Spinal fractures
Spinal fractures involve a break or collapse in one of the vertebrae and can cause sudden back pain, reduced mobility and, in some cases, nerve-related symptoms.
At Total Spine Health, spinal fractures are assessed carefully to determine stability, identify underlying causes and provide clear guidance on the most appropriate treatment.
AT A GLANCE
- Specialist assessment of suspected or confirmed spinal fractures
- Diagnosis of traumatic and osteoporotic fractures
- Clear advice on imaging, stability and treatment options
- Conservative management and surgical treatment where appropriate
Understanding spinal fractures
Specialist assessment for vertebral fractures and spinal injury
Spinal fractures can occur following injury or develop due to weakened bone, most commonly from osteoporosis. Symptoms may range from sudden severe pain after trauma to more gradual onset pain in cases of compression fractures.
A specialist spinal assessment helps determine the type of fracture, whether the spine is stable, and whether symptoms are likely to improve with conservative care or require further intervention.
What are spinal fractures?
Understanding vertebral fractures
Spinal fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the spine break or collapse. This may result from trauma, such as a fall or accident, or from weakened bone that fractures under normal load.
Some fractures are stable and heal with time, while others may affect spinal alignment or place pressure on nearby nerves, requiring closer monitoring or treatment.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Symptoms often linked to spinal fractures
- sudden onset back pain after injury
- pain worsening with movement or standing
- localised tenderness over the spine
- reduced mobility or difficulty standing upright
- height loss or spinal curvature over time
- pain spreading around the chest or abdomen
- in some cases, numbness, tingling or weakness
COMMON CAUSES
Conditions we assess and treat
Spinal fractures may occur for a number of reasons, ranging from injury to underlying bone weakness.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
When specialist spinal advice may be helpful
Spinal fractures should be assessed promptly, particularly where there has been injury or persistent unexplained pain.
- sudden severe back pain after a fall or injury
- persistent back pain without clear cause
- pain that worsens with standing or movement
- known osteoporosis with new back pain
- difficulty moving or standing upright
- symptoms not improving with rest
Important note
Urgent medical assessment is important if symptoms are associated with significant trauma, severe or worsening pain, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or suspected spinal instability.
DIAGNOSIS AND ASSESSMENT
How spinal fractures are assessed
Assessment begins with a detailed discussion about how symptoms started, any history of injury, and whether there are risk factors such as osteoporosis. This is followed by a focused clinical examination.
- how and when the pain started
- any history of trauma or injury
- risk factors such as osteoporosis
- location and severity of pain
- any neurological symptoms
- impact on mobility and daily activity
Examination may include assessment of posture, movement and tenderness over the spine.
Where appropriate, further investigation may include:
- X-rays
- MRI scan
- CT scan for detailed bone assessment
- bone density testing where indicated
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment for spinal fractures
Treatment depends on the type of fracture, its stability and how symptoms are affecting daily life.
Many fractures can be managed with pain relief, activity modification and gradual rehabilitation as healing occurs.
In some cases, a spinal brace may be used to support healing and reduce pain.
Surgery may be considered where there is instability, deformity or nerve compression, or where symptoms do not improve with conservative care.
SELF-CARE AND RECOVERY
Practical steps that may help
Recovery from a spinal fracture varies depending on the cause and severity, but careful management and gradual return to activity are important.
- follow medical advice on activity levels
- avoid heavy lifting or strain early on
- maintain gentle movement where possible
- use support or bracing if advised
- build strength gradually during recovery
- address bone health where relevant
- seek review if pain worsens or does not improve
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about spinal fractures
Do spinal fractures always need surgery?
No. Many spinal fractures heal with non-surgical treatment, although surgery may be needed in some cases.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies depending on the type of fracture, but many improve over several weeks to months.
Do I need a scan?
Imaging is usually required to confirm a fracture and assess its stability.
Can osteoporosis cause spinal fractures?
Yes. Osteoporosis is a common cause of compression fractures in the spine.
RELATED CONDITIONS
Conditions linked with sacroiliac joint pain
- Back pain
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal tumours
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
RELATED TREATMENTS
Treatment pathways that may be relevant
- Spinal surgery
- Pain management
- Physiotherapy
- Diagnostic assessment
