Fractured Vertebrae
Fractured vertebrae occur when one or more of the actual spinal bones break or crack. The vertebrae can fracture just like any other bone in the body. Fractures often occur due to traumatic
back injury,
but can also come about from low bone density and obesity, often in combination with one another. The most common areas which suffer fractures are the various processes on the dorsal side of the vertebral structure. Fractures can occur in the spinous process or transverse process, as well as in the pedicle, facet joints or lamina. Far less common are fractures to the more solid vertebral body itself, although these can certainly occur.
Causes of Vertebral Fracture
Below are listed some of the major causes and contributors to vertebral fractures:
* Osteoporosis
and low bone density can cause the vertebrae to weaken and fracture, especially under the stress of obesity or impact. * Trauma can cause of vertebra to break.
Car accidents
and falls are the most common forms of trauma leading to fractured vertebrae.
* Metastatic cancer
can weaken the spine and cause vertebral fracture.
Symptoms of Fractured Vertebrae
Many vertebral fractures do not produce any
back pain symptoms.
This is especially true for compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. However, other fractures are symptomatic and may enact any of the following expressions: * Pain can be localized or radiating and the affected region will be sore to the touch. * Stiffness will be localized and possibly widespread. * Possible visual deformity. Fracture might create a bump on the spine. * Serious fractures can create neurological effects, such as
pinched nerves,
paralysis
or even death.
Diagnosis of Fractured Vertebrae
Physical examination will often raise suspicion of a fractured vertebra. Diagnostic imaging will be used to confirm a fracture and determine the age and extent of the fracture. Most fractures will show up on
spinal X-rays.
However, minor fractures and certain types of fractures might be harder to identify on these antiquated imaging studies. Up to 60% of vertebral
compression fractures
are never diagnosed. A CT scan or
MRI
is a better tool to accurately diagnose some fractures, as well as ascertain their possible neurological effects.
Treatment of Vertebral Fracture
Most injuries require conservative care.
Pain management drugs
can be used to reduce symptoms.
Dietary supplements,
such as calcium, will be given to promote bone healing. A
back brace
might be used to limit spinal motion in the affected area.
Physical therapy
will be used to rehabilitate the region once the bone has healed.
Back surgery
is sometimes required to correct a serious fracture or multiple fractures. The procedures most commonly used are
vertebroplasty
and
kyphoplasty.
These procedures will usually be utilized prevent further anatomical damage due to
spinal instability.
Recommendation for Fractured Vertebrae
Most vertebral fractures are not overly serious. It sounds very bad to have a broken bone in your spine, but usually the break will heal all by itself. Of course, in cases of serious trauma, multiple levels of vertebral fracture can cause very serious health effects. Remember that one of the main causes of vertebral fracture is jumping from a height and landing on your heels. If you find it necessary to jump or fall from a height, try not to land straight legged on your heels. This produces a sharp shock to the spine. The most preventable type of fracture is certainly the compression fractures seen in obese patients with low bone density. Obesity is a terrible epidemic which is the single greatest health risk facing humans in most developed countries today. Talk to your doctor if you are drastically overweight or suffer bone density concerns. It is never too late to prevent significant pain and injury with a bit of healthy living…
Fractured Vertebrae to Back Pain
6/15/06 Revised 12/2/11
|
