What Are the Two Most Easily Injured Portions of the Spine?

Colburn Law

Posted by Greg Colburn in Personal Injury on April 21, 2025

Injuries to the spine can have complex consequences on a person’s life, their mobility or quality of life being one of them. Loss of mobility can occur in a wide range of injuries, including a slip and fall, car accidents, or any other spinal traumas. But what are the two most easily injured portions of the spine? The lumbar spine (lower back) and cervical spine (neck) are particularly vulnerable due to their structure and function.

If you’ve recently experienced back or neck pain after an accident in Washington, understanding these injuries is an essential step toward recovery. At Colburn Law, we know how overwhelming this process can be. Seeking medical attention promptly and knowing your legal options can improve your health and financial stability. Our WA Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help guide you through the following steps, ensuring you get the care and compensation you deserve.

How to Recognize a Spinal Injury

If you have had an accident, consider intently monitoring any pain, stiffness, and changes in mobility that follow. Pain in the neck or back region combined with a decreased range of motion, plus other abnormal sensations like tingling, numbness, or weakness in arms or legs, could suggest something more sinister, such as spinal injuries. Some people have difficulty walking or, even worse, a significant loss of coordination. Symptoms do not have to be immediate; therefore, monitoring your condition and consulting health care is vital, even when uncomfortable feelings initially seem trivial. 

 

Spinal Cord Injury Levels

Spinal cord injuries are classified based on their location and severity. These classifications help doctors determine the extent of impairment and the best course of treatment.

What Are the Spinal Cord Injury Levels?

The spinal cord is divided into four main sections, each responsible for specific bodily functions:

• Cervical Spine (C1–C7): Located in the neck, this section controls movement in the head, neck, arms, and diaphragm.
• Thoracic Spine (T1–T12): Found in the upper back, it supports posture and regulates chest muscles.
• Lumbar Spine (L1–L5): Positioned in the lower back, it controls movement in the hips, legs, and feet.
• Sacral Spine (S1–S5): Located at the base of the spine, it affects bowel, bladder, and some leg functions.

Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

A complete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is entirely severed or damaged, and all movement and sensation below the injury site are lost. For instance, an injury at the cervical (neck) level can cause tetraplegia (also called quadriplegia), leading to paralysis of all four limbs and the torso, often impacting breathing and other vital functions. Injuries at the lumbar (lower back) level typically result in paraplegia, causing a loss of movement and sensation below the waist, including the legs and lower body.

An incomplete spinal cord injury, however, means that some communication between the brain and the body below the injury site remains intact. This may result in partial movement, sensation, or both. The extent of functionality depends heavily on the severity and location of the injury. With appropriate medical care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, individuals with incomplete injuries often have a greater chance of recovery and may regain some level of independence. 

Where Is the Location of Your Spinal Cord Injury?

The impact of a spinal injury largely depends on its location, as different parts of the spine control various bodily functions. Understanding the spine’s most vulnerable areas and the types of injuries that can occur is essential for recognizing symptoms and seeking the proper care. Here’s a closer look at spinal injuries and their key classifications:

What Are the 4 Spine Injury Types?

Spinal injuries are broadly classified into four main types, each with distinct causes, symptoms, and potential complications:

• Fractures: Fractures refer to breaks in the vertebrae, often resulting from high-impact trauma such as car accidents or falls. These injuries can cause spinal instability, nerve damage, and, in severe cases, paralysis if the spinal cord is involved. Treatment options include bracing, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Dislocations: Dislocations occur when the vertebrae are forced out of alignment, typically due to trauma. This can compress the spinal cord, leading to pain, reduced mobility, or even loss of sensation. Treatment often involves medical realignment and rehabilitation to restore function and movement.
• Herniated Discs: Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, but injury or degeneration can cause a disc to rupture or bulge. When this happens, the disc may press against nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness that often radiates to other body parts. Treatment can vary from physical therapy to surgery in more severe cases.
• Sprains and Strains are common injuries involving the ligaments or muscles supporting the spine. Overuse, sudden movements, or improper lifting techniques often cause them. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and discomfort, which are typically managed with rest, ice, and physical therapy.

 

What Are the Regions of the Spine Most Commonly Injured?

The Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)

Medical experts say the lumbar spine is one of the most frequently injured regions. This area supports the body’s weight and is especially vulnerable in car accidents due to sudden forces that strain or compress the lower back. Common lumbar injuries include fractures, herniated discs, and torn ligaments, which may affect mobility and result in chronic pain if untreated.

The Cervical Spine (Neck)

The cervical spine’s flexibility and delicate structure make it another commonly injured area, especially in rear-end car collisions. Whiplash is a frequent cervical spine injury caused by the neck’s rapid back-and-forth motion during impact. Other injuries may include herniated discs or fractures, which, without proper attention, could lead to paralysis or significant discomfort.

 

Seeking Medical and Legal Help After a Spinal Injury

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a spinal injury after an accident, getting medical attention should be your priority. Even minor pain can be a sign of a serious issue. Delaying treatment may lead to complications that impact your daily life.

In addition to medical care, understanding your legal rights is essential. Spinal injuries often result in costly medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation. You may be compensated if someone else’s negligence caused your injury.

 

Get in Touch with a WA Personal Injury Lawyer Today

What are the two most easily injured portions of the spine? If you’ve suffered a neck or lower back injury in an accident, you deserve support on your road to recovery. At Colburn Law, we help injury victims in Washington seek the compensation they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Call 206-919-3215 to schedule a free consultation today. Your recovery and rights matter—don’t wait to take action.

Check Out More Helpful Articles

• What Are the Most Common Internal Injuries From Car Accidents?
• What Are The Chances Of Winning A Personal Injury Lawsuit?
• What Is Comparative Fault in Washington?