Injuries to the spine

Injuries of the spine are one of the most serious injuries of the body, which in most cases can lead not only to disability, but also to death. All vertebral injuries, according to their localization, are divided into traumas of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

Causes and types of spine injuries

The main causes of spine injuries are:

In addition, damage may occur:

Damage to the spine is distinguished by the following types:

Symptoms of Vertebral Injuries

With a trauma to the spine, the following symptoms may appear:

In addition, with severe trauma, limb paralysis is possible depending on the site of injury. With a trauma to the cervical spine, full paralysis is possible, and with a lumbar injury, paralysis of the legs.

First aid and treatment

Traumatization of the spine is very dangerous, as about a third of all cases have a lethal outcome, and more than half of the victims remain disabled. Timely provision of first aid for trauma to the spine will help reduce the risk of complications. If suspected of vertebral damage:

  1. Do not touch the person, let alone carry it on your hands or tissues.
  2. If the victim is conscious - provide him with an airflow, do not let him do the movements.

Most often in such cases, a person is in a state of shock and tries to get up or makes sudden movements. Therefore, it should be calmed down or fixed. If transportation is necessary (for example, if a new danger threatens), use a rigid, straight surface. It can be boards, doors, wooden slabs. When shifting, it will take two or three people. In addition, it is necessary to immobilize the victim in order to avoid his fall or involuntary movements.

Treatment of spinal injuries

Such injuries are treated in a hospital. Various methods can be used, depending on the severity of the lesions:

In any case, a person with a spinal cord injury is prescribed a strict bed rest, wearing a corset or special collar.

Restoration of the spine after injury takes a fairly long period. The use of additional techniques will help to accelerate recovery and maximize the restoration of impaired functions: