Spinal Fractures

Spinal Fractures: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Learn About Back Fractures and the Path to Recovery

 What Is a Spinal Fracture?

A spinal fracture refers to a break or collapse of one or more vertebrae (the bones of the spine). These fractures can result from trauma (such as a car accident or fall) or from weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis or cancer. Depending on severity, spinal fractures may cause mild discomfort or lead to spinal cord injury, nerve damage, or paralysis. Immediate evaluation and treatment are essential.

Spinal Fracture Statistics

• Over 5 million vertebral fractures occur worldwide every year.
• Osteoporotic fracturesare the most common type, especially in adults over age 60.
• 60–70% of traumatic spinal fracturesaffect the thoracolumbar junction (T11–L2).
• Up to 20% of spinal fracturesresult in some degree of neurological deficit.
• Women are twice as likelyas men to experience vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis.

What Causes Spinal Fractures?

1. Trauma

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls from height
• Sports injuries
• Acts of violence

2. Pathological Conditions

• Osteoporosis(bone thinning)
• Spinal tumors(primary or metastatic)
• Bone infections
• Long-term corticosteroid use

Types of Spinal Fractures

Type	Description
Compression Fracture	Vertebra collapses, usually due to osteoporosis. Common and often painful.
Burst Fracture	Vertebra breaks into multiple pieces, possibly compressing the spinal cord.
Flexion-Distraction	Often from sudden deceleration (car crash); vertebra is pulled apart.
Fracture-Dislocation	Fracture plus spinal misalignment; highly unstable and often severe.
Pathologic Fracture	Caused by weakened bone due to cancer or disease.

Symptoms of a Spinal Fracture Symptoms can vary by fracture type and location:

• Sudden, sharp back or neck pain
• Pain that worsens with movement or standing
• Height lossor visible spine curvature (in compression fractures)
• Numbness, tingling, or weaknessin limbs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control(in severe cases)
• Paralysisif the spinal cord is damaged

Note: Some osteoporotic fractures may occur without noticeable trauma and be discovered incidentally on X-rays. Diagnosis: How Spinal Fractures Are Identified To confirm a spinal fracture and assess its severity, physicians use:

• Physical Examination: Includes neurological assessment.
• X-rays: Initial imaging to detect vertebral deformities.
• CT Scan: Provides detailed bone imaging and detects complex fractures.
• MRI: Shows soft tissue and spinal cord involvement.
• Bone Density Test (DEXA): To evaluate for osteoporosis if suspected.

Treatment Options for Spinal Fractures

Treatment depends on the type, stability, and neurological involvement of the fracture. Goals include pain relief, stabilization, and nerve protection. Conservative & Minimally Invasive Treatments

Treatment Option	Description
Bracing	Worn to immobilize the spine and allow healing.
Pain Management	Includes NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or opioids for short-term use.
Physical Therapy	Starts after initial healing to strengthen back muscles and restore motion.
Vertebroplasty	Bone cement injected into the fractured vertebra for stabilization.
Kyphoplasty	Balloon inserted to restore height, then filled with cement.

Surgical Treatment (For Severe or Unstable Fractures)

Surgery Type	Description
Spinal Fusion	Joins two or more vertebrae with rods, screws, and bone grafts.
Decompression Surgery	Removes pressure on the spinal cord or nerves (e.g., laminectomy).
Fracture Stabilization	Internal fixation devices used to restore spinal alignment.

Minimally invasive surgery is now possible for many cases, reducing hospital stay and recovery time.

Recovery & Long-Term Outlook

• Minor fracturesheal within 6–12 weeks with conservative care.
• Surgical recoverymay take 3–6 months, depending on the extent of intervention.
• Osteoporosis-related fractures require ongoing bone health management.

Ongoing rehab and lifestyle changes can prevent future fractures and improve quality of life.

Prevention Tips

• Regular weight-bearing exercise
• Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Fall-proof the home environment (especially for seniors)
• Screen and treat osteoporosis early