Here are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries:
Vehicle accidents: Crashes involving automobiles and motorcycles account for almost half of spinal injuries in the U.S.
Falls: Falls cause spinal injuries about 15% of the time, most commonly among those over 65 years of age.
Violence: Incidents involving knives, guns, or physical assault account for about 12% of cases.
Sports and recreation: Account for roughly 10% of cases. Christopher Reeve’s horse-riding accident would be considered a recreational cause of spinal injury and consequent paralysis.