A spinal cord injury can happen to just about anyone, though most occur in young men. According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), approximately 25 percent of Americans are currently living with some form of spinal cord injury. Impairments resulting from spinal cord injury can range from minor weakness and sensory loss to complete paralysis.
Traffic Accidents
Car and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injury in the United States. According to the NINDS, car accidents account for 38.5 percent of new spinal cord injuries each year. The Mayo Clinic reports this number to be more than 40 percent, including motorcycle crashes. During a traffic accident, the forces on the body can cause spinal cord twisting or compression. Damage to the spinal bones and ligaments can also cause a spinal cord injury, either due to direct damage of the cord or swelling in the space surrounding it. The NINDS reports that such car accidents tend to cause mid-back damage, resulting in either complete (total paralysis) or incomplete (partial paralysis) paraplegia.
Sporting Accidents
Spinal cord injuries may also be sustained during participation in sporting activities. According to the Mayo Clinic, this accounts for around 8 percent of new injuries each year. While you might expect these injuries to occur during high-impact sports, spinal cord injuries can also occur in more solitary sports such as diving or horseback riding. In fact, diving accidents are a common cause of quadriplegia, in which all four limbs are impaired. Some other sports with spinal cord injury risks include football, rugby and downhill skiing.
Assault
Every year, almost 25 percent of spinal cord injuries are the result of an act of violence, including assault with a deadly weapon. Shootings and stabbings account for a large portion of injuries, as the spinal cord or surrounding space can be penetrated by the weapon. Shearing forces from gunshot wounds or other violent assaults can also result in an injury.
Falls
Spinal cord injuries can also be caused by a fall from a high place, such as a roof or a tree. The Mayo Clinic reports that overall, falls result in approximately 25 percent of spinal cord injuries. Another cause of spinal cord injury that may be less obvious, however, is falls experienced by the elderly population. The Mayo Clinic reports this to be the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in seniors. This is because seniors are more likely to have disorders that weaken the spine. According to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, spinal cord damage can occur after even a minor injury in someone with a bone or joint disorder such as osteoporosis.
Tumors
Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors can grow in or around the spinal cavity. A tumor, abscess or excessive fluid caused by disease can cause pressure to build around the spinal cord, which can lead to compression. For some people, function may return after a tumor is removed; however, for others the damage may be permanent.
