content provided by Healthwise
Emergencies
Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
- Pain in the upper back with chest pain that is crushing, squeezing, or feels like a heavy weight on your chest or that occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack
- Signs of shock
- Back pain that follows a severe injury, such as a:
- Motor vehicle accident
- Fall from a height of 15°ft (5°m) or higher
- Major sports-related injury
- Direct blow to the spine with a moving object
- Forceful strike on top of the head
- Very hard fall on the buttocks that sent pain into your back
- Penetrating injury, such as a gunshot wound or stab wound
- Symptoms of a spinal cord injury immediately following a back injury, including:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Weakness in the legs
- Numbness or tingling in the buttocks, genital area, or legs
Note: If you think that a person has injured his or her spine, do not move the person unless there is an immediate threat to his or her life, such as a fire. If there is immediate danger, keep the person's head, neck, and back supported and in a straight line while you move him or her to a safe place. See first aid for a spinal injury.
Print This
| Last updated: | August 28, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
