Car accidents are one of the leading causes of spine injuries.
The sudden force of impact, whether from behind, the side, or head-on, can put enormous stress on the spinal column.
From minor strains to permanent damage, spine injuries from car accidents can vary widely in severity.
However, even injuries that seem mild at first can have long-term consequences.
If you’re suffering from neck, back, or nerve pain after a crash, don’t ignore it. An injury doesn’t always show symptoms right away.
In this post, our Texas and New Mexico auto accident lawyers explain some of the most common spinal injuries from car accidents, how they happen, and why prompt medical care and legal guidance matter.
Please don’t hesitate to call (575) 222-1000 or fill out our online form today for a free consultation.
1. Whiplash (Cervical Strain or Sprain)
Whiplash is one of the most common spine injuries after a rear-end collision. It happens when the neck is thrown rapidly back and forth, causing damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the cervical spine.
Symptoms include:
- Neck stiffness or pain,
- Headaches often starting at the base of the skull,
- Reduced range of motion,
- Shoulder or upper back pain, and
- Dizziness or fatigue.
While some dismiss whiplash as a “minor” injury, it can result in chronic pain and long-term complications if not treated properly. In Texas and New Mexico, soft tissue injuries like whiplash can be difficult to quantify, which is why documentation is key if you pursue a personal injury claim.
2. Herniated Discs (Slipped or Ruptured Disc)
Between each vertebra in your spine is a small disc filled with a gel-like substance that cushions movement. A herniated disc occurs when this soft center is pushed out through a tear in the disc’s more rigid exterior.
This tear often results from the pressure or twisting motion caused by a car crash, especially in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) spine.
Symptoms include:
- Localized back or neck pain,
- Shooting pain down the arms or legs (sciatica),
- Tingling or numbness, and
- Muscle weakness.
A herniated disc is a common spine injury from a car accident and can be particularly disruptive for people with physically demanding jobs. Surgery may be required to remove or repair the damaged disc in more severe cases.
3. Spinal Fractures
The impact of a car accident can cause the vertebrae (bones of the spine) to fracture or collapse, particularly in high-speed or rollover crashes. These fractures can be stable or unstable and may involve the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
Common types of spinal fractures include:
- Compression fractures. The front part of the vertebra collapses due to extreme pressure.
- Burst fractures. The vertebra shatters in multiple directions, potentially damaging the spinal cord.
- Flexion-distraction fractures. These injuries often occur when passengers are wearing lap-only seat belts in head-on collisions.
Symptoms include:
- Severe back pain,
- Numbness or weakness,
- Difficulty walking or standing, and
- Loss of bowel/bladder control in extreme cases.
A fractured spine is a serious car accident spine injury that requires immediate treatment. Recovery often involves bracing, physical therapy, or surgical stabilization.
4. Spondylolisthesis (Vertebrae Slippage)
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips out of place over the one beneath it. While it can be congenital or caused by degenerative disease, trauma from a crash can trigger or worsen it.
Symptoms include:
- Lower back pain,
- Leg pain or numbness,
- Muscle tightness, and
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods.
This type of spinal instability may require physical therapy, bracing, or, in more severe cases, spinal fusion surgery. It’s often missed in the early stages, making it essential to seek imaging and evaluation after a crash.
5. Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)
One of the most catastrophic outcomes is a spinal cord injury in a car accident. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation.
Types of injuries include:
- Complete SCI. No function below the level of injury.
- Incomplete SCI. Some function remains, depending on the location and extent of the injury.
Common outcomes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Paraplegia (paralysis of lower limbs);
- Quadriplegia (paralysis of all limbs); and
- Chronic pain, breathing difficulties, loss of independence.
Car accidents are one of the top causes of SCIs in the U.S. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, auto accidents account for 40% to 50% of all spinal cord injuries.
In Texas and New Mexico, victims of spinal cord injuries may be entitled to compensation not only for medical costs and lost income but also for long-term care, home modifications, and pain and suffering. Due to the life-altering nature of SCIs, these cases often require aggressive legal representation.
6. Facet Joint Injuries
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae. A crash can cause them to become inflamed or damaged, resulting in localized pain and limited mobility.
Symptoms include:
- Pain when twisting or bending,
- Tenderness over the spine,
- Muscle spasms, and
- Referred pain in the buttocks or thighs.
Facet joint injuries often go undiagnosed, especially if no fractures are present on standard imaging. However, they can cause chronic issues with treatment that includes injections or minimally invasive surgery.
7. Spinal Stenosis (Triggered or Aggravated by Trauma)
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. While many cases are due to age or genetics, trauma from a car crash can trigger or worsen the condition.
Symptoms include:
- Pain or cramping in the legs or arms,
- Numbness or tingling,
- Weakness, and
- Loss of balance.
When stenosis is made worse by a crash, it can complicate a personal injury case, especially in older adults. Insurance companies may try to argue that your condition was pre-existing, even if you had no symptoms before the accident. That’s why working with an attorney is so important in these cases.
8. Soft Tissue Injuries in the Spine
Not all spinal injuries involve broken bones or ruptured discs. The soft tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine can also be stretched or torn during a crash.
Symptoms include:
- Muscle stiffness,
- Soreness or tenderness,
- Swelling or bruising, and
- Reduced mobility.
While soft tissue injuries may not sound serious, they can lead to chronic pain and instability if not appropriately treated. Early diagnosis, rest, and physical therapy are often essential for a full recovery.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Spine Injury
Whether your injury is temporary or life-altering, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we’re known for fighting aggressively on behalf of clients who’ve suffered spine injuries from car accidents. We understand the medical complexities, legal strategies, and emotional weight these cases carry, and we’re ready to stand by your side every step of the way. Contact us online or call (575) 222-1000 today for a free consultation.
James Tawney
James Tawney is a native of the Southwest dedicated to serving his community. He was born and raised in Arizona, where he attended Northern Arizona University and graduated summa cum laude.
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