1. What is a Spinal Fracture?

A spinal fracture happens when one or more bones in the spine (vertebrae) break or collapse. These injuries can range from mild (small compression fractures) to severe (unstable fractures that can affect the spinal cord or nerves). Some fractures heal with rest and bracing, while others may need surgery.

2. Causes of Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures may occur from:

• Trauma – car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or direct impact to the back

• Osteoporosis – weakened bones that can break even with minor stress or falls (common in older adults)

• Cancer or tumors – that weaken the bone and make it prone to fracture

• Other bone conditions – such as infections or metabolic bone disease

3. Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type and severity of the fracture:

• Sudden, severe back pain

• Pain that worsens with movement, standing, or walking

• Limited mobility or stiffness in the back

• Height loss or a stooped posture (common in compression fractures)

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs (if nerves are affected)

• Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases with significant nerve compression)

4. Diagnosis

To confirm a spinal fracture, your healthcare provider may use:

• Medical history and physical exam – to assess symptoms and possible causes

• Imaging tests:

  • X-rays – to detect broken or collapsed vertebrae

  • CT scans – to provide detailed images of the bones

  • MRI – to see the spinal cord, nerves, and any soft tissue injury

• Bone density test (DEXA scan) – if osteoporosis is suspected

5. Treatments

Treatment depends on the cause, location, and severity of the fracture:

Conservative (non-surgical) treatments:

• Rest and activity modification

• Pain-relieving medications

• Back brace to stabilize the spine during healing

• Physical therapy after initial healing to strengthen muscles and improve mobility

Minimally invasive procedures (for some compression fractures):

• Vertebroplasty – injecting bone cement into the broken vertebra to stabilize it

• Kyphoplasty – using a balloon to create space, then filling it with cement to restore height and stability

Surgery (for severe or unstable fractures):

• Procedures such as spinal fusion or instrumentation (metal rods, screws) to stabilize the spine

• Needed if the fracture is unstable, compressing the spinal cord, or causing severe neurological problems