The human spine is a very complex thing.  And while the body is very resilient and well protected, spinal injuries are common following a serious trauma, like a car accident, truck accident, bike accident or a serious fall.  Emergency signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury after an accident may include (but are certainly not limited to):

• Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head or back
• Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body
• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Difficulty with balance and walking
• Impaired breathing after injury
• An oddly positioned or twisted neck or back

Anyone who experiences significant trauma to his or her head or neck needs immediate medical evaluation for the possibility of a spinal injury. In fact, it's safest to assume that trauma victims have a spinal injury until proved otherwise.  Always see your physician (or go to the emergency room) after a serious accident.  If your accident was caused by another person's negligence, you should also seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.