Always bear in mind the swimmers, scuba divers and boating enthusiasts enjoy being in water. Many of these water fanatics have experienced diving into lakes, pools and the sea in order to explore the underwater world. Despite the enjoyment during these activities, injuries can still occur, especially diving-related injuries that affect the neck. These neck injuries while diving can be serious since it can cause trauma to the head, fractures and even nerve damage.
Neck injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and the head, resulting to neurological and structural damage. Injuries to the neck can be due to a blow to the head through the shoulders as well as the effect of pressure at deep depths during scuba diving. Based on studies, it was discovered that young children and adults are prone to dive-related neck injuries while engaging in water sports.
Symptoms of neck injuries
Always remember that neck injuries can result to bone and nerve damage. The injuries to the bone typically include fractures, breaks and sprains. The structural injuries to the neck and head are quite apparent often involving dislocated or broken bones as well as bleeding and bruising. The effects of nerve damage can be evident immediately or after some time. Indications of nerve damage include tingling sensation, concussion, visual problems and impaired motor function. All cases of neck injuries must be assessed by a healthcare professional since delayed treatment can lead to further complications.
What are at risk?
Individuals who unintentionally dive in shallow water can sustain neck injuries since the depth of the water is miscalculated. Always remember that the distortion of the water in sloped pools and rocky area can make the bottom look farther away.
If an individual dives from a boat, it can also affect the angle of access into the water, resulting to a deeper dive. Even swimming pools with diving platforms and overhangs can cause injury for individuals who quickly ascend to the surface. Take note that quick ascent or prolonged time underwater while scuba diving can increase the risk for decompression illness that can lead to physical and neurological damage.
Treatment for neck
The initial first aid measure to perform when a diving accident occurs is to get the individual out of the water. Once the individual is out of the water and breathing, the treatment for the structural injuries is to control the bleeding, manage shock and immobilize injured parts. Any diving injury that involves neck injuries must be assessed for a possible concussion.
Common misconceptions
Diving neck injuries are not always apparent or immediate. Take note that water has a cooling effect on the body. Some of the minor injuries where the diver accidentally scraped the bottom of a pool can lead to a bruise over time while fractures will not produce swelling until the next day.
The neurological effects can occur after the diver is out of the water such as nausea. Trained healthcare professionals and lifeguards utilize techniques to help an individual out of the water while minimizing movement to the head and neck since diving neck injuries can be serious.