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Back injury
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
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Back injury is one of the most dangerous injuries, since soft tissues that take a hit on themselves in the dorsal region are few. Most often, the spine is subjected to a bruise, and the severity of the injury depends on which of its areas is affected.
The back injury can be conditionally divided into five zones - trauma of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal divisions. The nature of the injury can also be different in severity - from a simple, minor injury to a concussion and vertebral fracture.
The spinal cord can be completely restored after an injury in the case of slight damage, or partial or complete violation of its functions is possible.
[What causes a back injury?
- A mechanical shock from outside (object, blast wave and so on);
- A typical bruise of a "diver" is a blow to the bottom of the reservoir, followed by a trauma to the cervical region, or a flattened flattened back;
- Automobile, transport accidents;
- Falling - injury when falling on the back or when landing on the legs (compression trauma of the spinal column).
What are the symptoms of a back injury?
Symptoms of a back injury depend on the severity of the injury and can be as follows:
Simple back injury:
- Pain in the place of injury;
- Swelling, bruising or bruising on the site of injury;
- Pain spilling along the spine, on the back.
Back injury, accompanied by a trauma to the cervical vertebrae:
- Disturbance of respiratory function;
- Paresis of muscles, impaired sensation, decreased muscle tone;
- Possible spasm of muscles due to damage to the nerve endings of the spinal cord (spastic stress);
- Paralysis.
Back injury, injuring the thoracic department:
- Loss of sensitivity of the limbs;
- Violation of limb movements coordination;
- Localized pain in the sternum region radiating to the left, into the heart;
- Disturbance of respiratory function, painful sensations when inhaling and exhaling.
Back injury with lumbar injuries:
- Paresis of the lower limbs, up to paralysis;
- Loss of sensation of the legs;
- Decrease in all reflexes;
- Violation of urination (delay or incontinence);
- Erectile dysfunction.
How is the back injury classified?
The back injury can be classified according to the severity, depth of injury and its appearance:
- Back injury without damage to the spinal cord;
- Back injury, accompanied by a spinal cord injury;
- Back injury with damage to the skin and soft tissues;
- Back injury without penetrating wounds;
- Simple back injury;
- Back injury with vertebral dislocation;
- Back injury with vertebral fracture.
Than the bruise of a back is dangerous?
The back injury should be differentiated according to the severity level, preferably immediately after the injury. Even with mild clinical manifestations, an X-ray is needed to rule out possible serious consequences. These include emerging remote neurological manifestations, which do not appear at times in the first weeks after trauma. This reduction in muscle tone (paresis), sudden situations of limb paralysis, which can be transient and recurrent. Also, long-term spastic manifestations, loss of sensitivity and periodic pain in the spine are often observed. Any injury to the soft tissues surrounding the spine is accompanied by bruises of the bone structure, which is overflowed with nerve endings. Also, spine trauma, even the most insignificant, often leads to instability of the spinal column and, as a result, to compression deformation.
How is the back injury diagnosed?
In trauma, it is believed that any mechanical effect on the back can be potentially dangerous to the spine. Therefore, in addition to visual examination, collection of anamnesis, testing of reflexes, an x-ray (spondylography), possibly CT (computed tomography) is mandatory. Differentiation of the diagnosis is carried out by the method of excluding the risks of pathological injuries.
What should I do if there is a bruised back?
If the symptoms of the injury is defined as light, the algorithm of action is similar to the standard measures with bruises:
- Immobilization - to ensure immobility with the exception of axial load;
- Moderately tight bandage, fixation of the injury site;
- Cold application during the first day, with periodic replacement of compresses to avoid heating;
- Observation of the dynamics, reactions and condition of the victim.
Back injury on the first day may not show serious symptoms, so you should be as cautious as possible, avoid stresses, it is desirable to maintain a horizontal position for a week. At the slightest threatening signs listed above, it is necessary to address for the help to the traumatologist.