What is the correct thing to do when I hurt my back or neck? Or, expressed another way, what is the protocol I should follow? Questions that have been asked countless times over the years, and when the correct protocol is followed, the benefits to the sufferer are major. The reverse is also true, in that an incalculable number of people have suffered so unnecessarily simple because they have been unaware of the correct way to proceed, or they have been given very poor advice. As a consequence of any sudden trauma, whether it is an episode such as a fall, an impact injury, a spinal compression incident, or any other episode that might lead a person to suspect trauma has occurred, there are two matters that should be considered urgently.
The first matter is that the spine has probably been compressed as a result of the episode. This is due to either the weight-bearing effect causing a vertical compression of the spinal column, or the consequence of the muscles going into protective spasm where the muscle fibres contract [shorten] across segments of the spine. This is a common occurrence that often results in spinal compression if it is not addressed soon after the episode, and although it is generally reversible with appropriate action, failure to do so, can and does result in potentially degenerative and painful spinal consequences. There is also the distinct potential for both of these factors to occur simultaneously.
The second matter involves the distinct possibility that the traumatic episode has produced a response by the body in the region causing the soft tissue and/or the vertebral column to become inflamed. Additionally in this scenario, the body often dumps fluid into the affected region to immobilise the region. Urgency in dealing with inflammation, and fluid, should be seen as a priority because the quicker the inflammation is controlled, the sooner the process of rehabilitation can begin. It is widely agreed that the presence of inflammation and/or fluid must be addressed as the first priority before any other strategies toward recovery are implemented. To ignore this phase will generally delay the prospects of genuine progress, and in truth, will probably prolong the suffering significantly.
As we look more closely at matter number one [that of possible, and often probable spinal compression], we realise that if handled in an appropriate manner, the inflammatory phase can be avoided completely, or in the very least, may be short-circuited by de-compressing the spine as a matter of urgency. As a general rule, the sooner this is done, the better. The manner in which this is carried out is critical to the chances of rehabilitation and needs to be done before the spinal compression has time to have a degenerative effect. As stated, the elimination of spinal compression within a short period of time after the episode can avoid inflammation in the affected region, and in the majority of cases, this de-compression process can be achieved without medical intervention, or the need for specialised equipment provided of course that the spinal column and its component structures have retained their integrity. Catastrophically, it has been the failure to reverse the effects of prolonged compression that has caused spinal degeneration, rather than the initial traumatic episode.
The method of spinal de-compression is a crucial one, and should be done utilising the person’s own body weight in accordance with a proven de-compression strategy. This strategy must encompass the three essential elements of rehabilitation; 1) restoration of body symmetry, 2) restoration of the 3 spinal movement functions, and 3) restoration of specific spinal support strength, which is an issue that is lost with muscles beginning to atrophy within days of the episode. The method should be done in a non-weight bearing environment with the spine in a horizontal aspect, or with the spine vertical but in a buoyant medium such as water below body temperature.
The second matter that has been stated above revolves around the likelihood of inflammation being present. This reaction often occurs after the sorts of traumas detailed above and when spinal de-compression has not been effectively performed soon enough after the trauma. This is a matter that can never be overstated, and should almost always be seen as a matter of absolute urgency. Also it is prudent to implement a protocol that suspects the presence of inflammation as a precautionary measure if it is considered that sufficient trauma has occurred.
Immediately after the essential de-compression of the spine, and ideally prior to the body cooling down after the trauma has occurred, it is wise to follow the I.C.E. protocol. The I.C.E. acronym affords a prudent and effective way to combat the effects of inflammation and fluid. ‘I’ standing for ice, which is a naturally occurring analgesic and a safe way to reduce and minimise inflammation. The ‘C’ stands for compression and is an efficient means of reducing fluid, and the ‘E’ stands for elevation, a useful method to assist in draining fluid to be eliminated from the body
Soon after the evidence of inflammation and fluid has been eliminated an efficient method of achieving spinal de-compression and the restoration of the spine’s three movement functions should be initiated. The out-dated mind-set of ‘get plenty of bed rest and the problem will heal itself’ is a dangerous strategy to follow in most instances, and more people have prolonged their suffering by adopting this policy than those who have benefited. Bed rest, particularly bed rest with a de-compressed spine and atrophying muscle fibres is tantamount to a painful failure, and the quicker a person in this predicament is able to address these issues within a respectful consideration of possible inflammation and the presence of fluid, the better placed the person is to enjoy complete and rapid rehabilitate from the perils of back and neck pain.
Viewed 33 times by 28 viewers
