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If you suspect a back or neck (spinal) injury, do not move the affected person. Permanent paralysis and other serious complications can result. Assume a person has a spinal injury if:

• There's evidence of a head injury with an ongoing change in the person's level of consciousness
• The person complains of severe pain in his or her neck or back
• An injury has exerted substantial force on the back or head
• The person complains of weakness, numbness, or paralysis or lacks control of his or her limbs, bladder or bowels
• The neck or body is twisted or positioned oddly