17498 Spinal Fractures

Overview

A spinal fracture is a break in one of the small bones that make up your spine, called vertebrae. These bones support your body and protect your spinal cord. A break can cause pain and make it harder to move. Most spinal fractures happen from a fall, an injury, or when bones have become weak from a condition like osteoporosis.

Yes, spinal fractures are fairly common, especially in older adults. People with thin or weak bones are more prone to them, and fractures can even happen after a small stumble or lifting something heavy.

Spinal fractures most often affect older adults, particularly people with osteoporosis. They can also affect younger people after high-impact accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Children are less commonly affected, but it can happen with a strong injury.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden or gradual back pain that gets worse with standing or walking
• Pain that eases when lying down
• Loss of height over time
• Hunched or curved posture
• Trouble bending or twisting
• Tenderness when touching the area of the back that hurts

Symptoms in children

• Back pain after a fall or accident
• Trouble standing or walking normally
• Complaints of pain when bending or lifting
• Swelling or bruising along the back

Symptoms in older adults

• Back pain that starts suddenly after a minor bump or a sneeze
• Pain that comes on without any clear cause
• Noticing you are getting shorter
• A new hump-like curve at the top of the back
• Difficulty doing daily tasks due to pain

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoporosis: bones become thin and weak, so they can break more easily
• Falls from standing height or higher
• Car accidents or other strong impacts
• Sports injuries that involve a hard blow to the back
• Rarely, tumors or infections that weaken a vertebra

Risk factors

• Older age
• Being a woman after menopause
• Low bone density
• A previous fracture
• Certain medicines that thin bones (such as long-term steroid use)
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Poor nutrition, especially low calcium and vitamin D

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number right away.
• If you have sudden severe back pain after a fall or injury, get same-day medical care.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have back pain that lasts more than a few days
• If you have osteoporosis and notice any new back pain
• If you think you may have lost height or your posture has changed

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, any injury, and your health history. They will examine your back and check your strength, feeling, and reflexes. If they suspect a spinal fracture, they will usually order imaging tests to look at the bones and soft tissues.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray: shows the bones of the spine and can show a fracture
• CT scan: gives a more detailed view of the bones
• MRI scan: looks at the spinal cord, nerves, and soft tissues
• Bone density test (DEXA scan): checks how strong your bones are, especially if osteoporosis is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

You may not need every test. The doctor will choose the simplest and safest way to check for a fracture. You may be advised to take off work or limit activity while waiting for results. The doctor will explain the findings and talk with you about the best next steps.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, help the spine heal, and prevent more injuries. Many spinal fractures can be managed without surgery. Treatment plans are tailored to the type and location of the fracture, your age, and your overall health. Your doctor and a team of specialists can guide you.

Self-care at home

• Rest briefly, but avoid long periods of bed rest unless a doctor advises it
• Use a firm chair with good back support
• Roll to your side when getting out of bed instead of bending forward
• Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting until your doctor says it is safe
• Apply ice or heat to the sore area for short periods, as comfort allows
• Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about safe over-the-counter pain relief options

Medical treatments

Medical care may include pain management, a back brace to support your spine, and physical therapy to help you move safely. In some cases, doctors may offer minimally invasive procedures to help stabilize a fractured vertebra with special cement, but these are not right for everyone. Treatments that strengthen bones, such as certain medicines for osteoporosis, may also be discussed to reduce the risk of future fractures. Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually only needed if the fracture is very unstable, causing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, or if other treatments have not helped enough. If you need surgery, your surgeon will explain the procedure, the benefits, and the recovery process.

Living with this condition

In the first weeks, take it easy and follow your doctor’s advice about how much to move. As you improve, try to keep a good posture and move gently. Ask for help with chores or tasks that strain your back. It can help to wear low-heeled, non-slip shoes and keep your home free of trip hazards.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay as active as your doctor allows to keep muscles strong
• Avoid smoking, as it can weaken bones
• Limit alcohol, since heavy drinking increases fracture risk
• Keep your living area well lit and clear to prevent falls
• Use a walker or cane if your doctor recommends one

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, found in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods. Ask your doctor if you need supplements. Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or seated stretches can help, but only after your doctor says it is safe. A physiotherapist can teach you safe movements and strengthening exercises.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with back pain can be frustrating and tiring. It is normal to feel anxious, down, or worried about the future. Talking to your doctor, friends, or a mental health professional can help. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a crisis support line right away.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of spinal fractures by keeping your bones strong and preventing falls. This includes eating healthy foods, staying active, quitting smoking, and having regular check-ups. If you are over 50 or have risk factors, ask your doctor about bone density testing.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines that prevent spinal fractures directly, but staying up to date with recommended vaccines, like the flu vaccine, can prevent illnesses that may lead to falls or weakness.

Screening programmes

Bone density screening is recommended for some adults, especially women over 65 or people with a higher risk of osteoporosis. Ask your doctor if or when you should be screened.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic (long-lasting) back pain
• Loss of height and a hunched posture
• Reduced mobility and independence
• Weakened breathing if the spine curves severely
• More fractures due to weak bones
• Rarely, nerve damage or spinal cord injury

Long-term outlook

Most spinal fractures recover well with proper care. You may need a few weeks or months of rest and gentle rehabilitation, but most people can return to their normal activities. Even if you have osteoporosis or have had a fracture before, there are many ways to protect your bones and stay active. With the right support, you can continue to live a full and good life.

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