Serious Warning Signs Of A Spinal Cord Injury

Neck Or Back In An Odd Position

After a spinal cord injury, patients may notice their neck or back is in an odd position. This could occur after a fall from a significant height, and it may also develop after trauma from a sporting injury or a car accident. If the neck or back is in an odd position, this could cause significant pain, and patients may be at risk of further injury. To minimize this risk, the patient should be kept as still as possible immediately after the injury. Bystanders should not move the individual; this should only be done by paramedics or other trained medical personnel. To minimize unnecessary movement, paramedics will place the patient in a collar and on a specialized board during transport to the hospital. X-rays and scans will be performed to check for any dislocations or fractures, and the patient could need emergency surgery. Some minor fractures may respond to conservative treatment such as a brace, and surgery may not be needed in these cases. Depending on the severity of the injury, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for several weeks, and in-patient rehabilitation might be recommended. During rehabilitation, the patient will have physical and occupational therapy to regain as much range of motion and function as possible. Healthcare providers will teach the patient how to perform daily tasks in modified ways, and support resources will be provided once the patient has returned home.

Read more about symptoms of a spinal cord injury now.