A bruise on the spine appears as a result of a bruise. It is easy to get such an injury, since the spinal column, despite its importance, is not so well protected. This is due to the small amount of protective muscle tissue in the back.
Nature of the problem
Is it necessary to go to the doctor if bruises appear on the spine? Before answering this question, it is necessary to find out what a bruise is. According to medical terminology, it is called a hematoma, probably, it happened in everyone's life.
A hematoma is an outflow from a vessel and the accumulation of a certain amount of blood under the skin. But bruises are not only subcutaneous. There are hematomas of internal organs, including in the region of the spinal column.
Do not relate to this phenomenon with ease. Since in some cases hematomas of the spine threaten not only complications, but sometimes they can be life-threatening.
Of course, when a bruise preceded the appearance of a bruise, but if a bruise on the spine appeared for no apparent reason, this is an occasion to sound the alarm.
Reasons for the appearance
The most common cause of hematomas on the back is spinal injury. But it so happens that a bruise on the spine appeared for no apparent reason.
Perhaps the human body has problems with blood coagulation or vascular disorders. For example, vascular abnormalities of the spinal column, which is a congenital pathology. Some medications (anticoagulants) can also affect the development of this problem. As a result of increased pressure in the vessels in the region of the spine, hematomas appear.
Sometimes this picture is observed in women after childbirth. In this case, nothing supernatural happens, the treatment is not carried out especially, and the bruises pass on their own over time.
Another common cause of bruising on the spine is increased physical activity. For example, weight lifting, power and extreme sports, etc.
Thus, summarizing the foregoing, we can identify the main causes of bruising along the spine:
- vascular disorders;
- hematomas after childbirth;
- poor blood coagulability;
- abnormalities in the development of vessels of the spinal column;
- tumors in the spine;
- taking certain medications;
- spinal cord injuries;
- increased pressure in the vessels of the spine;
- prolonged sitting in one position, in an uncomfortable position;
- increased loads of the physical plan;
- extreme sports.
Hematoma of the spine: symptoms
If the cause of the hematoma is not trauma, then at the beginning of the disease, the person has no complaints of any discomfort in the spine. As the disease progresses, increasing pain arises. The nature of the pain can be various, acute or aching, have a local or herpes zoster.
Later, neurological disorders, for example, muscle weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, join. Over time, the work of internal organs is disrupted, convulsions occur, and in severe cases, paralysis develops.
Urgently should consult a doctor if, along with the appearance of hematomas on the back, there were also problems of the following plan:
- Decreased visual acuity.
- Low blood pressure.
- Trouble breathing.
Symptoms of spinal injuries
Since the spine is divided into three departments (cervical, thoracic and lumbar), the symptoms will also appear depending on the location of the bruise.
- Injury of the cervical region - difficulty breathing, dizziness and nausea, sometimes loss of consciousness. Pain in the back of the head or neck, instability of blood pressure. Violations of muscle reflexes, narrowing of the pupils, dry skin.
- Thoracic region - pain in the thoracic region, which radiates to other organs, often to the heart muscle. Muscle weakness, erectile dysfunction, problems with emptying and urination, girdle pain.
- Lumbar pain in the back and buttocks. Unpleasant sensations during urination. Loss of tendon reflexes, leg pain, weakness, numbness of the lower extremities, sometimes paralysis.
First aid to the injured
First aid for getting injured is very important, as the whole subsequent recovery process will depend on this. Prior to the arrival of an ambulance, which must be called, it is necessary to provide first aid. This is to relieve pain and alleviate the general condition.
Do not try to raise a person, much less put him on his feet, this is fraught with complications. It is necessary to ensure complete rest for the patient, if possible, bandage the injury site with a not very tight bandage. To reduce pain and reduce swelling, ice wrapped in tissue is applied to the damaged area. If it is not, you can use any cold item.
Ice must not come into contact with the skin, otherwise it will be damaged. Cold is applied for 15 minutes, after which a break is made, and you can again apply it to an injured place. And so on all day.
If the pain does not rest, then it is recommended that the patient take drugs such as Spazmalgon, Analgin, Pentalgin, etc.
If the injury is severe, then a person may experience cardiac arrest and breathing. In this case, emergency lung ventilation is done through artificial respiration and indirect heart massage.
Diagnostic measures
Diagnostic measures for bruising on the spine, both in a child and in an adult, are reduced to the following actions:
- Conversation with the patient about the symptoms of the disease and possible injuries, bruises.
- Visual examination of the patient, which allows to identify the localization of hematomas, curvature of the spine, etc.
- Verification of nerve reactions. It is carried out using special tools that allow you to determine the reflexes of a person and tactile sensations.
- Palpation of the spinal column.
- Blood and urine donation for general analysis. Thanks to this study, you can find out about the general condition of the body and the presence of inflammatory processes.
- Roentgenography. It will determine the place of damage and its nature.
- CT and MRI will more accurately illuminate the picture of what is happening, damage to the spinal cord, vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
- Lumbar puncture can confirm or refute the presence of hemorrhage in the spinal cord.
Only after determining the pathology can you start the therapy prescribed by your doctor.
How to treat bruises on the back in the spine?
First of all, it is worth visiting a doctor. Such hematomas should be treated conservatively and systematically. Only under the condition of complex therapy can it be eliminated in a short time.
Do not let the patient move a lot, ideally, they prescribe bed rest. Usually prescribed drugs that improve blood coagulation and a means to stop bleeding.
Antibacterial therapy is often necessary, sometimes nooprotectors are prescribed.
In the rehabilitation period, according to the doctor’s testimony, the patient is prescribed a course of restorative gymnastics and massage. An important role in the recovery period is played by the necessary vitamins and minerals.
If a severe spinal injury occurs, the patient will be forced to stay in bed for a long time. At this time, there is a threat of the formation of pressure sores. So that they do not appear, as well as for the treatment of initial inflammation, you need to use drugs such as Chlorhexidine, Levomekol, Solcoseryl.
Surgery
If conservative methods can not eliminate the bruise on the spine, then a surgical procedure is performed, the task of which is to create a vacuum and, after establishing drainage, pump out the leaked blood. In this way, recurrence of the hematoma is prevented.
In order not to develop the inflammatory process, a person is prescribed a course of antibiotics. In the next six months, any back pressure is excluded.
Alternative treatment
From folk recipes, you can advise the following:
- Bath with mint. A decoction of mint leaves is poured into the bath, it should spend 20-30 minutes.
- Beans It must be welded, frayed and applied to a sore spot.
- Potato starch. Starch should be diluted in water and applied as a compress to a bruise.
What doctors say when bruises appear on the spine for no reason
Doctors on this occasion say that it is worth paying more attention to your health. If you find a bruise on the spine - on the lower back, closer to the neck or in another nearby area, for no apparent reason, do not panic. You need to see a doctor who will direct you to the examination, after which he will prescribe adequate treatment. If the specialist decided that they did not carry anything serious, you can use home methods to quickly resolve them.