What are the 5 signs of a spinal injury?

October 22, 2025

Every year, thousands of people in the UK experience spinal injuries – some due to accidents, others through falls or health conditions. In many cases, the early warning signs are ignored or mistaken for ordinary back problems. But recognising the symptoms early can make a world of difference.

At OneCall24 Healthcare, we see first-hand how vital timely care and rehabilitation are for those affected by spinal injuries. Whether in hospitals, care homes, or home settings, our trained healthcare professionals support individuals in regaining comfort, movement, and confidence every day.

So, what are the five key signs of a spinal injury to watch out for?

1. Persistent Back Pain or Pressure in the Neck, Head, or Back

Back pain is one of the most common early signs of spinal injury. While many people experience it occasionally -perhaps from poor posture or lifting something heavy -spinal injury pain feels different. It’s persistent, often severe, and may feel like deep pressure in the neck, head, or back.

When your lower back hurts constantly or when pain travels down your arms or legs, it might point to something more serious than a muscle strain. This could be a sign of spinal cord compression, where the spinal cord or nerves are squeezed by a bone fracture, swelling, or slipped disc.

People often describe it as:

A sharp or burning sensation in the back
Pain that worsens with movement
Pressure that doesn’t ease with rest or medication

If you or someone you care for is showing these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical assessment immediately. Early detection and the right care can help prevent further damage and support recovery.

At OneCall24 Healthcare, our nurses and healthcare assistants often support individuals recovering from such pain, ensuring their day-to-day comfort, safe mobility, and emotional reassurance through professional, compassionate care.

2. Loss of Movement or Weakness in Limbs

One of the most evident signs of a spinal injury is weakness or loss of movement in parts of the body. Depending on where the injury occurs, the effects can range from mild weakness to full paralysis.

For example:

Injury in the neck or upper spine may affect movement in the arms and legs

(quadriplegia).

Injury in the lower back can cause weakness or paralysis in the legs

(paraplegia).

Sometimes, it starts subtly -difficulty lifting an arm, stumbling more often, or struggling to grip objects. These can all indicate nerve damage or spinal cord involvement.

For those facing these challenges, the emotional toll can be as heavy as the physical one. That’s where OneCall24 Healthcare’s approach stands out -focusing not only on physical recovery but also an emotional well-being. Our carers and nurses provide the kind of reassurance and encouragement that helps individuals adapt and rebuild confidence in their abilities.

3. Loss of Sensation or “Pins and Needles”

Have you ever felt your leg “go to sleep” after sitting too long? Now imagine that tingling never goes away. This is often how people describe the loss of sensation that follows a spinal injury.

The spinal cord acts as the communication line between the brain and body. When it’s injured, messages can’t travel properly, leading to numbness, tingling, or a total lack of feeling below the injury site. People might not notice heat, cold, or even pain in affected areas, which increases the risk of secondary injuries or infections.

This symptom can appear minutes or hours after an injury, which is why monitoring someone carefully after a fall, accident, or heavy impact is crucial.

At OneCall24 Healthcare, our staff are trained to identify and respond to these signs early. We often assist patients through structured care routines that protect them from complications, ensuring comfort and safety while working closely with medical teams.

4. Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control

It’s a sensitive subject, but one that cannot be ignored. A sudden change in bladder or bowel control – such as difficulty urinating, incontinence, or constipation -can indicate spinal cord involvement, particularly if it appears alongside back pain or leg weakness.

These issues happen because the nerves controlling bladder and bowel functions are in the lower part of the spinal cord. When there’s spinal cord compression, these signals can get disrupted.

This symptom is often distressing for patients, affecting dignity and confidence. That’s why sensitive, person-centred care is so important. The professionals at OneCall24 Healthcare handle such situations with empathy and respect, offering not just physical assistance but also emotional reassurance, helping individuals adjust and maintain a sense of normalcy.

5. Difficulty Breathing or Maintaining Balance

Another serious but often overlooked symptom is difficulty in breathing or maintaining balance and coordination. When the spinal cord is injured high up in the neck area, it can interfere with the muscles that control breathing. This can lead to shortness of breath, shallow breathing, or the feeling of not being able to take a deep breath.

Similarly, a spinal injury can affect the body’s sense of balance. Tasks that once felt simple -like walking, sitting upright, or turning around -suddenly become difficult or impossible.

In such cases, emergency medical attention is essential. Quick intervention can prevent further damage and, in some situations, even save lives.

The care teams at OneCall24 Healthcare often support individuals through their recovery phase, assisting with respiratory exercises, mobility support, and balance training. Through patience, care, and teamwork, they help people regain independence step by step.

When Should You Seek Help?

If you experience back pain after an accident, fall, or any trauma -especially if your lower back hurts persistently -it’s always best to seek immediate medical advice. Even minor injuries can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Call for emergency care if you notice:

Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements
Severe neck or back pain after a fall or accident
Loss of sensation or breathing problems

Remember, spinal injuries aren’t always visible. Sometimes, it’s the minor changes -the ones we dismiss as “normal back problems” -that reveal something serious underneath.

OneCall24 Healthcare’s Role in Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovering from a spinal injury takes time, patience, and the right support network. At OneCall24 Healthcare, our mission is to make that journey smoother and more dignified for every individual.

Our trained professionals provide:

Specialist nursing care for spinal injury patients
Rehabilitation assistance to help rebuild mobility and strength
24-hour care services in hospitals, care homes, and private homes
Emotional and mental health support, ensuring holistic recovery

We understand that healing is not just about physical treatment -it’s about rebuilding hope, routine, and self-confidence. Our carers and nurses take pride in being there for people at every step -from managing pain to encouraging independence in small, everyday tasks.

Conclusion

A spinal injury can change a person’s life -but early recognition and compassionate care can change the outcome.

If you or someone you love is struggling with back pain, weakness, or any of the signs above, don’t ignore them. Seek medical attention, get the right diagnosis, and most importantly, surround yourself with the right care.

At OneCall24 Healthcare, we believe that every patient deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to heal with the right support system. Our work is not just about care -it’s about giving people the strength to stand tall again, one step at a time.