Spinal precautions

Spinal precautions, also known as spinal immobilization and spinal motion restriction, are efforts to prevent movement of the bones of the spine in those with a risk of a spine injury. This is done as an effort to prevent injury to the spinal cord in unstable spinal fractures. About 0.5-3% of people with blunt trauma will have a spine injury, with 42-50% of injuries due to motor vehicle accidents, 27-43% from falls or work injuries, and the rest due to sports injuries (9%) or assault (11%). The majority of spinal cord injuries are to the cervical spine (neck, 52%), followed by the thoracic (upper back) and lumbar (lower back) spine. Cervical spinal cord injuries can result in tetraplegia or paraplegia, depending on severity. Of spine injuries, only 0.01% are unstable and require intervention (either surgery or a spinal orthosis).

Some authors argue that use of spinal precautions is controversial because benefit is unclear and there are significant drawbacks including pressure ulcers, increased pain, and delayed transport times. Spinal boards can also be uncomfortable.