Injuries to the neck or cervical spinal cord. Symptoms of a neck injury include stiff neck; a head held in an unusual position, weakness, difficulty walking, paralysis of legs or arms, neck pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness or tingling in an arm or leg. Neck injuries can be extremely serious and can lead to loss of sensation and function in the parts of the body below the site of the injury. When someone has a cervical spinal injury, any additional movement can cause further damage to the spine. The purpose of first aid for any neck injury is to prevent further harm to the person while emergency medical care is sought. The person should be kept absolutely immobile. Headgear, such as a helmet, should not be removed. The person should be kept warm to help prevent shock. Breathing should be checked and artificial respiration or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) administered if necessary. Any external bleeding should be stopped by applying pressure.