INJURIES TO THE SPINE (Not including the Cervical

Spine)• THORACIC SPINE (Including Rib Cage)• LUMBAR SPINE (Lower Back)• COCCYGEAL SPINE (Tailbone area)• SKELETAL VS. SOFT TISSUE

COMMON INJURIES TOTHE THORACIC SPINE

• Sports injuries to the Thoracic Spine are not as common as other sports-related injuries.

• Bone-related injuries (SKELETAL) are more common in this area than soft tissue injuries.

• Remember: The Rib Cage is part of the Thoracic Spine

VERTEBRAL FRACTURE

• FRACTURES OF THE VERTEBRAL SPINE ARE RARE.

• WHEN THEY DO OCCUR IT IS CAUSED BY:• DIRECT BLOW TO POSTERIOR THORAX• EXTREME FLEXION OF THE THORACIC

SPINE FORCING A COMPRESSION OF THE SPINE

VERTEBRAL FRACTURE

• SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:• Pain in the area of injury• Athlete may be able to stand and even move

about.• Any motion specific to the trunk will be extremely

painful. Ex: Twisting or rotating• Swelling and discoloration• Muscle spasm over injury area

VERTEBRAL FRACTURETREATMENT

• IMMEDIATELY APPLY P.R.I.C.E.• REMOVE ATHLETE FROM PARTICIPATION• REFER TO A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY

RIB FRACTURE

• USUALLY A POSTERIOR RIB FRACTURE• OCCURS FROM A DIRECT BLOW.• FRACTURES MAY OCCUR ANYWHERE

ALONG THE RIB BUT MOST COMMONLY OCCUR AT THE ANGLE OF THE RIB BECAUSE IT’S THE WEAKEST POINT.

RIB FRACTURE

• SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:• Pain when breathing• Possibly a protruding rib or a depression where

the normal contour of the rib should be• Swelling and discoloration• Pain when rib is compressed by physician• In severe cases, lung damage may occur

RIB FRACTURETREATMENT

• Immediately PRICE • Treat for Shock• Refer to Doctor Immediately• Complications are rare.• However, they can be VERY dangerous.

SPRAINS ANDSTRAINS

• STRAINS occur more often than SPRAINS in the thoracic region because this area is so well supported.

• Treat with PRICE

SPRAINS ANDSTRAINS

• STRAINS occur more often than SPRAINS in the thoracic region because this area is so well supported.

• Treat with PRICE