Common Spinal Injuries After a Car Crash: Understanding the Risks

Jonathan Harriman | Aug 29 2025 19:00

A car accident can cause serious injuries, and some of the most devastating involve the spine. The force of an impact can result in anything from mild discomfort to permanent disability. One of the most commonly affected areas in spinal injuries is the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae. Understanding the different types of spinal injuries and disc damage can help crash victims seek proper medical care and legal assistance.

 

  1. Whiplash

One of the most well-known injuries, whiplash occurs when the neck is forcefully thrown forward and backward in a sudden motion—often seen in rear-end collisions. It primarily affects the soft tissues, muscles, and ligaments rather than the spine itself.

 

Symptoms:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Limited range of motion

While whiplash is often considered a minor injury, it can lead to chronic pain if left untreated.

  1. Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)

The spine contains intervertebral discs, which are soft, gel-like cushions between the vertebrae. A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the outer layer of a disc tears, causing the inner material to push outward.

 

Two Types of Disc Herniation:

  • Disc Protrusion: The disc bulges outward but remains intact. It may compress nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
  • Disc Extrusion: The inner disc material pushes through the outer layer and may extend beyond its normal boundary. This type of herniation can lead to more severe nerve compression, resulting in intense pain, numbness, and weakness.

Symptoms of Herniated Discs:

  • Sharp pain in the back, neck, or extremities
  • Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
  • Muscle weakness
  • Loss of mobility

Herniated discs can be extremely painful and may require physical therapy, steroid injections, or even surgery depending on the severity.

  1. Spinal Fractures

Car crashes often put extreme pressure on the spine, causing fractures in one or more vertebrae. These fractures can be stable (minor cracks) or unstable (leading to spinal cord damage).

 

Symptoms:

  • Severe back pain
  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Loss of sensation or mobility
  • Possible paralysis (if spinal cord is affected)

Treatment for spinal fractures may involve bracing, pain management, or surgery, depending on severity.

  1. Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most severe consequences of a car accident. The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body, so any damage can lead to temporary or permanent loss of function.

 

Symptoms:

  • Loss of sensation or movement
  • Paralysis (partial or complete)
  • Inability to control bladder or bowel movements
  • Breathing difficulties (if injury is high in the spine)

Paraplegia (lower body paralysis) and quadriplegia (full-body paralysis) are possible outcomes of spinal cord damage. Treatment typically requires extensive rehabilitation, medical support, and long-term care.

  1. Spondylolisthesis (Vertebrae Misalignment)

A strong impact can shift a vertebra out of place, causing compression on nerves and leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.

 

Symptoms:

  • Lower back pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Difficulty standing or bending
  • Numbness or weakness in legs

Doctors may recommend physical therapy, medication, or even surgery to correct misalignment.

  1. Compression Fractures

Older adults and people with osteoporosis are particularly vulnerable to compression fractures, where the vertebrae are crushed due to impact.

Symptoms:

  • Intense back pain
  • Loss of height (in severe cases)
  • Limited mobility

Treatment may include pain management, bracing, or surgical procedures to stabilize the spine.

 

Seeking Medical and Legal Help

 

Spinal injuries after a car crash can be life-changing, impacting a person’s ability to work, move, and live pain-free. If you've suffered a spinal injury due to someone else's negligence, seeking legal representation can help you secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care.

 

At Harriman Law, we fight for spinal injury victims, ensuring they receive the support and financial recovery they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.