# Signs of a Spinal Injury After a Car Accident ![A highlighted spinal cord injury of a man who suffered a spinal injury after a car accident.](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/what-are-the-signs-of-a-spinal-injury-after-a-car-accident-300x200.jpg) What are the signs of a spinal injury after a car accident? Common signs of acute spinal injury include **pain**,**numbness**,**difficulty breathing**,**and movement problems**,**among others**. Discuss signs of spinal injury and compensation with a [Salt Lake City car accident lawyer](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/salt-lake-city-ut/car-accident-lawyer/).  ## Signs of a Spinal Injury After a Car Accident First responders are critical in identifying signs of a spinal injury. Impaired mobility below the injury site is a sign of a complete spinal injury. Incomplete spinal injuries allow mobility but present a range of varying symptoms. After a car accident, the symptoms you experience may appear gradually. Our [complete guide to spinal cord injuries](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/faqs/complete-guide-to-spinal-cord-injuries/) highlights the **signs of a spinal injury following a car wreck**. Importantly, it allows you to get the help you deserve.  ### A Spinal Injury May Cause Sensory Changes The body constantly receives messages through an intricate nerve network. Damage to the spine may interfere with the body’s processing of sensory messages. Sensory changes may increase the risks of other bodily damage. Sensory changes may include the inability to notice temperature changes. The failure to detect pressure changes can lead to cutting and crushing injuries. These changes may produce stinging or burning that feels like pinpricks. ### Changes in the Arms and Legs After a Car Accident Causing Spinal Injury  Even minor damage to the spine may lead to weakness in the arms and legs. In worst-case scenarios, paralysis may occur in the arms, legs, or both. Identifying the [impact of a spinal cord injury](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/faqs/how-will-a-spinal-cord-injury-affect-your-life/) is crucial to account for future medical costs.  Activities like walking or running may become more challenging. Weakness in the arms and legs may impair one’s ability to perform one’s job. Therapy to address muscle weakness and prevent atrophy can create lifelong costs. ### Spinal Injuries May Lead to Bladder and Bowel Issues Spinal injuries may impair neuron transmission. As a result, overfilling or overflowing of the bladder may occur and can lead to [urinary incontinence](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/urinary-incontinence-a-to-z). Using a catheter or colostomy as a result of severe injuries may be necessary.  Experiencing more urinary tract infections may be a **sign of a spine injury after a car accident**. Females may notice vaginal irritation or infections. Poor mobility may cause challenges in getting to a restroom before bladder or bowel leaks.  ### Breathing May Be Difficult After a Car Accident Muscles used in breathing may weaken or fail to respond to brain signals. Weakened muscles reduce lung capacity, which in turn may lead to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia. Coughing breaks up mucus in the lungs, preventing illness. Ineffective breathing and the inability to cough can suppress immune function. Discuss severe symptoms, like blood clots, with a [Salt Lake City catastrophic injury lawyer](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/salt-lake-city-ut/catastrophic-injury-lawyer/).  ### Changes in Sexual Function Can Occur Spinal injuries may impact the ability to achieve and maintain erections. Vaginal secretion may also decrease due to limited blood flow to the sexual organs. Fertility challenges may be an indication of spinal injury after a car wreck. **Therapy**,**counseling, and medication** can improve sexual function. Sexual dysfunction’s impact on a relationship is a challenge accompanying spine injuries. [Sexuality and fertility management](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/sexuality-and-fertility-management-after-spinal-cord-injury/about/pac-20394993) can improve the outcomes of a spinal injury.  ### Pain May Become Chronic Damage to the spine, over time, can lead to devastating, chronic pain. Severe pain can make working, daily activities, and interacting with family and friends difficult. Pain is also socially isolating and can impact your quality of life. Depression, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts can develop with relentless pain. Pain management may include surgeries, medications, and therapies. Discuss worsening pain after a car accident with a medical provider. For a free legal consultation, call [(801) 266-0999](tel:+18012660999) ## Common Spine Injuries in a Car Accident There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to spine injuries. **Signs of a spine injury after a car accident** may cause symptoms that appear to be other illnesses. Common spine injuries resulting from car accidents include: - **Herniated disks**: Often the result of the force of impact on the spine - **Whiplash**: The violent motion snapping the neck backward and forward on impact. Note these [signs of whiplash after a car accident](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/faqs/how-to-tell-if-i-have-whiplash-after-a-car-accident/) - **Spinal fracture**: Breaks occurring either totally or partially in the vertebrae of the spine, putting pressure on nerves - **Spinal stenosis**: A narrowing of the spine’s canal, causing pressure on the nerves that may lead to tingling, numbness, or pain A general awareness of changes or sensations that are out of character for your body is crucial. Pre-existing conditions may significantly impact a spinal injury. Medical documentation plays a vital role in creating a timeline of your injuries.  ## Take These Steps if You Experience Signs of a Spinal Injury After a Car Accident The impact of time on recalling how you feel in the days and weeks following a car accident is significant. Getting effective treatment for a spine injury is possible by taking these steps: - Write down any signs of a spinal injury or bodily changes you experience - Address your concerns with your doctor and repeat these concerns to members of your care plan team - Continue with your treatment plan to completion - Ask for additional diagnostic testing if **signs of a spinal injury after a car wreck**do not improve A [Salt Lake City spinal cord injury lawyer](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/salt-lake-city-ut/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer/) with our firm will maintain a detailed focus on your recovery from a spinal injury. Our medical connections can address cost containment to get you the help you need. Your recovery matters to us. [Click to contact](/contact/) our personal injury lawyers today ## Discuss Signs of a Spinal Injury with a Car Accident Attorney in Salt Lake City Siegfried & Jensen wants to understand the **signs of a spinal injury after a car accident**that you experience. Our commitment to representing the impact of a spinal injury on your life is evident. Schedule a free case evaluation today. Call or text [(801) 266-0999](tel:+18012660999) or complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](/contact/) Car Accident Blog Posts: [![3 Myths About Car Accident Claims](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/wp-content/themes/siegfriedandjensen-theme/assets/app/img/default-thumb.jpg)](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/blog/myths-about-car-accident-claims/) ### [3 Myths About Car Accident Claims](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/blog/myths-about-car-accident-claims/) Myth #1: You have to “go to court” or sue someone after a car accident. Almost always, you do not need to file a [![Kenneth Lougee](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/attorney-kenneth-lougee-1-223x300.jpg)](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/blog/tips-for-avoiding-winter-accidents/) ### [5 Tips for Avoiding Winter Accidents](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/blog/tips-for-avoiding-winter-accidents/) Winter weather can be extremely challenging for motorists behind the wheel. More than 17 percent of vehicle [![Damages That Can Be Recovered In A Utah Personal Injury Claim](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Long-Term-Effects-Of-Neck-And-Back-Injuries-1-300x200.jpg)](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/blog/filing-for-lost-income-after-an-auto-accident-in-utah/) ### [Filing for Lost Income After an Auto Accident in Utah](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/blog/filing-for-lost-income-after-an-auto-accident-in-utah/) If you or a loved one has been a victim of a car crash or similar accident that was the fault of a reckless driver, and [![Damages That Can Be Recovered In A Utah Personal Injury Claim](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Long-Term-Effects-Of-Neck-And-Back-Injuries-1-300x200.jpg)](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/blog/the-prolonged-impact-of-car-accident-injuries/) ### [The Prolonged Impact of Car Accident Injuries](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/blog/the-prolonged-impact-of-car-accident-injuries/) Millions of individuals across the United States get behind the wheel of a car daily. In some cases, these individuals --- Source: https://siegfriedandjensen.com/faqs/what-are-the-signs-of-a-spinal-injury-after-a-car-accident/