A traumatic spinal cord injury may stem from a sudden blow to the spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes or compresses one or more of the vertebrae. It may also be caused by a gunshot or knife wound that penetrates and cuts the spinal cord.
The most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Road accidents
- Falls - usually in the older age group
- Gunshot & knife wounds
- Injuries from sports and physical activity
- Alcohol abuse
- Diseases like cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis and inflammation of the spinal cord