Spinal Trauma
Understanding injuries to spinal bones, ligaments, and nerve structures, from emergency assessment to follow-up.
Request My ConsultationWhen to seek urgent care
Suspected spinal cord injury is an emergency. Call 911 after an injury with new weakness, loss of sensation, breathing difficulty, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Avoid moving the injured person unless there is an immediate danger.
Understanding spinal trauma
Spinal trauma includes injuries to the structures that support and protect the spinal cord and nerves. A fracture does not always involve spinal cord damage, but both spinal stability and neurological function must be assessed after a significant injury.
Common symptoms
- Severe neck or back pain after a fall, collision, or other impact.
- Numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty moving.
- Changes in bladder or bowel control; breathing difficulty can occur with serious injuries.
What can cause it?
Vehicle collisions, falls, and sports impacts are possible causes. Injury severity depends on the forces involved and the structures damaged. Weak bone can fracture with less force. Symptoms may not reveal the full extent of an injury immediately.
How it is evaluated
Emergency clinicians first address immediate threats and protect the spine. Neurological examination and imaging assess bone, alignment, and the spinal cord. CT is often used for fractures; MRI can clarify soft-tissue injury or pressure on nerve structures.
Treatment considerations
These are general educational options. A consultation helps determine what is appropriate for your diagnosis and health.
Explore spine injuries and deformity →Questions for your visit
- Which structures were injured, and what restrictions protect them?
- What follow-up and rehabilitation should happen after emergency care?
Sources and further reading
This guide is educational and does not replace an individual medical evaluation.
Bring your questions. Understand your options.
Talk with a member of our team about your symptoms and next steps.