Spinal Fracture

What you need to know about spinal fractures?

In a large percentage of clinical cases, spinal fractures are caused by osteoporosis or trauma, such as a car accident.

If the spinal cord is not damaged, you will not have any long-term effects after reconstructive surgery for a broken vertebra.

No one is immune to spinal fractures, but women and adults over 50 are more susceptible. You are at risk for spinal fractures if you have a history of osteoporosis. Compared to others who have never had a fracture, people who have already had a compression fracture are five times more likely to have another.

Risk factors for spinal fractures include:

• Cancer (especially if you are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy);

• Long-term use of corticosteroids;

• Hyperthyroidism;

• Bone infection;

• Anorexia;

• Kidney disease;

• Vitamin D deficiency;

• Tobacco;

• Excessive alcohol consumption.

A spinal fracture may make it difficult or impossible for you to move, and you may experience pain and discomfort when moving.

You may need a special medical corset to help with your rehabilitation as the fracture heals.

A severe fracture may damage the spinal cord - for this reason, you may have difficulty standing or walking. This type of damage may be permanent or may require treatment.

The following symptoms are characteristic of a spinal fracture:

• Back pain;

• Swelling;

• Change in body posture;

• Tingling or numbness;

• The patient is losing height;

• Bladder or bowel incontinence.

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17498-spinal-fractures