After an Accident ยท California

Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms After an Accident

A spinal cord injury affects the bundle of nerves running through the spine that carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and even a partial injury can cause lasting effects if it isn't treated immediately.

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We are not a law firm or a medical provider. We connect you with doctors who treat these injuries.

Why this happens

High-force impacts, falls from height, being thrown from a vehicle, or a heavy object striking the back or neck can damage the spinal cord itself, separate from a fracture in the surrounding bone. Symptoms depend on where along the spine the injury occurs, but often include numbness, weakness, or loss of coordination below the level of the injury. This is one of the few injury types where minutes matter: keeping the spine still and getting emergency evaluation immediately can affect the outcome.

When this is a medical emergency

Call 911 and do not move the person if there is any suspicion of a spinal injury, especially with:

  • Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation anywhere below the neck or back
  • Weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Any neck or back pain following a fall from height, being thrown from a vehicle, or a high-speed crash

Commonly linked to these accident types

This symptom shows up often after these kinds of accidents. Find help specific to your situation.

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Frequently asked questions

Can you have a spinal cord injury without a broken back?

Yes. The spinal cord can be bruised, compressed, or damaged by swelling even without a visible fracture on imaging. This is why any numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation after significant trauma needs to be evaluated as a possible spinal cord injury, not dismissed just because there's no obvious break.

What should I do if I suspect someone has a spinal injury before help arrives?

Do not move the person unless there's an immediate danger like fire, and try to keep their head, neck, and back as still as possible. Call 911 immediately. Moving someone with a spinal injury incorrectly can worsen the damage, which is why professional emergency handling matters so much here.

Do symptoms of a spinal cord injury always appear right away?

Not always. Swelling around the spinal cord can develop over hours, meaning symptoms can worsen or appear over the first day or two after the injury. Anyone with a significant trauma to the back or neck should be monitored closely even if they seem okay immediately afterward.

Other symptoms

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