Back injuries Injuries to the spine can cause paralysis, so first aiders must treat suspected back injuries very carefully.

What are they?

The spine, or backbone, protects the spinal cord, which controls many body functions. Back injuries can be caused by pinching or displacement of nerves, or by spinal fracture.

Symptoms

Suspect a spinal injury after an awkward fall or awkward injury. Look for:

• Localised tenderness around the back or neck
• Shooting pains in casualty's limbs
• Limbs feeling heavy or tingling
• Loss of sensation in limbs below level of injury
• Breathing difficulties

First aid aims

• Prevent further injury
• Get casualty to hospital

Actions if casualty is conscious

• Call 999
• Do not attempt to move casualty
• Offer reassurance
• Steady and support casualty's head in your hands

Actions if casualty is unconscious

• Check airway and breathing
• Place casualty in modified recovery position if you have help

Actions if casualty stops breathing

• Call 999
• Open airway
• Check for breathing again
• Give resuscitation until help arrives

This article was reviewed by the British Red Cross in April 2007.