2. 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

3. COMMON INJURIES TO THE 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. VERTEBRAL FRACTURE TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY APPLY P.R.I.C.E. REMOVE ATHLETE FROM PARTICIPATION REFER TO A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY

7. 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.

8. 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

9. RIB FRACTURE TREATMENT Immediately PRICE Treat for Shock Refer to Doctor Immediately Complications are rare. However, they can be VERY dangerous.

10. SPRAINS AND STRAINS STRAINS occur more often than SPRAINS in the thoracic region because this area is so well supported. Treat with PRICE

11. SPRAINS AND STRAINS STRAINS occur more often than SPRAINS in the thoracic region because this area is so well supported. Treat with PRICE