Fractured vertebrae are exactly what they sound like — a fracture (or break) in one or more of the 33 vertebrae in the spinal column. This type of fracture can cause discomfort and other symptoms, making even routine movements painful.
Most vertebral fractures happen in the middle or lower back, but they can occur in any part of the spine. Types of spinal fractures include:
- Burst fractures occur when the spine is suddenly compressed, breaking the vertebral body into many pieces. This type of fracture causes a loss of height on both the front and back of the vertebra.
- Chance fractures, also called distraction or flexion fractures, cause a vertebra to pull apart. These unstable fractures often cause spinal instability.
- Compression fractures are tiny cracks in a vertebra that cause it to lose height on the front but not the back. Compression fractures usually do not cause the bone to move out of place.
If you live in Central Kentucky and have back pain or other symptoms that may be related to a vertebral fracture, the UK HealthCare Comprehensive Spine Center can help. Our experts will diagnose what’s causing your symptoms and create a treatment plan that’s right for you. This plan may include surgery if needed.
Symptoms of a spinal fracture vary depending on the specific type of fracture, its cause and how severe it is. Symptoms may include:
- Back or neck pain that may be sharp and intense
- Difficulty bending or twisting
- Height loss and/or posture changes
- Swelling of soft tissue around the fracture
- Numbness or tingling
- Incontinence affecting the bowel or bladder if the spinal cord or nerves are affected
In some cases, compression fractures, which often develop over time, may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, severe pain from other fractures can cause difficulty walking or performing everyday activities.
Most vertebral fractures are related to bone insufficiency caused by a medical condition like osteoporosis. As bone weakens or depletes, even regular movements can lead to tiny fractures.
Other causes of fractured vertebrae include:
- Car accidents
- Falls, particularly from a significant height
- Sports injuries
- Spinal tumors
Fractures caused by trauma are more likely to be unstable and to occur along with nerve damage or a spinal cord injury.
Your journey to better spine health begins at home. Before you visit UK HealthCare for spine pain, we review your medical records. We may contact you with follow-up questions. We then discuss your case as a team. Based on these conversations, we determine which specialists will best meet your needs.
Next, we schedule your appointment. To provide you with the best care possible, you may need to meet with multiple providers. This helps us meet all your care needs in a timely manner.
During your first visit, we answer questions and provide information to help you better understand your condition. We also work to find out what is causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
In most cases, we start with non-surgical treatment, such as lifestyle changes and physical therapy. Spine issues that don’t improve with this approach may require other treatment, including pain management and surgical intervention.
When coming to your first appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early gives you time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medicines or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve had, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you stay relaxed and attentive throughout your visit. They also make it easier to perform your physical exam.
- Eat and drink as directed. You may need to have imaging or other tests during your first visit. If you need to adjust your eating, drinking or medicines before a test, a team member will call to explain what you need to do leading up to your visit.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Bring a family member or friend with you. This person can help take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
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