In some cases, dislocation is followed by complications. A medically unqualified person should not attempt to manipulate the joint back into position because of the risk of seriously damaging nerves around the joint or making a fracture worse. Immobilize the joint by means of a splint or, in the case of a dislocated shoulder, with a sling on the arm. No food or drink should be given to the victim, because a general anesthetic is usually required to reset the bones. Dislocation of the spinal vertebrae resulting from a severe back injury can damage the spinal cord, sometimes causing paralysis below the point of injury.
First aid is the same as for other spinal injuries.
Dislocations of the shoulder or hip joint can damage major nerves in the arm or leg, again sometimes resulting in paralysis. Treat these injuries the same as if they were fractures. A sprain causes painful swelling of the joint, which cannot be moved without increasing the pain. There may also be spasms of surrounding muscles. Treatment consists of applying an ice pack to reduce swelling, wrapping the joint with a compression bandage, resting it in a raised position until the pain and swelling begin to subside, and taking pain killers to relieve pain.