Spine fractures

What Are Spinal Fractures?

Spinal fractures are breaks or cracks in one or more of the vertebrae the bones that make up the spinal column. These injuries can range from minor compression fractures to severe burst or dislocation fractures that may threaten spinal cord function.

Common Causes of Spinal Fractures

Trauma: Car accidents, falls, sports injuries
Osteoporosis: Weakening of bones due to aging or hormonal changes
Cancer: Tumors that weaken vertebrae
Infections: Conditions like osteomyelitis
High-impact activities or violent acts (e.g., gunshot wounds)

Symptoms of Spinal Fractures

• Sudden, severe back or neck pain
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of height or hunched posture
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases) 

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically includes:

• Physical exam for tenderness and neurological signs
• X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to visualize fractures
• Bone density tests (DXA) to assess osteoporosis risk
• Spine biopsy or surgical evaluation in complex cases

ypes of Spinal Fractures

1. Compression Fracture

   • Common in osteoporosis
   • Vertebra collapses, often forming a wedge shape

2. Burst Fracture

   • Vertebra shatters into multiple pieces
   • May damage spinal cord

3. Flexion-Distraction (Chance) Fracture

   • Caused by sudden forward flexion (e.g., car accidents)

4. Fracture-Dislocation

   • Vertebrae shift out of alignment
   • Highly unstable and often requires surgery

reatment Options

1. Non-Surgical Management

• Rest and activity modification
• Pain medications (NSAIDs, acetaminophen, muscle relaxants)
• Bracing to stabilize the spine
• Physical therapy to restore mobility and strength

2. Surgical Intervention

• Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty: Bone cement injection to stabilize fractures
• Spinal fusion: Joins vertebrae to prevent movement
• Decompression surgery: Removes bone pressing on nerves or spinal cord

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Call us at (561) 433-4444 to schedule a consultation or make an appointment.
Let our experienced doctors help you recover from spinal fractures and restore your strength and mobility.