It's alleged the man was in a verbal argument with a woman early on Saturday at Southport, when a second man intervened and assaulted the first man.

The 36-year-old fell to the ground and suffered a spinal injury which a police spokesperson said could leave him a paraplegic.

He was taken to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment, while a 23-year-old man has been charged with grievous bodily harm.

He will face Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.