Spine Condition
Spine Fracture
A compression fracture of the spine is a break or crack in a vertebra caused by trauma, osteoporosis, or high energy injuries which involve direct injury to a vertebra. Compression fractures can cause pain that is severe, lack of mobility, and may cause injury to the nerves of the spinal cord. The most important thing when a compression fracture has occurred is to diagnose the fracture as early as possible to prevent further problems or effects from occurring. Treatment can be bracing, pain management, or surgery depending on the injury or severity of the injury. Expert advice and care in the recovery and stabilization of a spinal fracture is provided by Dr. Rishi Sheth MD.
What are the Causes of Spinal Fractures?
Vertebral compression fractures are commonly attributed to disease states that affect the bone (e.g. osteoporosis), trauma and certain disease states. An individual with a reduced bone mineral density regardless of the disease state (e.g. postmenopausal female) low-energy trauma, even without a substantial injury puts this person at risk. Cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, hyperthyroidism and long-term usage of corticosteroids can also precipitate bone loss eventually increasing the risk of fractures. Either way, if an individual has suffered from high-energy trauma, that fracture can be ignored. If someone (e.g. sporting a helmet) suffers a vertebral injury in the thoracic or lumbar spine area with traumatic force it is common to see that injury sustained, possibly injuring the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Spinal Fracture Symptoms
The symptoms of spinal fractures vary based upon the site and severity of impact. Some typical indicators of a spinal fracture are:
- Severe back or neck pain, to the degree of limiting mobility;
- Inability to move arms or legs
- Difficulties controlling movement below the injury
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the limbs
- Loss of consciousness (in serious cases)
If you suspect a spinal fracture and there is complete lack of consciousness, call for emergency medical assistance right away.
Diagnosing Spinal Fractures
Our expert team provides accurate and timely assessments of spinal injury and back pain. We carefully document the medical history for the suspected spinal fracture, to determine the reason for injury. A comprehensive physical examination will then follow. In most positions, they may recommend further advanced imaging (e.g. Anatomy-Xrays, CT scans or MRIs) to rule out any concerns about the spinal fracture. Further imaging will assist in confirmation of diagnosis as well as conditions of the injury.
Treatment for a Spinal Fracture
- Spinal fractures can also cause injury to the spinal cord, nerves, discs, and surrounding spinal structures.
- These types of injuries often require specialized treatment in a short amount of time.
- At the New Jersey Spine, we strive to provide an accurate diagnosis, so we can provide complete care
- Our team will create an individualized treatment plan for you depending on the type of spine injury & fracture you have.
- The main purposes of treatment will be to alleviate pain, to regain movement, and, if needed, to maintain spinal health.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical care of spine fracture includes rest, pain medications, bracing to keep the spine still and to promote healing. Physical therapy can usually then be reintroduced gradually to promote strength and movement. In the case related to osteoporosis, medications to strengthen bone may also be prescribed. For stable fractures without damage to the nerves or spinal cord, this is usually a successful method of treatment.
The goal of non-surgical care and treatment of spinal fractures, especially vertebral compression fractures, most often consists of the following:
Activity Modifications
We suggest limiting any activities that may cause strain on the spine, when possible, to allow for healing.
Physical Therapy
Add gentle exercises to help restore mobility, strength and posture.
Bracing
The use of supports is commonly called a back brace; a brace acts to stabilize the spine.
Pain Medication
Use of NSAIDs or other prescribed medications may help with discomfort during recovery.
The idea for all three of these types of interventions is to relieve symptoms and to allow for natural healing without the need for surgery.
When to Consider the Surgical Intervention for a Spine Fracture ?
At times, a person may sustain a fractured spine. If so, the surgical procedure is considered when more traditional non-surgical options fail to provide comfort or if the pain and associated symptoms are too severe. Surgical indications for fractures may happen for hardware constructs created to stabilize a spine but become unstable or if a fracture creates instability based on the degree of pain or neurologic factors (i.e., numbness, weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control). On occasion, fractures are associated with component compression of the spinal cord or misaligned vertebrae. The goals for surgical intervention are to stabilize the spine when indicated and relieve any compression on the spinal cord or nerves to allow for some restoration of function. At New Jersey Spine Institute, each case is analyzed and evaluated individually to determine if surgery offers the best option for significant and effective treatment of spine injury or fracture.
GET relief from pain to due to a spinal fracture
What Will Happen During Your Visit ?
An accurate diagnosis is the necessary first step to effective back pain treatment. Here’s what Rishi Sheth, MD, wants you to expect during your visit:
- A comprehensive conversation about your medical history and symptoms
- A thorough physical examination which typically includes a spine evaluation and neurological evaluation
- Imaging studies — x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, if indicated
- You will leave understanding the exact underlying cause of your pain, and
- A customized treatment plan to meet your personal needs and lifestyle.
Rishi Sheth, MD, believes that getting to know his patients is key so that they can understand their condition and feel confident in their plan.