Several symptoms can indicate a spinal fracture: sudden severe back pain, pain when walking or standing, difficulty when bending or twisting, loss of height, or deformity of the spine. These can occur during everyday activities such as lifting groceries, bending over, slipping on a rug or lifting a suitcase. The most common fractures of the spine occur in the thoracic, or mid-back, and lumbar, lower back. These types of fractures are usually results of a high-energy trauma such as a car accident or a sports collision. They can also be results of other conditions that have weakened the bone, such as osteoporosis.

Likely tests: X-rays and CT and MRI scans are likely tests.

Treatment options: Some cases require back braces or body casts. Surgical procedures include spinal fusion, anterior and posterior spinal surgery.

Average recovery: Non-surgical treatment is available for some fractures, treated with a brace for 6-12 weeks.

For more information please visit one of the following sites:
http://www.uscspine.com/conditions/spine-fractures.cfm
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00368#Treatment
http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/spinal-compression-fractures-symptoms

Ask your doctor about a referral to Dr. Masaki Oishi at Neurosurgical Associates, or contact our office at 254-772-6760.