Overview
A spinal fracture is a break in one of the vertebrae. In older adults, the most common type is a compression fracture caused by osteoporosis, sometimes from a minor fall or even a cough. In younger people, fractures usually follow significant trauma such as a car accident or fall from a height.
Treatment depends on whether the fracture is stable and whether nerves or the spinal cord are affected. Many stable fractures heal with bracing and time.
Watch and learn
Video: “Treatment of Spine Fractures: Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty” from UMass Memorial Health on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “Mayo Clinic Minute: How vertebroplasty can reduce back pain caused by spine fractures” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
Symptoms
- Sudden back pain, often worse with standing or walking
- Loss of height or a more stooped posture
- Numbness, tingling or weakness (a sign of nerve involvement)
- After major trauma: any neck or back pain needs emergency evaluation
Causes
- Osteoporosis
- Falls, car accidents and sports injuries
- Cancer that has spread to the spine
- Long-term steroid use
How it is diagnosed
X-rays show the fracture; CT shows bone detail and stability; MRI shows whether the fracture is new and whether nerves or the cord are affected. A bone density test is recommended after a fragility fracture.
Treatment options, step by step
A spine surgeon looks at the whole picture, including options short of surgery. Not every step applies to every person.
Self-care and lifestyle
Short rest, then gentle activity; fall prevention.
Physical therapy and medications
Pain medicine, a brace for comfort, and osteoporosis treatment.
Injections and nerve blocks
Nerve blocks for pain in selected cases.
Minimally invasive procedures
Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for painful compression fractures that are not improving.
Surgical evaluation
Surgical stabilization for unstable fractures or nerve compression.
Nonsurgical alternatives
Many spine problems are managed without surgery. See our nonsurgical options and holistic and lifestyle care guides.
Related surgeries
Call 732-202-3000 to confirm which surgeon performs this procedure and where.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department for new or rapidly worsening weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain after a fall or accident.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a compression fracture take to heal?
Many heal over about 6 to 12 weeks. Pain often eases gradually during that time.
Is kyphoplasty right for every fracture?
No. It is considered for painful osteoporotic or certain other compression fractures that are not improving, based on imaging and exam.
What should I do after a fall with back pain?
Seek prompt evaluation, especially with severe pain, numbness, weakness or if you have osteoporosis.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.