What are the Symptoms of Spinal Fractures?
Spinal fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones of your spine, also known as vertebrae. They can result from trauma, such as a car accident or a fall, or from conditions that weaken your bones, such as osteoporosis. Spinal fractures can cause severe pain, disability, and even paralysis if they damage your spinal cord or nerves [1].
In this blog post, we will explore the different types of spinal fractures, their symptoms, and their treatment options. We will also discuss how to prevent or reduce the risk of spinal fractures by taking care of your bone health and avoiding injuries.
Compression Fracture
A compression fracture is a type of spinal fracture that occurs when one or more vertebrae collapse due to pressure. This can happen when you have osteoporosis, a disease that makes your bones thin and brittle. Osteoporosis-related compression fractures often affect the lower part of your spine (lumbar region) or the middle part of your spine (thoracic region) [1].
The symptoms of a compression fracture may include:
Sudden, severe back pain that worsens with movement
Loss of height or stooped posture (kyphosis)
Difficulty breathing or eating due to pressure on your lungs or stomach
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet if the fracture compresses your spinal cord or nerves
To diagnose a compression fracture, your doctor may order an X-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI of your spine. These tests can show the location and extent of the fracture and any damage to your spinal cord or nerves.
The treatment for a compression fracture depends on the severity and cause of the fracture. Mild fractures may heal on their own with rest, pain medication, and a back brace. Severe fractures may require surgery to stabilize the spine and restore its height. Surgery may involve inserting metal screws, rods, or cement into the fractured vertebrae.
Burst Fracture
A burst fracture is a type of spinal fracture that occurs when one or more vertebrae shatter due to a high-impact force. This can happen when you fall from a height, get into a car crash, or suffer a violent blow to your spine. Burst fractures often affect the lower part of your spine (lumbar region) or the junction between your lower and middle spine (thoracolumbar region) [4].
The symptoms of a burst fracture may include:
Severe back pain that radiates to your hips, legs, or feet
Swelling, bruising, or bleeding in your back
Difficulty moving or feeling your legs or feet if the fracture injures your spinal cord or nerves
Loss of bladder or bowel control if the fracture damages your cauda equina (the bundle of nerves at the end of your spinal cord)
To diagnose a burst fracture, your doctor may order an X-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI of your spine. These tests can show the location and extent of the fracture and any damage to your spinal cord or nerves.
The treatment for a burst fracture depends on the severity and stability of the fracture. Stable fractures may heal with rest, pain medication, and a back brace. Unstable fractures may require surgery to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage to your spinal cord or nerves. Surgery may involve removing bone fragments, inserting metal screws, rods, or cages into the fractured vertebrae, and fusing them together with bone grafts.
Chance Fracture
A chance fracture is a type of spinal fracture that occurs when one or more vertebrae are pulled apart due to a sudden bending force. This can happen when you wear a seatbelt during a car crash, fall forward onto something hard, or experience a violent jerk to your spine. Chance fractures often affect the upper part of your lower spine (lumbar region) or the junction between your lower and middle spine (thoracolumbar region) [1].
The symptoms of a chance fracture may include:
Moderate to severe back pain that worsens with movement
Bruising or abrasions on your abdomen if you wore a seatbelt during a car crash
Difficulty moving or feeling your legs or feet if the fracture injures your spinal cord or nerves
Loss of bladder or bowel control if the fracture damages your cauda equina (the bundle of nerves at the end of your spinal cord)
To diagnose a chance fracture, your doctor may order an X-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI of your spine.
Osteoporosis and Spinal Fractures
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to lose density and become weak and brittle. It affects millions of people worldwide, especially older women. Osteoporosis increases your risk of fractures, especially in your spine, hips, and wrists.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, spinal fractures are the most common type of fracture caused by osteoporosis. They estimate that about 700,000 spinal fractures occur each year in the United States. They are also twice as common as hip and wrist fractures combined.
Osteoporosis-related spinal fractures can have serious consequences for your health and quality of life. They can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, deformity, nerve damage, and respiratory problems. They can also increase your risk of death within the first year after the fracture [3].
The good news is that osteoporosis and spinal fractures can be prevented or treated with proper care. Some of the ways to prevent or reduce the risk of osteoporosis and spinal fractures include:
Getting enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet or supplements
Doing regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Taking medications that slow down bone loss or stimulate bone formation
Having regular bone density tests to monitor your bone health
Taking precautions to prevent falls and injuries
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious complication that can result from spinal fractures. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs through your spine and connects your brain to the rest of your body. It controls your movement, sensation, and bodily functions.
When a spinal fracture damages your spinal cord or nerves, it can cause SCI. SCI can cause partial or complete loss of movement and sensation below the level of injury. It can also affect your bladder, bowel, sexual, and respiratory functions [2].
The symptoms and complications of SCI depend on the location and severity of the injury. Some of the common symptoms and complications include:
Paralysis (tetraplegia or paraplegia)
Numbness or tingling
Pain or burning sensation
Muscle spasms or weakness
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Sexual dysfunction
Difficulty breathing or coughing
Pressure sores or infections
Blood clots or bleeding
Depression or anxiety
The diagnosis and treatment of SCI require immediate medical attention. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and imaging tests (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) to assess the extent of damage to your spine and spinal cord. You may also need other tests (such as blood tests, nerve tests, or spinal fluid tests) to check for other problems.
The treatment of SCI may involve surgery to stabilize your spine and remove any bone fragments or foreign objects that are pressing on your spinal cord or nerves. You may also need medications to reduce inflammation, pain, or muscle spasms. In addition, you will need rehabilitation to help you recover from SCI and cope with its effects on your life.
Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychological counseling, social support, assistive devices, and adaptive equipment. The goal of rehabilitation is to help you regain as much function and independence as possible.
When to Seek Help for Spinal Fractures?
Spinal fractures are common and serious injuries that can affect anyone at any age. They can cause severe pain, disability, and even death if they are not treated properly. They can also lead to complications such as osteoporosis and spinal cord injury.
The best way to prevent spinal fractures is to keep your bones strong and healthy by following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and alcohol abuse, taking medications if needed, and having regular bone density tests.
If you suspect that you have a spinal fracture, seek medical help right away. Do not ignore or delay treatment for your back pain. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your recovery and outcome. If you have any questions or concerns about spinal fractures, schedule an appointment with our specialists at Indiana Vascular, so we can provide you with more information and guidance on how to prevent or treat spinal fractures.
Sources
Fractured Spine (Vertebrae): Types, Long-Term Effects & Treatment. (n.d.-c). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17498-spinal-fractures
Spinal cord injury - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2021, October 2). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890
Osteoporosis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2021, August 21). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968
Vertebrae (Spinal) Fractures. Penn Medicine. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/vertebral-fracture
Symptoms of a Spinal Compression Fracture. (2005, September 12). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/spinal-compression-fractures-symptoms
