Coaches, parents and teens should know what to do in the event of an apparent spinal injury. First and foremost, never move the person yourself; doing so could lead to permanent paralysis. Summon emergency medical assistance. Among the signs that point to possible damage of the spine or spinal cord:
- complaints of severe pain in the neck or back
- complaints of weakness, numbness, paralysis in extremities
- lack of control of the bladder, bowel or the limbs
- the injured person sustained a massive blow to the head, the neck or the back
- the neck or back appears twisted or out of position