Fracture of the spine: first aid, symptoms, treatment

First aid for fracture of the spine

Fracture of the spine is one of the most dangerous injuries that can lead to such irreversible consequences as long-term rehabilitation, disability and even death.

When receiving injuries of the spinal column, the victim needs urgent, but at the same time competent, first aid, since, otherwise, you can wait for the aggravation effects of trauma.

Causes of fracture

Fracture of the spine, as well as trauma of other bone tissues, occurs due to the impact on its vertebrae of a force that exceeds their strength. The main causes of impaired vertebral column integrity are:

• fall from height to buttocks or back;
• blows received as a result of brawls or bruises about various items;
• Sports injuries due to unsuccessful body positions;
• industrial injuries;
• Accident;
• lifting weights.

Against the backdrop of external factors, a number of internal causes are identified, which can lead to traumatization of vertebral structures because of their particular fragility. They include such pathologies of the body as osteoporosis, tuberculosis, metabolism, malignant formations and some others.

Signs of a fracture of the spine

First of all, all fractures of the spine are divided into two categories: uncomplicated (without damage to the spinal cord) and complicated (spinal cord injuries). As a rule, on the basis of such a division, there are also signs of a violation of the integrity of the vertebral structures.

The main manifestations of uncomplicated fractures include:

1. Local pain syndrome in the area of ​​damage with irradiation in the upper or lower limbs, as well as in the pelvic region, abdomen and anus in the moment of movements, coughing, sneezing, and subsequently even with alone.
2. Restriction of motion due to pain, and also because of muscle tension, sprain of the ligamentous apparatus or displacement of the vertebrae.
3. Visually observed hematomas and swelling at the site of injury.
4. Visually defined protrusions of vertebral appendages or an increase in the size between them and many other deformations.

First aid

In the case of a spinal injury, confirming or refuting the presence of a fracture, as well as the degree of its severity, is possible only after X-ray examination. Therefore, in a situation where a spinal column trauma is implied, it is important to act so that its consequence is a direct fracture.

A person who has to provide first aid to the victim is important to learn two basic rules:

• In no case should the patient move or take a sitting position;
• you should immediately call the Ambulance or the Rescue Service.

If the victim is found in a remote location, which rescuers can not reach quickly, a person who helps the injured person will have to take independent steps:

1. To determine the indicators of the state of injuries necessary for pre-medical care. To do this, it is important to find out whether he is conscious, breathing, whether the pulse is sensed and what he is, and also the presence and intensity of pain.
2. With a positive forecast of the examination, you should proceed to the correct placement of the victim on a stretcher and transportation. In the presence of pain, it is important to remove them with analgesics, novocaine or corticosteroid. In the case of cloud consciousness, preparations in the form of tablets are prohibited.
3. In the case of unconscious consciousness, which is the result of pain or spinal shock, arising from pressure of the nerves or spinal cord, respectively, to help the victim can only competently conducted artificial respiration. If at this moment, the chest of the victim does not move, then between the respiratory aid, you will have to perform a heart massage.

It is important to remember that the principle of resuscitation of the victim who received spinal injuries is implementation of three items: preparation of the respiratory tract, artificial respiration, and after circulation blood.

Peculiarities of patient transportation

Transportation of a patient with a potential trauma to the spine is possible only if there is immobilization. In vertebral fractures, rigid stretchers or shields protrude on the back or abdomen as a conveyance.

It is very important to fix all the departments of the spine, using for this bandages, harnesses, ropes, etc.

If the cervical section is damaged, the patient needs a homemade corset (made of paper and gauze), impossibility to do it, one of the attendants will have to hold his head in one hand position.

In addition, it is very important that at least 3-5 people take part in the transportation, and all their actions are well-organized, competent and coordinated.

Fracture of the spine is considered especially dangerous and is not predictable in its consequences by trauma.

Therefore, with potential spinal injuries, it is very important to comply with all the rules and principles of providing pre-medical care to the victim.

A source: http://SpineDoc.ru/travmy/pomoshh-pri-perelome-pozvonochnika.html

Fracture of the spine

Fractures of the spine are the most severe injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

There are fractures of the spine due to injuries of great mechanical energy: traffic accidents, injuries on production, falling from a height, with the wrong behavior of a person in places of bathing (jumping "pike" in an unfamiliar place) and etc.

In elderly and elderly people, a fracture can occur even from minor trauma, due to the fragility of bones, which is due to the low content of calcium in the bone.

The vertebral column consists of separate vertebrae (the bones forming the spine) and the spinal cord passing through them. In fractures, individual vertebrae are damaged, one or more at once.

Fractures can occur in all parts of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral, the most dangerous fractures of the cervical region, tk.

most often accompanied by damage to the spinal cord.

There are many types of vertebral fractures, which is associated with the multifaceted nature of traumatic effects and the complex structure of the spine and vertebrae.

Fractures of the spine may be accompanied by dislocations and subluxations of the vertebrae, with dislocation and subluxation the bodies of the vertebrae move relative to each other, which leads to pinching and damage to the dorsal the brain.

In accordance with this, all fractures of the spine can be divided into 2 large groups: uncomplicated ones - without damage to the spinal cord.

Complicated fractures - accompanied by damage to the spinal cord.

The most common type of vertebral fractures is the compression fracture of the vertebral body. Compression fracture occurs due to sharp compression of the vertebrae. Most often it happens in the elderly and is usually rarely accompanied by a displacement and damage to the spinal cord.

Symptoms of a fracture of the spine

The main symptoms of vertebral fractures include:

1. • Pain in the affected area of ​​the spine
   Pain, as a rule, is of a persistent nature, intensified by movement.
2. There is an increase in pain during palpation of the damaged vertebra, as well as when creating an axial load on the spine (the doctor in this case pokolachivaet patient on the crown of the head or creates an additional burden on the shoulder patient).
3. • Restriction of movements in the spine
   Restriction of movements is caused by severe pain, as well as a violation of the anatomical structure of the spine and adjacent muscles.
4. • Visible deformation of the affected spine
   Observed with significant damage to one or more vertebrae.
5. • In case of complicated fractures, symptoms of spinal cord injury are added to the above symptoms.
   Spinal cord injury is the most formidable complication of fractures, which can lead to the death or disability of the patient.

Symptoms in this case are multifaceted and can manifest themselves in varying degrees - from slight disruption of the sensitivity of the skin and insignificant muscle weakness below the vertebral fracture, until complete disappearance of independent movements (paralysis) and loss of control over urination and defecation.

First aid for suspected fracture of the spine

Before a doctor or a person who provides first aid, the task is to exclude other, less serious, damage to the spine (bruise, damage to the ligament apparatus).

Due to the fact that the disease patterns are similar, even with the slightest suspicion of a fracture, first aid should be given, as with spinal fractures, until the final diagnosis is made.

The first aid consists in immobilization (immobilization) of the spine and adequate anesthesia.

• Immobilization and transportation A person with a suspected fracture of the spine is laying down and transport lying on the back, using a rigid shield or special stretcher, maximally fixing trunk and legs.

It is not necessary to shift a person unnecessarily from place to place. If a hard shield is not available at hand, then you can use the available tools instead: a wide board, plywood, etc.

Independently to move the patient it is forbidden, also it is undesirable to transport the person sitting.

In cases of fractures in the cervical region, it is necessary to create an additional fixation of the neck with a collar. The collar can also be made from improvised tools - a piece of cardboard or dense material.In no case should you try to correct visible damage to the cervical vertebrae.

• Anesthesia The choice of anesthetic is based on the principle - the stronger, the more effective. The most common medications in everyday life are nimesulide, ketorol and analgin.

Do not give pills, if a person is on the verge of unconsciousness or unconsciousness, this can lead to medication getting into the respiratory tract.

Diagnosis of vertebral fracture

The doctor already at primary examination can suspect fracture of a backbone, and definitively to expose the diagnosis it is possible only by means of roentgenographic research.

In some cases: with spinal cord injuries, with suspected spinal cord injury, in difficult for the diagnosis of cases can be used computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Sometimes there is a need for puncture of the spinal canal and myelography - both research aimed at assessing the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, but currently conducted rarely.

In setting the nature of spinal cord injury, a traumatologist often needs the help of a neurologist, and they are determined together with further therapeutic tactics.

Treatment and rehabilitation of a patient with a fracture of the spine

Perhaps the most difficult task is the treatment of vertebral fractures. The therapeutic tactics are different, but in general, there are two main directions: conservative and operational methods. Rarely applicable in modern times - the method of traction and closed reinforcement of fractures.

• Conservative method of treatment of vertebral fracture
This method does not involve surgical intervention. Applicable for fractures without displacement and fractures without damage to the spinal cord.

Conservative method consists in prolonged bed rest, with fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine, or wearing a fixation collar for cervical fractures the spine.

The total period of bed rest varies, depending on the damage, from 1 to 3 months. In the future, the patient needs to wear a fixation corset for up to six months and avoid intense physical exertion.

With damage to the cervical region, fixation lasts from 2 to 3 months.

Simultaneously with fixation or bed rest, it is necessary to actively perform therapeutic gymnastics, directed to the formation of a muscular corset and thus protecting the vertebrae from displacement and excess load. Exercises should be performed with a gradually increasing load, for example, from the first days after injuries are allowed only respiratory gymnastics, in the future it is allowed to move your hands and so Further. All exercises should be performed only with the permission and under the supervision of a doctor. Also in the later periods after the injury (more than 3 months), swimming and the gradual return of a person to work are permitted.

To remove inflammation in the area of ​​damage, physiotherapeutic treatment is prescribed.

Medicinal products, used in uncomplicated vertebral fractures can be divided into several groups:

1) Calcium preparations - directed to accelerate the fusion of the vertebra (Calcium, Calcium D3-Nycomed, various vitamin complexes).

2) Preparations that prevent the destruction of the intervertebral cartilage (Teraflex, Dona, Alflutop).

3) Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs (Nimesulide, Meloxicam, Ketorolac, Diclofenac).

4) Various gels and ointments for topical application (Ultrafastin, Voltaren, Ketoprofen, Fastum gel, etc.).

• Operative method of treatment of vertebral fractures
The operative method of treatment is used for fractures accompanied by damage to the spinal cord; In fractures with a significant subluxation of the vertebrae: fracture-dislocation of the vertebrae; in those cases where there is no guarantee that the fragments or broken vertebra will not damage the spinal cord, with further conservative treatment. Indications for the operation are always strictly individual and to each applicable its own treatment tactics, considering all possible consequences of surgical intervention.

Regarding the technique of surgical intervention, all operations are aimed at relieving and protecting the spinal cord from further damage.

With the help of special metal structures, stabilization and strengthening of the damaged segment is achieved.

In the future, the treatment is no different from the conservative method: prolonged restriction of physical activity, bed rest, massage, medical gymnastics and physiotherapy.

Metal structures are extracted from the spine in the remote period after injury, but the properties of modern surgical alloys allow you to leave the latter for life. Indications for a repeated operation for the removal of fixatives are decided individually, depending on the age, complaints and consequences.

• Method of spinal traction
Used to gradually eliminate the displacement of the vertebrae, if it is impossible to perform the operation technically or at a high risk of surgical intervention.

The patient in this case is laid on the bed and fixed with loops, straps, cotton-gauze rings for the head or axillary hollows, thus creating a draft that directs the fracture.

Next is conservative treatment.

• Closed-in method
This method requires skilled hands of the surgeon and is currently practically not applicable, due to the danger of displacement of fragments in the future, even with reliable fixation.

With fractures that are not accompanied by paralysis and other manifestations of spinal cord injury, labor return within a period of 3 months (fractures of the cervical spine) to six months (fractures of the lumbar and thoracic departments).

Forecast for fractures of the spine

At the initial stages of treatment, the prognosis is very cautious, even with uncomplicated fractures. Some patients do not even have time to get to the hospital admission department, having died from a formidable complication - spinal shock (a condition caused by damage, or a rupture of the spinal cord).

Patients who are diagnosed with spinal cord injury may later suffer paralysis and not move for months or years, or even their whole lives.

In uncomplicated fractures in the future, such diseases as intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis of the spine may occur.

Therefore, long-term rehabilitation, both in a medical institution and at home, is of great importance.

A source: http://www.medicalj.ru/diseases/emergencies/1069-perelom-pozvonochnika

First aid for fracture of the spine

Fracture of the spine is a mechanical damage to the bone tissue.

Vertebral fractures are dangerous because the spinal canal, its thoracic and cervical spinal cord are located in the spinal cord, and in the lumbar spine are the roots of the spinal nerves.

Also, nerves and blood vessels pass between the vertebral arches. Thus, if the fracture can damage the nerves, the spinal cord due to pinching their injured vertebrae.

The bends of the spinal column are of a natural nature. There are bends: The spine has a rather interesting structure: it is a column of vertebrae superimposed on each other. The number of vertebrae is 33-34, they have a wavy structure and form bends along the entire length of the spinal column.

• Lordosis- directed by convexity forward, is located in the lumbar and cervical divisions.
• Kyphosis- directed by bulge back, is located in the sacral and thoracic areas.

Bends are shock absorbers, reducing the force of jerks during running and walking, and bends protect the spinal cord from mechanical damage.

The vertebra consists of:

• bodies;
• arc, which form the vertebral foramen by fusion;
• articular processes, articulating neighboring vertebrae with each other.

Each department of the spine is in different parts of the spinal column and has its own peculiarities:

1. Neck. There are seven vertebrae in it. The first cervical vertebra does not have a body and a spinous process; it is a ring composed of the posterior and anterior arches. The second vertebra has a tooth ending in the tip and connected to the arch of the vertebra above. The sixth vertebra has a sleepy tubercle, and the seventh - an elongated spinous process.
2. Thoracic department. Number of vertebrae: 12. The body of each vertebra is small in size and has full rib pits and half-jugs.
3. Lumbar section. Number of vertebrae: 5. The vertebral bodies are rather massive, the spinous processes are directed horizontally.
4. Sacral Department. There are 5 vertebrae, which have merged into the sacrum. The base of the sacrum goes to the last vertebra of the lumbar region, and the tip is directed towards the coccyx.

Vertebrae connect between the lower and upper processes of the joints, the vertebral body ligaments and the intervertebral discs.

The mobility of the vertebrae is provided by muscles, ligaments and joints. In this case the joints prevent excessive mobility, and the muscles regulate movement.

Spines of the spinal nerves pass between two adjacent vertebrae. In the lumbar region they form the lumbosacral plexus, from which the sciatic nerve is formed - it forms the nerve endings.

The spine in the human body is the main part of the axial skeleton. We suggest that you read more about each of its departments.

Common causes of vertebral fracture

Fractures of the spine in a healthy person can arise due to the following reasons:

1. The impact of a huge force on the bodies of the vertebrae- sharp and strong blows, falling from a great height, sudden jerking of the body in an accident, a jump from a huge height to straight legs.
2. Age changes, affected the structure of intervertebral cartilage, "wear" of the latter. In this case, the cartilage seems to "sag while it loses its damping properties, and the bodies of the vertebrae swim to each other. Therefore, even with sharp turns and small injuries, a fracture may occur.
3. Osteoporosis. As a result of this disease, the bone structure changes, the bone mass decreases. Bones become brittle, fragile and easily broken even with minor injuries, intense physical exertion. A fracture in the elderly can be triggered even by a strong cough or by a slight weight lift.

Types of vertebral fractures

Compression fracture

This type of fracture is most common and accounts for about 60% of the total number of spinal injuries.

Fracture occurs due to wedging of the vertebra, accompanied by its flexion with vertical compression. In this case, the lesion can spread directly to several vertebrae.

Compression fracture in most cases is the result of falling from a high altitude.

With a compression fracture, spinal discs are seldom damaged and inter-spine ligaments are almost never broken.

The comminuted fracture

One of the varieties of a comminuted fracture is the so-called "explosive" fracture, during which 2 or more fragments are formed. With this fracture, a bone fragment separates from the vertebral body, which can lead to trauma to the spinal cord, nerves and vessels.

Signs and symptoms of vertebral fracture

The clinical picture of a vertebral fracture is as follows:

• The presence of pain in the damaged spine.
• At the point of application of force, bruises and abrasions are formed.
• Change in the physiological curvature of the spinal column.
• Smoothness of lumbar lordosis, scoliosis, increased thoracic kyphosis.
• There is a "syndrome of the reins" - the tensed state of the long dorsal muscles, in which they form distinctive ridges on both sides of the spinous processes of the vertebrae at the site of injury.
• Pain with palpation of spinous processes.
• Increase of interstitial spaces in the place of trauma, protrusion of the spinous process from behind.
• Excessive intensity of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, accompanied by pain in the abdomen (with fracture of the lumbar vertebrae).

The rules that must be observed when providing first aid for vertebral fractures:

• Do not move the injured person in any way. The exception is when the stay at the scene is dangerous for the patient's life.
• It is necessary to give the body of the victim a sufficiently stable position: you can use pillows, blankets, jackets, other improvised means.
• After assistance, call an ambulance immediately.
• You can not tilt and bend the victim's body.
• It is better to help together.
• It is better to lay the injured person face up on the wooden shield and fix the position of the body.

A source: http://vashaspina.com/pozvonochnik/travmyi/pervaya_pomosch_pri_perelome.html

With a fracture of the spine, it is necessary to: identify symptoms, provide first aid

One of the most severe injuries that a person can only get is a fracture of the spine.

It is dangerous because the integrity of the vertebrae is disturbed and the nerves, vessels and even the spinal cord are jammed.

This threatens the further full life and creates a high risk for ever losing mobility of the body.

Types of trauma

Types of vertebral fractures form a certain classification. They are distinguished by localization, severity and other criteria.

Fractures of the spine are of different types and degrees.

On the mechanism of damage and reasons:

• compression: with such a trauma, the height of the vertebrae decreases because of the compression of the spine. A fracture of this type occurs when falling on the back, jumping from height to foot;
• flexion-exessional: extensor-flexural movements of great force lead to fracture of the spine. This is a frequent consequence of auto accidents, gravity falls on the back;
• rotational fracture occurs with a sharp, strong rotation of the spine along the longitudinal axis. One of the reasons for this type of fracture is a direct blow of great force over the trunk.

Fractures can be localized:

• in the lumbar part;
• thoracic department;
• cervical department.
• sacral;
• coccygeal.

There are also fractures:

• multiple, when more than one vertebra is damaged immediately;
• single - in this case, a violation of the integrity of one vertebra is detected;
• stable - with this type of general structure of the spine is not violated, and healthy and damaged vertebrae do not move relative to each other;
• unstable - marked fractures - displacement of injured vertebrae relatively healthy.

The degrees of severity of vertebral fractures are only three:

• 1 degree - characterized by a decrease in the height of the vertebrae by less than 50%;
• 2nd degree - the height decreased by 50%;
• 3 degree - a decrease in the height of the vertebrae by more than 50%.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a vertebral fracture may differ depending on the type of injury.

The signs and symptoms of a vertebral fracture differ depending on which department suffered.

Common symptoms include:

• severe severe pain in the area of ​​the injury;
• weakness, a feeling of numbness in the limbs that are located closer to the site of the fracture;
• Edema of tissues around the area of ​​injury;
• there may be a visible deformation of the spine.

If there was a fracture in the cervical region, there may be a disorder and even a stop of breathing, complete paralysis. Therefore, fractures in this part of the spine are considered to be the most severe.

Trauma in the lumbar region can be accompanied by irradiating pain (giving to the abdomen), a violation of urination.

What to do?

If you suspect a fracture of the spine, you need to give the patient first aid.

Regardless of the degree of severity of the vertebral fracture of the first, second or third, such trauma requires the provision of emergency medical care.

The victim must be transferred to the doctors as soon as possible. But for this, it needs to be properly laid on a stretcher and transported.

Providing first aid for a fracture of the spine involves the implementation of simple rules, however, you must treat to them seriously and strictly, otherwise you can cause irreparable harm and deprive the patient of a chance to complete a life.

First aid

To lay the victim on a stretcher, you need at least three assistants - to support the back of the neck, sternum and pelvis with lower limbs. To lay the patient it is necessary only on the back.

Stretchers or what replaces them must be tough. The body needs to be fixed so that it is still.

In this condition, the patient waits for the arrival of an "ambulance" or he is transported to a nearby hospital on his own.

Prohibited Actions

It is necessary to know what is needed and what can not be done with a fracture of the spine. To unacceptable actions when suspected of such injury include:

• attempts to raise or seat the victim;
• intention to independently fix vertebrae;
• laying in any other position, except on the back;
• transfer of the injured person by the hands and feet or sitting.

Also, do not give patients painkillers in tablets, since such injuries often provoke a disturbance in breathing or swallowing reflex.

Treatment

To treat fracture of the spine can be two ways - surgical or conservative. The choice of method depends on the degree and type of injury, which requires efforts not only on the part of doctors, but also on the patient himself.

Conservative measures

Traditional treatment can put on the patient's feet with a slight degree of injury. It includes the use of corsets, bandages, vests, collars, which are put on the damage area to fix the spinal column motionless and allow it to properly grow together.

Thus the patient observes a strict bed rest. The reception of painkillers, as well as means for improving blood circulation and metabolism in the spinal cord, is indicated, if the trauma was accompanied by its pinching.

Vitamins, preparations with calcium, a strengthened balanced diet supplement treatment.

After a few months (approximately - 2) the doctor can decide on the appointment of massage, physiotherapy and special exercises for the spine.

Surgical methods

Severe fractures of the spine require surgical intervention. It is also carried out in cases when the trauma is complicated by the presence of splinters of bones that press on the spinal cord.

Surgeons use the decompression method, which allows you to bring the vertebrae into a normal state, then fix the spine motionless for complete recovery. If necessary, implants are used - plates made of titanium, synthetic polymers or from bone tissue of the patient.

Physical Education and Exercise for Rehabilitation

To begin exercises it is necessary only after a full fusion of vertebrae and the decision about it accepts the attending physician.

The first period of rehabilitation involves performing simple exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles. Takes this period 7 - 14 days.

For complete recovery of the spine after a fracture, rehabilitation is necessary.

Perform actions only in the prone position:

• squeezing and unclenching of fingers;
• rotation of feet;
• flexion-extension of hands in elbows;
• circular movements of the hands in the elbow joints;
• flexion-extension of the knees;
• raising and lowering the pelvis;
• use of diaphragmatic breathing.
• tension and relaxation of the muscles of the back.

At the second stage, exercises are made that improve blood circulation, accelerate the regeneration of tissues. This stage lasts from two weeks to a month.

These exercises are performed and lying on the stomach:

• to draw arms or hand in the parties or side on a breath, to extend forward and downwards - on exhalation;
• bend the leg in the knee, lift it up and lower it, repeat 5 times;
• straighten the leg to raise by 45 degrees, hold for 5 seconds, lower in the starting position;
• rising on elbows, bend the trunk upwards;
• lifting the head and shoulders from the bed and back.

The third recovery period begins 4 to 6 weeks after the fracture and can continue throughout the year. The purpose of the classes is to restore the flexibility and normal mobility of the spine, motor skills, to restore the correct posture.

• torso bends to the sides;
• squats with a straight back;
• rolling from socks to heels and back;
• the retraction of the legs forward, backward and sideways in the standing position;
• light slopes of the body back with a head thrown back.

Also shown are classes in fitness centers, gyms, but the load is worth checking and eliminating running, weight training, lifting weights.

About the fracture of the spine and rehabilitation after injury tells a specialist in this video:

Conclusion

Fracture of the spine is a dangerous trauma, but with proper first aid and timely surgery, the patient has every chance to recover. But in order for the rehabilitation to be successful, the patient needs to make a lot of efforts to return to a full life.

A source: http://SpinaInfo.com/travmy/neobxodimye-dejstviya-pri-perelome-pozvonochnika

First aid for fracture of the spine, we render quickly and competently

Fracture of the spine - severe damage to the musculoskeletal system. From pre-hospital care it sometimes depends on whether a person can move after an injury or remain in a wheelchair.

The severity of the situation is due to the proximity to the spinal cord and the so-called "horse tail" (vascular plexus). Damage to these organs and further disability results in spinal trauma in 35% of cases.

Fortunately, it is not so often to experience such incidents in life. But the circumstances are unpredictable, therefore, to have some skills of proper home health care in case of a spinal injury will not hurt anyone.

Causes and types of spinal injuries

Injury to the spine is mainly obtained by sportsmen and fans of extreme sports. Most often the spine breaks due to negligence during employment by dangerous sports, falls from a height, unsuccessful jumps in the water.

Another cause of spinal injuries is traffic accidents.

In isolated cases, the spine is so weak that it can not withstand the usual physical exertion (osteoporosis, oncological diseases of the spine and bone marrow, calcium deficiency).

Classification of vertebral fractures:

• By nature - compression and comminuted (explosive);
• The number of injured vertebrae is single and multiple;
• By the degree of contact with the spinal cord - with or without damage to it;
• By the degree of contact with the nerves and intervertebral discs - with or without their defeat;
• On damage to parts of the spine - arches and bodies of vertebrae, articular, spinous and transverse processes;
• By the degree of stability - the fractures are stable and unstable.
• On the localization of trauma in one of the sites of the spine - in the cervical, lumbar or thoracic areas, sacrum, coccyx.

Jumps and falls from a significant height cause a compression fracture. It is often not noticed, therefore, not treated. This type of injury consists in the fact that the damaged vertebra is compressed.

In the injured department, there is excessive mobility, which causes severe pain. Pain syndrome has a cause-the compression of nerve endings. This leads to the slightest physical activity, in particular, bending.

Unfortunately, the pain of this kind is often not paid attention, so in the future the trauma turns into pathologies of the entire musculoskeletal system.

A comminuted or explosive fracture splits the spine into two or more parts. This kind of injury is much more dangerous, because splinters of bones can damage the spinal cord, the "horse tail" area, and other vascular plexuses.

Fracture fracture in one of the parts of the spine causes grave consequences. Intervertebral discs also suffer. It is at this fracture that the careful transportation of the patient is very important. Unlike the compression-type fracture, this trauma is not difficult to notice.

Visual signs of an injured vertebra

Confirm or refute fracture of the spine can only X-ray examination or MRI. Before the patient is taken to the hospital, where the diagnosis is confirmed, the fracture can only be considered a potential one.

It is distinguished by a number of symptoms, according to which an experienced doctor will understand which part of the spine the injury has occurred:

1. Acute pain in the chest and neck characterizes the trauma in the upper parts of the spine (cervical and thoracic vertebrae).
2. Dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, fainting are observed if the spinal cord is damaged. These symptoms are provoked by the affected nerve endings and painful shock.
3. Weakness and loss of sensitivity in the legs, as well as pain giving to the perineum, organ dysfunction small pelvis (bladder, rectum), urination disorders indicate a fracture in the lower back.
4. Inability to sit and walk.
5. Edema and hematoma in the injured department.

Premedical care. Prohibitions when it is provided

Not knowing the symptoms of a fracture, others can only guess at the trauma. Fracture is easy to assume if the victim fell from a height or got into a car accident. Before the arrival of the "first aid" it is important to create the right conditions for the patient, in order not to aggravate the situation.

From improvised materials it is good to make an impromptu corset made of cardboard for neck in the form of a collar.

Only in this way will the body be fixed in a physiologically correct position.

The so-called collar of Shantz is made in this way: the patient's neck is gently wrapped with a thin cloth, then the cardboard is applied, at the end it is fixed with a bandage.

If the pain is unbearable, you can inject a Novocaine or any analgesic in the maximum dosage before helping the medical institution.

Drugs in the form of tablets in case of confusion and loss of sensitivity of certain areas of the body can not be used, since it is possible to swallow.

Before moving the patient to a stretcher, it is worthwhile to make sure whether he is conscious, if not, to feel the pulse and make sure that the person is breathing. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation will be appropriate in the absence of pulse and respiration.

Before performing artificial respiration, check if there is any vomiting in the mouth of the affected emetic.

After that, unclose the nose and repeat the action several times. Between the breaths, do an indirect heart massage.

The chest on the left is intensively pushed, not detached from the body of the victim. 2 inhalations alternate with 25-30 pressure.

In the absence of consciousness, resuscitation should be performed before the arrival of emergency care.

Transportation of a victim with an alleged fracture of the spine is the most difficult in pre-hospital care.

Before the arrival of the emergency room, the patient should be provided with complete rest, without performing any actions by either the spine or limbs. At least three people (preferably five) carry the victim to the car and to the hospital's hospital premises.

Porters coordinate their actions and make them synchronous (they raise the body together). This is the only way to control the entire human body.

During transportation, the limbs and the body are tied to stretchers in two or three places. Stiff stretcher patient transferred to the back, soft - on the stomach.

It is advisable to carry on the back, in this position the condition of the victim is better seen.

There are several prohibited actions that can damage a person with possible spinal injury:

1. In no case should the victim be put or put on his feet.
2. Do not pull the patient's lower and upper limbs.
3. It is impermissible to independently set vertebrae.
4. People with impaired swallowing (with fainting or fainting) should not be given painkillers.
5. It is also forbidden to feed and water a sick person.
6. Arrange the delivery of the victim as soon as possible and as carefully as possible.
7. You can not use your personal transport or taxi, but wait for a specialized car.

Incorrectly delivered first aid can have irreversible consequences for the victim. If the patient can move his hands and feet, responds to tingling, the spinal cord and nerve endings are not damaged. But the final diagnosis can only be made by a qualified specialist.

But a person with a disability after a fracture of the spine remains a person not always, in most cases, with successful treatment and recovery, the victim after a while returns to the usual image life.

It will be useful to see a video with more detailed recommendations on how to provide first aid for a fracture of the spine:

A source: http://VekZhivu.com/article/2586-pervaya-pomoshch-pri-perelome-pozvonochnika-okazyvaem-bystro-i-gramotno