Risk factors for spinal injury in women vary significantly by age and include both traumatic events and degenerative conditions. While men overall experience more spinal cord injuries (SCI), women face specific vulnerabilities related to their anatomy, hormonal changes, and health throughout their lifespan.
Common risks in older women
In women over 65, the greatest risks are related to low-impact trauma combined with age-related degeneration.
- Falls: Falls, especially from a standing or seated height, are the leading cause of cervical (neck) spinal injuries in older adults.
- Osteoporosis: Lower bone density, common in postmenopausal women due to decreased estrogen, puts older women at a higher risk of spinal fractures from minor trauma.
- Cervical spinal stenosis: Age-related degenerative changes can narrow the spinal canal, making older women susceptible to central cord syndrome from even a minor fall.
- Medical complications: Medical or surgical complications are the third most common cause of SCI in adults over 60.
Common risks across all ages
Certain risks are prominent across different age groups, especially for those of childbearing age.
- Motor vehicle collisions: Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of traumatic SCI for women of all ages, though falls become more common in older ages.
- Anatomical and hormonal differences: Women tend to have smaller vertebral bodies, which can result in a higher level of mechanical stress on the spine for the same amount of load compared to men. Estrogen fluctuations can also affect ligament laxity and weaken spinal support.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: The physical demands of pregnancy and labor can put significant strain on the spine, with changes in posture and hormonal fluctuations contributing to ligament laxity.
- Poor lifting technique: Women are sometimes more likely to move their joints sequentially when lifting, placing more strain on the lower spine, compared to men who may lift using multiple joints in unison.
Specific risks for younger women
While motor vehicle collisions are the most common cause of traumatic SCI for young adults overall, younger women face additional risks.
- Sports injuries: Recreational and sports-related accidents account for a notable number of spinal injuries in younger people.
- Violence: Gunshot and stab wounds, while decreasing in incidence among young people overall, remain a cause of SCI in some populations.
Prevention and awareness
Understanding these sex-specific risk factors is crucial for prevention efforts.
- Fall prevention: Tailored programs are needed for older adults to address common fall mechanisms, such as falls on the same level or down stairs.
- Medical screenings: Regular screenings for conditions like osteoporosis are vital, as pre-existing conditions can increase the severity of injuries from minor trauma.
- Improved driver safety: Continued emphasis on safe driving practices and seatbelt use remains important for all ages.
Crashes, Falls, and Violence: What’s Putting American Women at the Greatest Risk of Spinal Cord Injury?
Divining deeper into spinal cord injuries among women in the U.S., this research analyzed data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) covering female patients from the years 2021 and 2024. The number of injuries were averaged to identify the most common causes impacting women nationwide.
Quick highlights
- Auto accidents rank first with an annual average of 3,284 spinal cord injuries among women.
- Falls rank second with an average of 1,736, followed by gunshot wounds in third with 671.5 injuries on average.
- Basketball/volleyball, football, and track and field recorded zero cases, the lowest among all causes analyzed.
Table of results
Auto accidents top the list with an average of 3,284 spinal cord injuries among women, showing an increase from 3,214 cases in 2021 to 3,354 in 2024.
Falls rank second with an average of 1,736 spinal cord injuries among women, rising from 1,646 in 2021 to 1,826 in 2024.
Gunshot wounds rank third, averaging 671.5 spinal cord injuries among women, up from 648 in 2021 to 695 in 2024.
Medical and surgical complications rank fourth with an average of 399 spinal cord injuries among women, climbing from 374 in 2021 to 424 in 2024.
Diving incidents rank fifth with an average of 174.5 spinal cord injuries among women, showing a slight rise from 170 in 2021 to 179 in 2024.
Motorcycle accidents (6th) had an annual average of 165 spinal cord injuries among women, followed by pedestrian incidents (7th) at 143.5, horseback riding (8th) at 89, bicycle accidents (9th) at 80.5, and person-to-person contact (10th) at 74.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers commented,
“The results highlight an urgent reality for women in the U.S., where spinal cord injuries are often caused by preventable events such as auto accidents and falls.
“These injuries have lifelong consequences, not just physically, but also emotionally and financially. By understanding the leading causes, we can target prevention efforts more effectively and work toward reducing these numbers in the years ahead.”
Methodology
The study analyzed data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) covering female patients from the years 2021 and 2024. The number of injuries were averaged to identify the most common causes impacting women nationwide.
This article was created at the WHN News Desk using some of the information provided by Pearl Baird on behalf of Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, specializing in vehicle accident representation, handling everything from initial claim evaluation and medical care coordination to aggressive negotiations with insurance companies.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://bpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/sites.uab.edu/dist/f/392/files/2025/06/2024-Annual-Report-Complete-Public-Version-xx.pdf – 2024
https://bpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/sites.uab.edu/dist/f/392/files/2024/06/ar2021.pdf – 2021
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1htROzBak83CP4ihVeThhIMRodEVfQO56NptGgKmzx84/edit?gid=0#gid=0
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kFWOIgoZSe8g83_6KyBUEpzPwo_p_mz0/view?usp=drive_link
