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Skeletal spine
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Vertebra, cervical (neck)
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Vertebra, lumbar (low back)
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Spinal anatomy
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Spinal/neck injury

Definition:
Injury to the spinal cord (the nerves that carry most messages from the brain to the body and vice versa) in the neck or back.

Alternative Names:

Neck/spinal injury; Spinal cord 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 suspect spinal injury, do not move the injured person even a little bit, unless it is absolutely necessary (i.e., getting someone out of a burning car). The purpose of first aid is to prevent further harm to the victim, until you can obtain medical help.

If in doubt about whether a person has received a spinal injury, assume he or she has.

A spinal cord injury is very serious because it can mean the loss of sensation and function (paralysis) in the parts of the body below the site of the injury.

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


Review Date: 6/12/2002
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.

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