A “broken back,” or spinal fracture, is a serious injury. The ability to walk after such an injury depends significantly on the specific type and severity of the fracture. Spinal fractures can range from relatively minor bone damage to injuries that could affect nerve function.
How Spinal Fractures Affect Walking Ability
The spine serves as the body’s central support structure and encases the spinal cord, which transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Whether a person can walk after a spinal fracture depends on whether the spinal cord remains intact. If the spinal cord is not damaged, walking might be possible, though often with considerable pain. Conversely, damage to the spinal cord can lead to loss of motor function.
Compression fractures, which typically occur in the front part of a vertebra, are often stable injuries. The bone may be fractured, but the spinal column’s overall alignment and the spinal cord are frequently preserved, allowing individuals to walk, albeit with discomfort. These fractures are common in conditions like osteoporosis or after significant falls onto the buttocks.
Burst fractures involve the shattering of the entire vertebral body. These fractures pose a higher risk because bone fragments can spread into the spinal canal, potentially compressing or damaging the spinal cord. If the spinal cord is affected, a person may experience weakness or paralysis in the limbs, making walking difficult or impossible. The instability created by these fragments can also exacerbate neurological symptoms with movement.
Fracture-dislocations represent the most unstable spinal injuries, involving both bone fractures and ligament tears that displace the vertebrae. Due to the significant disruption of the spinal column’s alignment, these injuries are highly likely to involve spinal cord damage. The spinal cord can be stretched, compressed, or even severed, leading to substantial neurological deficits and an inability to walk.
Recognizing the Signs of a Spinal Fracture
Recognizing the signs of a spinal fracture is crucial for prompt medical attention. Severe pain in the back is a primary indicator, often localized to the injury site and worsening with movement or pressure. This pain can sometimes radiate to other parts of the body, depending on which nerves might be affected by the fracture. The intensity of pain does not always correlate directly with the severity of the spinal cord involvement, but it should always be taken seriously.
Neurological symptoms are particularly concerning, as they signal potential damage to the spinal cord or nerves. These can include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. Loss of bladder or bowel control, which strongly indicates significant spinal cord compromise, is a more severe sign. These symptoms often develop rapidly after the injury and require immediate evaluation.
Visible signs such as bruising, swelling, or a noticeable deformity along the spine may be present at the injury site. In some cases, involuntary muscle spasms around the injured area can occur as the body’s protective response to the trauma. In very severe injuries, a person may exhibit general symptoms of shock, including pale skin, rapid pulse, and confusion, indicating a systemic response to significant trauma.
These symptoms are especially concerning if they occur after a high-impact event, such as a car accident, a fall from a significant height, or a sports injury. The force of such incidents can be sufficient to cause a vertebral fracture, even if the person initially appears to be able to move. Any suspicion of a spinal injury following trauma warrants immediate medical assessment.
Immediate Actions for a Suspected Spinal Injury
If a spinal fracture is suspected, call emergency services, such as 911 or your local equivalent, without delay. Providing clear and concise information about the incident and the person’s condition will help first responders prepare. Prompt professional medical attention is essential to prevent further injury and ensure appropriate care.
Do not move the injured person unless they are in immediate danger, such as from fire or a collapsing structure. Moving someone with a spinal injury can turn a stable fracture into an unstable one, or worsen existing spinal cord damage. Any unnecessary movement could have severe and permanent consequences, potentially leading to increased neurological deficits or paralysis. Always prioritize keeping the person still and supported.
If movement is unavoidable due to an immediate life-threatening hazard, it should be done with extreme caution and with as many people as possible to maintain spinal alignment. Techniques like log-rolling, where the person is rolled as a single unit, can be employed by trained individuals to minimize spinal movement. Otherwise, wait for paramedics, as they have the specialized equipment and training to safely immobilize and transport individuals with suspected spinal injuries.
While waiting for help, keep the person warm by covering them with a blanket and reassure them. Monitor their breathing and level of consciousness, noting any changes to inform the emergency medical team. Avoid offering any food or drink, as the person may require surgery or other medical procedures that necessitate an empty stomach. These immediate steps are designed to protect the spinal cord and prevent further harm until professional medical assistance arrives.