry messages between your brain and body. The cord passes through your neck and back. A spinal cord injury is very serious because it can cause paralysis below the site of the injury.

Considerations Return to top

When someone has a spinal injury, additional movement may cause further damage to the nerves in the cord and can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

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).

If you are in doubt about whether a person has a spinal injury, assume that he or she DOES have one.

Causes Return to top

Bullet or stab wound
Direct trauma to the face, neck, head, or back (e.g., car accidents)
Diving accident
Electric shock
Extreme twisting of the trunk
Sports injury (landing on head)

Symptoms Return to top

Major blow to the head or chest, car accident, fall from a great height
Head held in unusual position
Numbness or tingling that radiates down an arm or leg
Weakness
Difficulty walking
Paralysis of arms or legs
No bladder or bowel control
Shock (pale, clammy skin; bluish lips and fingernails; acting dazed or semi-conscious)
Unconscious
Stiff neck, headache, or neck pain

First Aid Return to top

The main goal is to keep the person immobile and safe until medical help arrives.

You or someone else should call 911.
Hold the person's head and neck in the position in which they were found. DO NOT attempt to reposition the neck. Do not allow the neck to bend or twist.

IF THE PERSON IS UNRESPONSIVE

Check the person's breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
DO NOT tilt the head back when attempting to open the airway. Instead, place your fingers on the jaw on each side of the head. Lift the jaw forward.

IF YOU NEED TO ROLL THE PERSON

Do not roll the person over unless the person is vomiting or choking on blood, or you need to check for breathing.

Two people are needed.
One person should be stationed at the head, the other at the person's side.
Keep the person's head, neck, and back in line with each other while you roll him or her onto one side.

Do Not Return to top

DO NOT bend, twist, or lift the person's head or body.
DO NOT attempt to move the person before medical help arrives unless it is absolutely necessary.
DO NOT remove a helmet if a spinal injury is suspected.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if Return to top

Call you local emergency number (such as 911) if there has been any injury that affects the neck or spinal cord. Keep the person absolutely immobile. Unless there is urgent danger, keep the person in the position where he or she was found.

Prevention Return to top

Wear seat belts.
Avoid drinking alcohol and driving.
Avoid diving into pools, lakes, rivers and surf, particularly if you cannot determine the depth of the water, or if the water is not clear.
Avoid motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.
Avoid "spearing" (tackling or diving into a person with your head).

Update Date: 10/3/2003

Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Kevin B. Freedman, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (6/12/2002).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.