Spinal Fractures
Any break or crack in the spinal vertebrae in the neck (cervical), chest (thoracic) or the lower back (lumbar) areas is considered very serious. The most common causes are trauma (such as a car accident, sports injury or a fall) or when patients are suffering a disease that weakens the bone (such as osteoporosis or cancer).
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Fractures?
- Numbness or tingling sensation from nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Severe back pain that increases with movement
When Should You Seek Treatment?
If you suspect a spinal fracture, call 9-1-1 immediately. This is a medical emergency. Never try to move someone whom you suspect has spinal fracture — movement may cause further, irreparable damage.
How Is a Spinal Fracture Evaluated?
When the emergency workers arrive at the scene, tell everything you know about how the injury occurred. They will stabilize the patient on a spine board and conduct a physical exam, looking for bruising, swelling and other injuries.
The patient will be brought to the emergency room where physicians will conduct neurological exams, testing for sensory responses to temperature, pain and pressure, as well as for muscle strength and reflexes. Other tests may be ordered:
- CT (computer tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- X-rays
How Is a Spinal Fracture Treated?
Non-surgical options
If it is a simple compression fracture, it can be treated with:
Surgical
More serious fractures may need surgical intervention to fuse the bones, using bone grafts, metal rods and screws.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).