Spinal/neck injury

Alternative names

Neck/spinal injury

Definition

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

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

• 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

• 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
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.

IF THE PERSON IS UNRESPONSIVE

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.