The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center estimates that approximately 12,000 people in the United States sustain a spinal cord injury each year. Of those, 81 percent are men and 19 percent are women. The average age at which injury occurs is 40 years. Caucasians account for 66 percent of the injuries, African Americans 27 percent and Asians 2 percent. Causes of spinal cord injuries fall into one of five categories.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
The leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States is motor vehicle accidents, which account for 42 percent of all new injuries each year. Types of vehicles commonly involved are automobiles, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.
Falls
Falls account for 27 percent of all spinal cord injuries. However, in people over 65 years of age, falls account for more spinal cord injuries than other causes, according to the Mayo Clinic. In elderly people, the falls may occur in or around the home, while younger people are more likely to sustain spinal injuries when falling from high places.
Acts of Violence
Acts of violence, primarily those involving gunshot and knife wounds, account for 15 percent of injuries to the spinal cord. This statistic has decreased since 1999, when 25 percent of all spinal cord injuries were the result of violent encounters.
Recreational Sporting Activities
Sports and recreational activities cause approximately 8 percent of spinal cord injuries. Boating and diving accidents, high-impact sports such as football and rugby and horseback riding accidents are among those most often resulting in injury.
Other Causes
Approximately 9 percent of spinal cord injuries are due to various other causes. Diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis can cause spinal cord injury, as can cysts on the spinal cord, inflammation of the spinal cord and degeneration of the vertebrae and disks in the neck. Work-related accidents can also result in spinal cord injury. Although not considered a direct cause, the Mayo Clinic reports that use of alcohol is a factor in approximately 25 percent of all spinal cord injuries.
About this Author
Linda Hinkle has written professionally for over four years. A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in education, she has written for several online companies, including Demand Studios, WiseGeek, eHow and LiveStrong. Her areas of specialty include health and wellness, education and outdoor recreation.
