Martial Arts Injuries Shock, Concussions and Spinal Cord Injuries Written by: Craig Snyder, PT, MPT, ATC In this article, I am covering three serious medical conditions: shock, concussions, and spinal cord injuries. In the martial arts, serious injury is possible and the first care that is given can oftentimes be the most important care that is given. Quick thinking and proper care can be the difference between a full recovery and serious permanent injury. This article does not substitute as professional medical advice or training. Please consult a medical professional for any concerns regarding your health or an injury. Spinal Cord Injury A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is cut, damaged, or bruised. Depending on which spinal segment is injured, there will be different symptoms experienced. Typically, function will be lost at all levels below the injured segment of the spine. This is a fairly wide generalization because there can be partial damage, anterior or posterior cord damage, or sparing of different levels, which all have different symptoms. Each spinal cord injury is unique and usually takes time before a complete diagnosis and level of recovery can be determined. Signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury include numbness, tingling, or pain in the legs, arms, and/or trunk, inability to move legs, arms, and/or trunk, pain on the spine, loss of bowel or bladder control, or unconsciousness. With unconsciousness, one must assume a concussion (see above) as well. When a spinal cord injury is suspected, do not move the person who is injured or any other person who is in contact with the injured person. There are only two circumstances when you would move the injured person: 1. CPR is needed (do only if trained and certified), 2. The scene is unsafe and leaving the person in place would cause additional damage, i.e. burning building. As soon as a spinal cord injury is suspected, contact EMS immediately. When treating the person for shock, do NOT elevate the legs or move the person. Keep the person calm as much as possible, but do not touch them as any unnecessary motion can cause additional damage. Spinal cord injuries can happen in basically two different ways in martial arts training. A technique directed to the spine with ample force or an individual falling on his/her head or back from a throwing technique with improper falling. Proper falling techniques with protection of the head and neck should always be taught and drilled repetitively to develop proper falling motor patterns and reflexes so proper falling is instinctive. Techniques that involve the neck should be taught with caution with the knowledge that serious/permanent injury is possible. Effects of Spinal Injury Level of Injury  - Effects C1–C5  Paralysis of muscles used for breathing and all of arm and leg muscles; usually fatal. C5–C6  Legs paralyzed; slight ability to flex arm C6–C7  Paralysis of legs and part of wrists and hands; shoulder movement and elbow-bending relatively preserved C8–T1  Legs and trunk paralyzed; eyelids droop; loss of sweating on the forehead (Homer’s syndrome); arms relatively normal; hands paralyzed T2–T4 Legs and trunk paralyzed; loss of feeling below the nipples T5–T8 Legs and lower trunk paralyzed; loss of feeling below the rib cage T9–T11 Legs paralyzed; loss of feeling below the unbilicus T12–L1 Paralysis and loss of feeling below the groin L2–L5 Different patterns of leg weakness and numbness S1–S2 Different patterns of leg weakness and numbness S3–S5 Loss of bladder and bowel control; numbness in the perineum For this complete article please view Volume IV Issue I of Art of the Warrior, Martial Arts Magazine and subscribe today so you don't miss other upcoming issues.