Spine fracture

What is a spinal fracture?

A spinal fracture is a serious injury that results from the breakage or collapse of one of the bones of the spine. Fractures can occur anywhere along the spine. In general, spinal fractures are divided into three categories:

  1. Compression spine fracture: Occurs when more pressure is placed on the bone than it can withstand, resulting in a break.
  2. Dislocation spine fracture: When the ligaments and/or discs connecting vertebrae are stretched or torn, the bones may become misaligned.
  3. Dislocation spine fracture: Occurs when the bone and ligaments are torn.

A spinal fracture can cause irreversible damage such as total paralysis.

Symptoms of spinal fracture

Symptoms of a spinal fracture vary depending on the severity and location of the injury, although the main symptom is moderate to severe back pain that worsens with movement. Symptoms include:

  • Back or neck pain.
  • Numbness.
  • Tingling.
  • weakness
  • Muscle spasms.
  • bowel/bladder dysfunction.
  • paralysis loss of movement of the arms or legs May indicate a spinal cord injury.

What are the causes of spinal fracture?

Spinal fracture can occur from:

  1. High-energy trauma to the area, such as:
    • Motor vehicle accidents.
    • Falls.
    • Accidents with firearms.
  2. Loss of bone mass, caused for example by osteoporosis. Although the disappearance of bone mass can also be caused by other causes: cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hyperthyroidism and long-term use of corticosteroids. In these cases, deterioration means that bone fractures can also occur as a result of normal activity, such as bending over or picking something up.
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How to prevent a spinal fracture

The best way to prevent a spinal fracture is to make a change in lifestyle and be responsible for maintaining the health of your back.

It is also important to keep in mind that older people are more prone to spinal injuries, mainly due to falls.

What does the treatment consist of?

Traditional treatment of vertebral fractures includes:

  • Prolonged bed rest.
  • Pain medication.
  • Use of braces.

These treatments may reduce pain, but they do not stabilize the fracture or correct the corresponding vertebral deformity. In fact, a spinal fracture can produce irreversible damage such as total or partial paralysis of the injured person.