A fractured vertebra, also known as a spinal fracture, is an injury to one of the bones in the spinal column. The human spine consists of 33 individual bones called vertebrae, stacked to form a protective column for the spinal cord. Each vertebra supports body weight, enables movement, and absorbs shock.
When a vertebra sustains a break or crack, its structural integrity is compromised. This can range from a minor crack to a complete collapse or displacement. Fractures can occur anywhere along the spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), or lumbar (lower back) regions.
How Vertebrae Fracture: Causes and Types
Vertebral fractures commonly stem from two main categories: high-impact trauma and underlying medical conditions that weaken bone. High-impact trauma, such as falls from heights, car accidents, or sports injuries, can generate enough force to break a healthy vertebra. The sudden compression or violent pulling apart of the spine during such events can lead to different fracture patterns.
Osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak, is a frequent underlying cause, especially in older adults. In individuals with osteoporosis, even minor stresses like coughing, sneezing, or a slight fall can result in a fracture. Other conditions, including tumors or infections, can also weaken vertebrae, making them prone to breaks.
There are several types of vertebral fractures based on how the bone breaks. Compression fractures, often associated with osteoporosis, involve a collapse of the front part of the vertebra, creating a wedge shape. Burst fractures occur when a strong vertical force crushes the vertebra in multiple places, potentially causing bone fragments to spread and affect surrounding tissues. Flexion-distraction or Chance fractures happen when the vertebrae are pulled apart, typically from sudden forward flexion, such as in certain car accidents.
Identifying a Vertebral Fracture: Symptoms
A person with a vertebral fracture typically experiences sudden, severe back pain that worsens with movement. This discomfort might be localized to the area of the injury and can increase when standing or walking, often easing when lying down. Tenderness to the touch over the affected spinal segment is also a common indicator. The injury can limit spinal mobility, making it difficult to bend or twist the back.
In more severe instances, especially if the fracture affects the spinal cord or nerves, neurological symptoms may emerge. These can include numbness, tingling, weakness in the limbs, or issues with bowel and bladder control.
Confirming and Treating a Vertebral Fracture
Diagnosing a vertebral fracture typically involves a combination of physical examination and medical imaging. Doctors often use X-rays to identify broken bones, which can reveal a wedge-shaped vertebra or loss of height. For a more detailed view, a CT scan provides cross-sectional images that can show the extent of the fracture and any bone fragments. An MRI scan may be used to assess soft tissues, including the spinal cord and nerves, and to determine the age of the fracture.
Treatment approaches vary depending on the fracture’s severity and stability. Many vertebral fractures are managed conservatively, particularly if they are stable and do not involve neurological compromise. This non-surgical management often includes rest, pain medication, and wearing a brace to support the spine during healing. Physical therapy is frequently initiated to help restore strength and mobility once the initial pain subsides.
Surgical intervention may become necessary for unstable fractures, those causing significant pain, or when there is pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Procedures like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive options where bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and restore some height. More extensive surgeries might be required to realign bones or decompress the spinal cord in complex cases.
Life After a Vertebral Fracture: Recovery
Recovery from a vertebral fracture is a gradual process, with the timeline varying significantly based on the fracture type, its severity, and the chosen treatment. Rehabilitation plays a central role, often involving physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and proper posture. Therapists guide individuals through exercises designed to rebuild muscle support around the spine and improve overall physical function.
Gradual return to daily activities is encouraged, with careful attention to body mechanics and avoiding movements that could re-injure the spine. For those with osteoporosis-related fractures, ongoing management of bone health is important to reduce the likelihood of future fractures. This may involve dietary adjustments, exercise, and medications aimed at strengthening bones. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are important to monitor healing progress and address any ongoing concerns, ensuring the best possible long-term outcome.