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Fractured Vertebrae
Causes of Vertebral Fracture* Osteoporosis can cause the vertebrae to weaken and fracture. * Trauma can cause of vertebra to break.
Auto accidents
and falls are the most common forms of trauma leading to fractured vertebrae. Symptoms of Fractured VertebraeMany vertebral fractures do not produce back pain symptoms. This is especially true for fractures caused by osteoporosis.* Pain can be localized or radiating, and usually be sore to the touch. * Stiffness. Area will feel tight and stiff. * 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 VertebraePhysical 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. Severe fracture will show up on spinal X-rays. Minor fractures and certain types of fractures might be harder to identify. 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 possible neurological effects.Treatment of Vertebral FractureMost 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 stabilize the spine and prevent further damage due to spinal instability.Recommendation for Fractured VertebraeMost 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.
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