Spinal Fractures

Understanding Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments

 

What is a Spinal Fracture?

A fractured spine is a medical condition that occurs when one or more of the 33 bones that make up the spinal column, known as vertebrae, break. It is common for people to refer to a spinal fracture as a "broken back". These fractures are often caused by factors such as osteoporosis, falls, sports injuries, or car accidents.

While not all spinal fractures require surgery, some may resort to wearing a back brace for a few months to aid in healing. Severe spinal fractures, on the other hand, typically require surgical intervention to be repaired.

Types of Spinal Fractures

  • Compression fractures: Compression fractures are small breaks or cracks in your vertebrae that are caused by traumas or develop over time as a result of osteoporosis.

  • Burst fractures: Burst fractures happen when your spine is suddenly compressed with a strong force. They can cause your vertebrae to break into many pieces.

  • Chance (flexion/distraction) factures: Chance fractures happen when your vertebrae are suddenly pulled away from each other. They’re almost like the opposite of a burst fracture.

What Causes Spinal Fractures?

Spinal fractures can be caused a sudden trauma or by conditions that become more evident over time, such as

  • Trauma: Sudden and high velocity impacts such as car accidents, sport injury or a violent act, can put too much force on your vertebrae, which can cause the spine to fracture.

  • Osteoporosis: A condition that weakens your bones and causes it to lose its density over time. It also makes you more prone to endure unexpected fractures.

  • Spinal tumors: In most cases of spinal tumors, it is caused by a pre-existing cancer that has spread from one part of your body to the spine.

Spinal Fracture Symptoms

Spinal fracture symptoms vary based on how severe the injury is and where it is specifically located. Some people don’t ever realize that they have a compression fracture especially if the injury gradually happens over time due to osteoporosis, and not a severe trauma. However, if you do experience symptoms, you may experience the following:

  • Intense back pain

  • Swelling around the injured area

  • Posture change

  • Tingling or numbing feeling in your back

  • Height loss

  • Loss of urinary/bowel control

Diagnosis of Spinal Fractures

A physical examination and imaging tests will be used by your doctor to diagnose a spinal fracture. During the physical exam, they will examine your back, check for tender or painful areas, and look for any changes in your spine's posture. After the exam, the doctors will conduct imaging tests to get a better look at your spine, and those tests include:

  • X-ray: It will confirm whether there is a fracture in the spine.

  • MRI: This will show whether or not there is damage to the soft tissues around the spine and the spinal cord.

  • CT scan: It provides a better picture that will show changes in the bone structure.

Treatment Options for Spinal Fractures

The treatment for spinal fractures depends on the severity of the fracture and the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:

  • Pain management: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help relieve mild to moderate pain.

  • Bracing: A back brace can help support the spine and relieve pain.

  • Physical therapy: Exercises can help improve mobility and reduce pain.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

If your spinal fracture is at risk of causing damage to your spinal cord, or if your pain doesn’t improve a few months after non-surgical treatments, you might need consider resorting to a surgical treatment. Fortunately, there are several minimally invasive treatments available for spinal fractures that can help relieve pain and restore function. These treatments include vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, which are the most common forms of vertebral augmentation.

  • Vertebroplasty: A minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of bone cement directly into the fractured vertebra. This helps with strengthening the vertebra and relieving pain.

  • Kyphoplasty: A similar procedure to vertebroplasty, but it involves the use of a balloon to create a space in the vertebra before injecting the bone cement.

However, there is a newer minimally invasive procedure known as the Spine Jack which helps treat a spinal fracture symptom that neither vertebral augmentation procedures can fully treat, and that is height loss. Just like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, cement is injected into the vertebra the help stabilize it and relieve pain, but a titanium implant that resembles a tiny car jack is also implanted into the fractured vertebra and is expanded to restore its height to pre-fracture levels.

Treat Spinal Fractures at Indiana Vascular

Spinal fractures can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, causing pain, mobility issues, and spinal deformities. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for spinal fractures is crucial for effective management and recovery. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and improve long-term outcomes.

At Indiana Vascular, we offer a facility filled with state-of-the-art equipment and a staff of experienced doctors that specialize in in treating spinal fractures. We will work with you in creating a treatment plan tailored to your individualized needs, and will walk with you every step of the way to ensure a favorable outcome and swift recovery.

Do not allow spinal fractures to negatively impact your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with us today to receive a consultation and gain insight into the condition, as well as discover how we can enhance your overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Recovery time for spinal fractures varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the patient's overall health. Mild fractures may heal within a few weeks, while more severe fractures may take several months to heal.

  • Compression fractures occur when the vertebrae collapse or become compressed, while burst fractures occur when the vertebrae are shattered into multiple pieces.

  • Yes, spinal fractures can often be prevented by maintaining good bone health and taking steps to reduce the risk of falls and other traumatic injuries.

  • In some cases, spinal fractures can lead to paralysis if they are not treated promptly. It is important to seek medical care right away if you suspect you have a spinal fracture.

Are You Suffering From a Spinal Fracture?

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