Spinal (vertebrae) fracture

If you break any of the 33 vertebrae bones in your spinal column, it’s a type of spinal fracture. These can happen because of a traumatic injury or accident.

While many spinal fractures are minor and asymptomatic (shows no symptoms), some severe cases will need surgical intervention. Recovery from a spinal fracture often involves wearing a back brace and undergoing physical therapy to regain mobility and strength.

What is a spinal fracture?

Spinal fractures typically occur in one of three main sections of the spine:

• Cervical (neck)
• Thoracic (upper back from neck to ribs)
• Lumbar (lower back)

When your doctor diagnoses a spinal fracture, they categorize it based on location and stability, which is vital for determining treatment. The two categories for a spine fracture are stable and unstable.

Unstable fractures pose severe risks, potentially leading to nerve damage or paralysis, while stable fractures are less critical, indicating the spine can support body weight.

Types of spinal fractures

Spinal fractures encompass three distinct types, each with unique characteristics and include:

• Spinal compression fracture: Caused by trauma or osteoporosis, a spinal compression fracture occurs when one or more vertebrae collapse or compress within the spine.
• Burst fractures: Resulting from strong compression, burst fracturs occur when the spinal column breaks into multiple pieces due to significant force.
• Chance fractures: Chance fractures are the opposite of a burst fracture. Also called flexion or distraction fractures, these occur when vertebrae are pulled apart.

Symptoms of a spinal fracture

Not all spinal fractures have noticeable symptoms, particularly fractures resulting from osteoporosis rather than trauma. In cases of injury, symptoms are typically treated along with the injury itself in the emergency department.

However, if symptoms do arise, persistent back pain lasting for several days is common. More serious symptoms include numbness, tingling or loss of movement in the arms or legs.

Other potential symptoms may include:

• Changes to your posture
• Height loss
• Loss of control of your bladder or bowels
• Swelling or tenderness around the area of the fracture
• Tingling or numbness

Diagnosing spinal compression fractures

In cases of trauma or injury leading to burst or chance spinal fractures, diagnosis typically occurs in the emergency department along with treatment for the injury.

For minor spinal fractures, diagnosis involves a physical examination, review of medical history and digital imaging tests. During the exam, your provider assesses spine tenderness and any observable changes in posture or spinal shape.

X-rays help confirm spinal fractures, while MRI and CT scans offer detailed images, particularly when surgery is a consideration.

Spinal compression fracture treatment

Treatment for spinal fractures varies depending on your fracture type, location and cause.

Typically, spinal fractures are managed with back braces, physical therapy and nonsurgical approaches like rest and over-the-counter pain medication such as naproxen, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

However, severe fractures or persistent pain may need surgical intervention, leading to referral to an orthopedic surgeon.

Surgical options may include:

• Vertebroplasty: Your surgeon injects a medical-grade substance called bone cement, which “glues” the spine in its proper position to reduce pain and bone deformity.
• Kyphoplasty: A balloon is inserted into the affected area to decompress your spine and allow you to regain lost height. Your surgeon will then inject bone cement to stabilize your vertebrae.

How long does a spinal fracture take to heal?

Recovery time for a spinal fracture depends on factors like fracture severity, overall health and treatment method.

Minor fractures often heal within weeks to a couple of months with conservative care, including rest, pain management and physical therapy. Severe fractures –particularly those causing bone displacement or spinal cord compression –need longer healing periods.

Rest, cold therapy and light exercise can help heal a spinal fracture faster. Surgical intervention may be necessary to stabilize the spine, extending recovery to several months. Rehabilitation may also be needed to restore strength and mobility.