When examining the spine, what should be checked for?

When examining the spine, checking for bruises and bumps is crucial because these signs can indicate potential injuries or trauma to the spinal structure. Bruises may suggest internal bleeding or damage to the vertebrae or surrounding tissues, while bumps can be indicative of fractures or dislocations. Identifying these physical markers is essential in assessing the overall condition of the spine, especially in situations where a spinal injury is suspected.

Curvature of the spine is often evaluated for conditions like scoliosis, which is important in a different context but does not directly relate to acute trauma assessment. Bridges or tunnels, and temperature variations, while they may have relevance in certain medical contexts, do not specifically provide the same immediate insights into spinal integrity as bruises and bumps do. Therefore, in the context of a focused spinal examination, identifying visible signs of trauma is a key priority.