Recognize, treat, and prevent complications from spinal injuries
A neck and back injury refers to any damage to the bones, muscles, ligaments, discs, nerves, or spinal cord in the cervical (neck) or thoracic/lumbar (back) regions. These injuries can range from mild muscle strains to serious spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis or life-threatening complications.
The spine protects the spinal cord, which carries messages between the brain and the body. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to:
? Always treat as a potential spinal injury until proven otherwise.
| Type | Signs & Symptoms |
|---|---|
| ? Neurological Symptoms |
- Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or limbs - Loss of sensation (can’t feel touch, heat, or cold) - Weakness or paralysis in limbs - Loss of bladder or bowel control |
| ? Pain & Physical Signs |
- Severe pain in the neck, back, or head - Pain worsens with movement or pressure - Obvious deformity or twisted back/neck - Tenderness when touching the spine |
| ⚠️ Behavioural/Functional Changes |
- Loss of coordination or balance - Difficulty walking or standing - Shock, confusion, or extreme anxiety - Breathing difficulties (especially with high spinal injuries) |
| ? Unconsciousness/Altered Awareness |
- Drowsiness, confusion, or unconsciousness after trauma - Person says, “I can’t feel my legs/arms” |
If the injury is due to a diving accident, always suspect neck injury.
Related Topics
Further Information
“Chris was such a great trainer for our one-day course. Informative, attentive and friendly! Learned so much and helped i…”
Adam Dixon“I highly recommend this course! The training was clear, engaging, and very well structured. The instructor was professio…”
Ewelina“I highly recommend the one-day First Aid at Work course that I attended at Caroline House, as part of a group from our s…”
Krysia Grzywinska“It was a wonderful course for learning first aid knowledge. The teacher's lively and engaging lessons made us learn in a…”
Sofia Lu“I attended the three‑day First Aid at Work course with Sarah and had a brilliant experience. Sarah was friendly and appr…”
Gwendolen D’Adamo“Absolutely fantastic 3 days with Sarah! From coming in the first day was made to feel welcome!! Nothing was to small or …”
Natalie Costello“The course was held at my workplace on a Saturday, it was interesting,informative and very educational - I now feel conf…”
dee godleman“Highly recommended First Aid at Work Course. Well structured, informative and provides a good skill set to not only use…”
Connor Tickle“I had a great experience with the first aid training. Sarah was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the course.…”
M Hassan