Spinal fractures may occur due to a variety of factors, the most common being trauma such as automobile accidents, falls, or high-impact sports. Other causes include conditions that weaken the bones, including osteoporosis. Causes of vertebral fractures include: Trauma, including: • car accidents • falls • sports • violent acts (eg, being shot) Conditions that weaken the bones, such as : • osteoporosis • bone cancer • spinal tumors