Watch Dr. Sarraj explain
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What it is
Spinal fractures fall broadly into two groups. Osteoporotic compression fractures occur in weakened bone, sometimes after a minor stumble or even a cough. Higher-energy fractures follow falls from height, collisions, and similar trauma.
The distinction matters, because the treatment and the urgency are quite different.
What it feels like
- Sudden, sharp back pain, often at a single point, worse on moving or standing.
- Loss of height or increasing forward stoop after several fractures.
- Pain that eases considerably when lying flat.
- In higher-energy injuries, numbness or weakness in the legs.
How it is assessed
X-rays identify the fracture and CT shows the detail of the bone. MRI determines whether a fracture is recent or old, which changes the plan considerably.
In osteoporotic fractures the assessment also looks beyond the spine — bone density, vitamin D, and medication review — because the next fracture is the one worth preventing.
Treatment
Most osteoporotic compression fractures heal without surgery, managed with pain control, gradual mobilisation, and treatment of the underlying bone disease. Bracing is used selectively.
Surgery is considered for fractures that fail to settle, for those causing instability or deformity, and for fractures compressing the nerves or spinal cord. Higher-energy injuries with neurological involvement are treated urgently.
Seek care urgently if
- You have back pain with new weakness or numbness in the legs.
- You lose bladder or bowel control.
- Pain follows a significant fall or collision.
Educational information to support your consultation. The options, risks, and recovery described here may differ from your individual plan. Contact your treating team about new or changing symptoms.