Spinal Injuries In Sports

Coaches, parents and teens should know what to do in the event of an apparent spinal injury. First and foremost, never move the person yourself; doing so could lead to permanent paralysis. Summon emergency medical assistance. Among the signs that point to possible damage of the spine or spinal cord:

• complaints of severe pain in the neck or back
• complaints of weakness, numbness, paralysis in extremities
• lack of control of the bladder, bowel or the limbs
• the injured person sustained a massive blow to the head, the neck or the back
• the neck or back appears twisted or out of position