Treating Spine Fractures: When to Seek Medical Attention
Spine fractures are serious injuries that can significantly affect your mobility, nerve function, and overall quality of life. While some fractures can be stable and heal with time and rest, others may require urgent medical intervention to prevent long-term damage or paralysis. Understanding the types of spine fractures, their causes, and the appropriate time to seek medical attention is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome.
At Mackay Spine & Brain, we specialize in diagnosing and treating spinal injuries with precision, compassion, and expertise. If you’ve experienced back trauma or are dealing with chronic back pain, it’s essential to know the signs that may indicate a spinal fracture.
What Is a Spine Fracture?
A spine fracture refers to a break or crack in one of the vertebrae—the bones that make up the spinal column. These fractures can occur in any section of the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), sacrum, or coccyx. The severity and stability of the fracture determine how it is treated.
Spine fractures can range from:
Compression fractures, where the bone collapses due to force or weakened bone structure (often from osteoporosis),
Burst fractures, where the bone shatters from high-impact trauma,
Flexion-distraction fractures, typically caused by sudden deceleration (such as in a car crash), and
Fracture-dislocations, which involve both a break and a shift in alignment.
Causes of Spine Fractures
While osteoporosis is the most common cause of vertebral compression fractures, especially in older adults, other common causes include:
Motor vehicle accidents
Falls from a significant height
Sports injuries
Physical assaults or trauma
Cancer metastasis to the spine
Bone diseases like osteogenesis imperfecta
Understanding the cause is essential in both preventing future injuries and choosing the right treatment path.
Symptoms of a Spinal Fracture
Symptoms vary based on the type and location of the fracture, but commonly include:
Sudden, sharp back pain
Pain that worsens with movement
Limited range of motion
Muscle weakness or numbness
Tingling in arms or legs
Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)
It’s important to note that some fractures—especially compression fractures due to osteoporosis—may occur with minimal or no trauma and present only with gradual back pain and height loss.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Certain symptoms indicate the need for urgent medical evaluation. Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:
Back pain following a traumatic event (such as a fall or accident)
Inability to move your limbs or difficulty walking
Loss of sensation or tingling in extremities
Loss of bladder or bowel function
Spinal deformity or visible abnormal curvature
Severe pain unrelieved by rest or over-the-counter medication
Any of these signs may indicate spinal instability or spinal cord compression, both of which can lead to irreversible damage if not treated promptly.
Diagnosing a Spine Fracture
At Mackay Spine & Brain, our team uses advanced imaging technology to accurately diagnose spinal fractures. A thorough physical exam is typically followed by one or more of the following tests:
X-rays: First-line imaging to detect fractures and alignment issues.
CT scan: Provides more detailed images to assess bone fragments and fracture patterns.
MRI: Essential for identifying soft tissue damage and spinal cord involvement.
Bone scan or DEXA scan: Often used in cases of osteoporosis-related fractures to evaluate bone density.
Accurate diagnosis guides treatment and helps assess the risk of neurological injury.
Treatment Options for Spine Fractures
The treatment approach depends on the type, severity, and location of the fracture as well as the patient’s age, health status, and whether the spine is stable.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
Stable fractures without spinal cord involvement can often be treated without surgery. Options include:
Rest and activity modification: Patients are advised to limit movement and avoid lifting heavy objects.
Bracing: A spinal brace helps stabilize the spine and promote proper alignment during healing.
Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or short-term opioids may be used to control discomfort.
Physical therapy: Once healing begins, guided therapy helps restore strength and flexibility.
Osteoporosis treatment: For patients with low bone density, medications like bisphosphonates or newer bone-building agents are prescribed.
2. Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatments
If a vertebral fracture causes ongoing pain or does not heal properly, procedures like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be used. These involve the injection of medical-grade cement into the vertebra to stabilize the bone and relieve pain.
These procedures are typically used in cases of:
Osteoporotic compression fractures
Painful, non-healing fractures
Cases where spinal alignment needs to be restored
3. Surgical Stabilization
Unstable fractures, those with spinal cord involvement, or fractures from major trauma may require open surgery. Surgical goals include:
Stabilizing the spine using rods, screws, or plates
Decompressing the spinal cord or nerves
Correcting spinal deformities or misalignments
Surgical options may include spinal fusion, laminectomy, or decompression procedures, depending on the location and nature of the injury.
At Mackay Spine & Brain, our neurosurgical and spine specialists carefully assess the need for surgery and use the least invasive option that provides the most benefit.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from a spine fracture can vary widely. Most stable compression fractures heal within 8 to 12 weeks, while recovery from surgery can take several months.
Rehabilitation goals include:
Restoring range of motion
Strengthening spinal-supporting muscles
Managing chronic pain
Preventing future fractures
Patients may be referred to physical therapy, occupational therapy, or a pain management specialist as needed. Follow-up imaging is often performed to confirm healing.
Preventing Future Fractures
For many patients, especially those with osteoporosis, a spinal fracture is a warning sign. Taking proactive steps can help prevent future injuries:
Bone density screening for at-risk individuals (especially women over 65)
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
Weight-bearing exercises to maintain bone mass
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
Fall prevention strategies, such as improving home safety and balance training
Our team works with patients to build long-term strategies for maintaining spine and brain health through proactive care and education.
When in Doubt, Get Evaluated
If you’ve experienced trauma or are living with persistent or worsening back pain, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing complications like nerve damage, loss of mobility, or chronic pain.
Visit our Spinal Conditions & Treatment page to learn more about how we diagnose and treat spine-related injuries.
Trust the Experts at Mackay Spine & Brain
At Mackay Spine & Brain, our highly trained team of neurosurgeons and specialists provides cutting-edge care for spinal fractures and other complex spine issues. From conservative management to advanced surgical treatment, we create a care plan tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re experiencing back pain after a fall, accident, or unexplained injury—or if you’ve already been diagnosed with a spine fracture—don’t delay care. Schedule a consultation today to get the expert evaluation and support you deserve.
Key Takeaways:
Spine fractures are serious and should never be ignored.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience trauma-related back pain or neurological symptoms.
Stable fractures may heal with rest and bracing, while others may require surgery.
Preventative care and long-term bone health management are essential.
