Spinal injury Health Article

Definition

The 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 loss of movement (paralysis) below the site of the injury.

Alternative Names

Neck injury

Considerations

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 (for example, if you need to get someone out of a burning car).

If you are not sure if a person has a spinal injury, assume that he or she does have one.

Causes

• Bullet or stab wound
• Direct trauma to the face, neck, head, chest, or back (for example, a car accident)
• Diving accident
• Electric shock
• Extreme twisting of the middle of the body
• Landing on the head during a sports injury
• Fall from a great height

Symptoms

• Head held in unusual position
• Numbness or tingling that spreads down an arm or leg
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Paralysis (loss of movement) of arms or legs
• No bladder or bowel control
• Shock (pale, clammy skin; bluish lips and fingernails; acting dazed or semiconscious)
• Lack of alertness (unconsciousness)
• Stiff neck, headache, or neck pain

First Aid

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

1. You or someone else should call 911.
2. 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.
3. Do not allow the person to get up and walk unassisted.

1. Check the person's breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
2. 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.

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