The areas of the spine that are most commonly injured are the lumbar and cervical spine. Each region is at a higher risk of injury for a different reason.
Though the lumbar spine is protected by muscles and tissues in the lower back, it is prone to injury because it can be damaged through acute trauma, degenerative diseases, and everyday activities. The cervical spine is easily injured because it has relatively little protection.
Feeling weakness or pain in the lower back is often indicative of an injured lumbar spine.  Arthritis and degenerative joint diseases commonly affect the lumbar spine region.
Playing sports and moving heavy objects are everyday activities that can easily lead to a strained lumbar spine. Further, people often injure their lower back during car accidents. All these factors make the lumbar spine the most commonly injured region of the spinal cord.
The cervical area is at the top of the spine and is the second most prone to injury. There is little muscle and tissue to support the cervical spine in the neck area.
As a result, the cervical spine is susceptible to damage during whiplash events and when the head suffers a significant blow.