INJURIES TO THE SPINE Not including the Cervical

INJURIES TO THE SPINE (Not including the Cervical Spine) • THORACIC SPINE (Including Rib Cage) • LUMBAR SPINE (Lower Back) • COCCYGEAL SPINE (Tailbone area) • SKELETAL VS. SOFT TISSUE

INJURIES TO THE SPINE (Not including the Cervical Spine) • IF YOU KNOW NOTHING…. DO NOT MOVE THE ATHLETE!! SEEK A DOCTOR ASAP!

COMMON INJURIES TO THE THORACIC SPINE • Sports injuries to the Thoracic Spine are not as common as other sports-related injuries. • Bone-related injuries (SKELETAL) are more common in this area than soft tissue injuries. • Remember: The Rib Cage is part of the Thoracic Spine

VERTEBRAL FRACTURE • FRACTURES OF THE VERTEBRAL SPINE ARE RARE. • WHEN THEY DO OCCUR IT IS CAUSED BY: • DIRECT BLOW TO POSTERIOR THORAX • EXTREME FLEXION OF THE THORACIC SPINE FORCING A COMPRESSION OF THE SPINE

VERTEBRAL FRACTURE • SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: • Pain in the area of injury • Athlete may be able to stand even move about. • Any motion specific to the trunk will be extremely painful. Ex: Twisting or rotating • Swelling and discoloration • Muscle spasm over injury area

VERTEBRAL FRACTURE TREATMENT • IMMEDIATELY APPLY P. R. I. C. E. • REMOVE ATHLETE FROM PARTICIPATION • REFER TO A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY

RIB FRACTURE • USUALLY A POSTERIOR RIB FRACTURE • OCCURS FROM A DIRECT BLOW. • FRACTURES MAY OCCUR ANYWHERE ALONG THE RIB BUT MOST COMMONLY OCCUR AT THE ANGLE OF THE RIB BECAUSE IT’S THE WEAKEST POINT.

RIB FRACTURE • SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: • Pain when breathing • Possibly a protruding rib or a depression where the normal contour of the rib should be • Swelling and discoloration • Pain when rib is compressed by physician • In severe cases, lung damage may occur

RIB FRACTURE TREATMENT • • • Immediately PRICE Treat for Shock Refer to Doctor Immediately Complications are rare. However, they can be VERY dangerous.

SPRAINS AND STRAINS • STRAINS occur more often than SPRAINS in the thoracic region because this area is so well supported. • Treat with PRICE

INJURIES TO THE SPINE (Not including the Cervical Spine) • IF YOU KNOW NOTHING…. DO NOT MOVE THE ATHLETE!! SEEK A DOCTOR ASAP!

TRAUMATIC FRACTURES OF LUMBAR VERTEBRA • Traumatic Fractures of the Lumbar Vertebrae are uncommon in sports • Usually associated with a severe blow to lumbar region. • MUST BE TREATED WITH GREAT CARE.

TRAUMATIC FRACTURES OF LUMBAR REGION • • Radiating Pain Into Buttocks and Legs Possibly Abdominal Pain Severe Pain Swelling and Tenderness