1. Hands off help
If you come across someone who has injured his or her back in an accident, the best thing to do is to leave them alone while you call the ambulance. Do not move them unless you have absolutely no choice - it is too dangerous.

2. Expert advice
Get professional help as quickly as possible. Back injuries may also cause internal damage to the kidneys, liver or spleen or other internal organs. Many patients are given worse injuries as a result of people trying to help them.

3. Move safely
If there is absolutely no choice but to move the patient then the way to do it is to roll out a blanket alongside the patient, roll him or her onto it, and then get several people to lift the blanket with the patient inside it.

4. Forget the tea, keep the sympathy
Don't give injured patients anything to drink. The drink may be vomited and then inhaled into the lungs. Also, the patient may need an anaesthetic and should not drink beforehand.

The best advice for less dramatic injuries is "gently does it". Trying to rush your recovery can make things worse. Seek help from an experienced physiotherapist and let them guide you and your spine back to health.

Dr Lefever runs a general medical practice at The PROMIS Unit, 2a Pelham Street, London SW7 3HU. Tel: 0207 584 6511

Dr Lefever is an acclaimed expert on addictions and head of the PROMIS organisation. Check out his columns in www.Channelhealth.tv for more information.