Car crashes are the leading causes of spinal cord injury in the U.S. and account for 35 percent of new spinal cord injuries each year. In medical circles, it is considered prudent to assume a car crash victim who experienced extreme trauma to his or her head is likely to have a spinal cord injury until proven otherwise.

While a popular cause of injury, car crashes aren’t the only way people sustain a spinal cord injury. For example, any bleeding, swelling, inflammation, or fluid collection in or around the spinal cord can cause injury. Arthritis, cancer, and bone degeneration are all potential causes of spinal cord injury. Additionally, a gunshot, stab, or fall could also damage the spinal cord.