Spine Fractures

The spinal column (backbone) can be broken or dislocated depending on the location of the fracture. Injury or trauma caused by falls, sports, car accidents, or high-speed impacts is the primary cause of spinal fractures. They can result in mild muscle strains and ligament tears to more severe injuries, including fractures and damage to the spinal cord. A minor spine fracture can usually be treated with medication and rest, but more severe fractures may require surgery to realign the bones. Spinal fractures can result in paralysis, spinal cord injury, nerve damage, and permanent spinal cord injury if left untreated.

There are several types of spinal fractures:

• Chance fracture:
• Axial burst fracture:
• Compression fracture

Symptoms

A fractured spinal column can cause various symptoms based on the location and severity of the injury. Occasionally, spinal cords are not entirely severed in fractures, and not all fractures result in spinal cord injuries. As a result of a spinal fracture, the patient will typically experience back pain that worsens with movement.

The following symptoms may result from a spinal fracture:

• Tingling or numbness
• Pain in the back or neck
• Uncontrolled muscle spasms
• Weakness or paralysis of limbs
• Loss of urinary or bowel control

Patients who lose consciousness after a high-energy trauma should be evacuated and treated immediately.

Causes

An orthopedic injury that results in a spinal fracture typically occurs with a high-velocity impact, such as:

• Sports accident
• Fall from height
• Car or motorcycle accident
• Violent act (gunshot wound or assault)

Another condition that causes spinal fractures is:

• Osteoporosis
• Spinal tumors
• Conditions underlying vertebral deterioration

Conditions underlying vertebral deterioration

Emergency Medicine specialists are best suited to evaluate spinal fractures. A doctor may also recommend other diagnostic tests based on your injuries, such as: