Pain in the spine or in the ligaments and
muscles around it.
Recognition
- Dull to severe pain in the back or neck increased by movement.
- Pain traveling down any of the limbs, possibly together with tingling and numbness.
- Spasms of the muscles causing the neck or back to be held rigid or bent.
- Tenderness in the muscles.
Priorities
- To relieve pain.
- Obtain medical aid.
Steps in administering aid.
- Put on gloves.
- Advice the casualty to lie down flat in the most comfortable position for him/her and stay still until the pain eases, either on the ground or on a firm mattress.
- Assist the casualty to take his/her own painkillers, if necessary.
- If the symptoms persist, call his/her doctor or send him/her to hospital.
