Spinal cord injury statistics

By Spinal Cord Injuries Australia

November 18, 2021

A summary of key statistics for spinal cord injury, estimate information on how many people have a spinal cord injury in Australia and information on the economic cost of spinal cord injury.

A 2020 report commissioned by Spinal Cure Australia and icare, and prepared by AlphaBeta Australia titled Spinal Cord Injury in Australia reported that approximately 20,800 Australians lived with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at the time of publication.

Also from the report, the most common cause of spinal cord injury in Australia is traumatic causes. 81% of SCIs in people under 65 results from traumatic causes, such as falls, road accidents, and sports injuries. In those over 65, non-traumatic causes are the leading cause, such as tumours and degenerative disorders.

Economic cost of SCI

According to the report, spinal cord injuries cost the Australian economy $74.5bn in personal and health care, lost productivity and reduced well-being of the 20,800 Australians living with SCI – approx. $3.7bn per year.

These spinal cord injury statistics come from the report mentioned above titled Spinal Cord Injury in Australia . Also see SCIA’s factsheet which contains information from the annual AIHW report Spinal Cord Injury, Australia.

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Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land where the First Nation Peoples have long engaged in ceremonies of storytelling, music, dance, and celebration. We pay respect to the Elders, past and present, and recognise those of the future, who will carry the memories, traditions, and aspirations of First Nation Peoples. It is crucial to remember that beneath the concrete and asphalt, this land always has been and always will be traditional First Nation Peoples’ Land. We acknowledge the contributions of both First Nation Peoples and non-First Nation Australians towards building and advancing a sustainable future, promoting health, reducing inequalities, and achieving better social outcomes. 

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