Understanding Spinal Cord Compression from Car Accidents

On behalf of Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer

May 22, 2025


Spinal cord compression is one of the most serious injuries that can result from a car accident. It’s not always obvious right away. The pain may creep in. The numbness might be brushed off. But left untreated, spinal cord compression can cause permanent nerve damage, paralysis, or worse.

Roughly 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year in the U.S., and car accidents are the leading cause, responsible for 37.2% of those cases, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC).

If you’ve been in a crash—even a minor one—and are now experiencing pain, tingling, or weakness, don’t ignore it. This guide breaks down what spinal cord compression is, what to watch for, and what steps to take if it happens to you. We'll also explain how Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer can help protect your rights and get you the compensation you’re owed.

What is spinal cord compression
Spinal cord compression happens when pressure is placed on the spinal cord. That pressure disrupts nerve signals, causes pain, and can even shut down motor function below the injury site. The pressure can come from many sources—a fractured vertebra, a bulging disc, swelling from inflammation, or even fragments of bone.

In car accidents, the most common causes of spinal cord compression include:
  • Herniated or ruptured discs: A sudden jolt can force spinal discs out of position.
  • Fractured vertebrae: Broken bones or dislocated vertebrae may collapse onto the spinal cord.
  • Swelling or internal bleeding: Inflammation or hematomas can compress nearby nerves.
  • Whiplash-related trauma: Severe hyperextension of the neck or back can trigger compression, especially in the cervical spine.


The spinal cord doesn’t have much room to swell or shift. That’s why even a small amount of pressure can create major problems. Left untreated, spinal cord compression can lead to permanent disability, including paralysis.

What are the symptoms of spinal cord compression

Symptoms of spinal cord compression can appear immediately after an accident or develop slowly over time. Many people brush them off at first, mistaking them for a pulled muscle or general soreness. But these are signs you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Neck or back pain
This is often the first and most noticeable symptom. It may feel sharp, burning, or constant. If it radiates down the arms or legs, that’s a red flag.

2. Numbness or tingling
A pins-and-needles sensation—especially in your arms, legs, hands, or feet—can mean nerve signals are being disrupted.

3. Muscle weakness
You may notice difficulty gripping objects, standing up from a seated position, or walking in a straight line. Weakness is often a sign the nerves controlling those muscles are being compressed.

4. Loss of coordination or balance
Trouble with coordination, especially in the hands or when walking, may indicate cervical spinal cord involvement.

5. Loss of bladder or bowel control
This is a sign of serious compression, often in the lower (lumbar) spine. It requires emergency care.

6. Paralysis
In extreme cases, compression can cut off all communication below the injury site, leading to partial or total paralysis.
Symptoms like these need immediate medical evaluation. The longer the spinal cord remains compressed, the higher the chance of long-term damage.

Diagnosis and treatment
If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms—even mild ones—don’t wait.

Medical evaluation usually involves:
  • Neurological exams: Doctors test your reflexes, strength, and sensation.
  • Imaging: MRI scans, CT scans, and X-rays are used to pinpoint the source and extent of compression.


Treatment options depend on the severity of the injury but may include:

  • Steroids or anti-inflammatories: These reduce swelling around the spinal cord.
  • Physical therapy: Helps rebuild strength and maintain mobility.
  • Surgical decompression: In some cases, surgery is needed to relieve pressure and stabilize the spine.


In most cases, early treatment significantly improves outcomes. But here's the reality: medical care can be expensive, recovery can take months or even years, and insurance companies may not play fair.

That’s where having an experienced personal injury attorney comes in.

How car accidents cause spinal cord compression
Even at speeds under 30 mph, a crash can jolt your body violently enough to cause spinal injury. The forces involved in a rear-end collision can whip the head forward and back in milliseconds. That motion alone can herniate a disc or crack a vertebra.
Here’s a breakdown of how different types of accidents can lead to spinal cord compression:

  1. Rear-end collisions: Often affect the cervical spine (neck), especially with whiplash injuries.
  2. T-bone crashes: Can compress the thoracic spine due to the sideways impact.
  3. Rollovers: Increase the risk of complex spinal fractures, especially if seatbelts or airbags fail.


Importantly, symptoms may not show up right away. Many people feel fine at the scene and only realize something's wrong days or weeks later.

Why legal help matters
After a crash, you’ll be dealing with more than just medical appointments. There’s insurance paperwork, time off work, vehicle damage, and pain that doesn’t go away.
Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts. If you delay treatment, they’ll use that against you. If you don’t have documentation, they’ll question your injury. If you try to go it alone, you’ll almost always get less than you’re owed.
At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, we’ve handled hundreds of spinal injury cases. We know how to build strong legal claims using medical records, expert opinions, and accident reconstruction. Our goal is to get you full compensation for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Long-term disability or paralysis
  • Loss of quality of life


Spinal injuries affect your entire life—your job, your relationships, your independence. You shouldn’t have to face that alone.

What to do after a car accident
If you’ve been in an accident—even if you feel okay—take these steps:
  1. See a doctor immediately. Don’t wait. The sooner the injury is documented, the stronger your case.
  2. Keep all medical records. Every test result, prescription, and doctor’s note matters.
  3. Don’t talk to the insurance company without legal advice. What you say can be used against you.
  4. Call a personal injury attorney. The earlier we get involved, the better we can protect your rights.



Contact Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer
We’re not a high-volume firm churning through cases. We give each client personal attention and straight answers. If you’ve suffered spinal cord compression in a car accident, talk to us. We’ll help you understand your options and what your case could be worth.

Call us today for a free consultation. There’s no obligation, and we don’t get paid unless you win.

You’ve got enough to deal with. Let us handle the legal side while you focus on healing.