The effect of spinal immobilization on healthy volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of standard spinal immobilization on a group of healthy volunteers with respect to induced pain and discomfort.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University teaching hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-one healthy volunteers with no history of back disease.


METHODS
Subjects were placed in standard backboard immobilization for a 30-minute period. Number and severity of immediate and delayed symptoms were determined.


RESULTS
One hundred percent of subjects developed pain within the immediate observation period. Occipital headache and sacral, lumbar, and mandibular pain were the most frequent symptoms. Fifty-five percent of subjects graded their symptoms as moderate to severe. Twenty-nine percent of subjects developed additional symptoms over the next 48 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Standard spinal immobilization may be a cause of pain in an otherwise healthy subject.
Chan
D
D
Department of Emergency Medicine, Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center.
Goldberg
R
R
Tascone
A
A
Harmon
S
S
Chan
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000628:therapy*