Cervical spine immobilization is a manual technique employed to stabilize the neck following a suspected injury. This action prevents further movement of the vertebrae in the neck, reducing the risk of exacerbating potential spinal cord damage. An example of its application is during the initial assessment and treatment of a motor vehicle accident victim exhibiting neck pain.
Maintaining stability of the cervical spine is critical in trauma care. It minimizes the potential for neurological complications arising from unstable fractures or dislocations. Historically, rigid cervical collars were the primary method of stabilization; however, manual immobilization provides immediate control and can be adjusted based on patient condition until definitive stabilization is achieved.