Effects of Spinal Immobilization with Backboard at 20 Degrees on Pain and Discomfort Levels

Abstract

Background

Although spinal immobilization (SI) in the form of reverse Trendelenburg at a 20-degree angle has been shown to reduce undesirable side effects, such as decreased respiratory function seen with 0-degree SI, concerns exist that SI at 20 degrees might increase pain and discomfort, particularly in the lower body, because of gravity.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate whether SI at a 20-degree angle results in different levels of pain and discomfort in various body regions compared to SI at a 0-degree angle.

Methods

This experimental study was conducted with healthy adult volunteers aged 25 to 45 years who had no chronic illnesses or obesity (body mass index <30). Each volunteer underwent two separate immobilization sessions on different days: once at a 0-degree angle (0-degree group) and once at a 20-degree angle (20-degree group), each lasting 1 hour. Vital signs and pain/discomfort levels by visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded at baseline, 15, 30, and 60 min.

Results

A total of 51 volunteers participated in the study. While a statistically significant increase in pain and discomfort was observed over time in both the 0-degree and 20-degree groups, no statistically significant difference in VAS scores was found between the two groups at any time point.

Conclusion

Although SI at a 20-degree angle does not reduce the pain and discomfort associated with the 0-degree position, it also does not increase these symptoms.