Spinal Fractures / Trauma

Spinal fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) break or collapse.
These injuries can range from minor compression fractures — often caused by osteoporosis or aging — to serious traumatic fractures that result from accidents or falls.

Spinal fractures may cause pain, instability, deformity, and nerve damage, especially when bone fragments or misalignment compress the spinal cord or nerves.
Prompt evaluation and treatment are essential to prevent long-term complications and promote healing.

Spinal fractures can result from a variety of events or conditions.
The cause often determines the type and severity of the fracture.

• Traumatic injuries:
   
  • Car accidents or motorcycle crashes
     
  • Sports injuries or high-impact collisions
     
  • Falls from significant heights
     
  • Direct blows to the spine
     
• Osteoporosis:
   
  • Bones become brittle and weak, leading to compression fractures with minimal force, sometimes even during daily activities.
     
• Pathologic fractures:
   
  • Caused by tumors, infections, or other medical conditions that weaken bone.
     
• Degenerative changes:
   
  • Chronic wear-and-tear combined with age-related bone thinning increases fracture risk.
     

Symptoms depend on the type of fracture, its location, and whether nerves are involved.
While some fractures cause only mild discomfort, others may lead to severe neurological symptoms.

• Sudden, severe back pain after a fall, accident, or awkward movement.
   
• Localized tenderness or swelling over the spine.
   
• Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or movement.
   
• Loss of height or visible spinal deformity, such as a forward stoop or hump.
   
• Radiating nerve pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs if nerves are compressed.
   
• Weakness or difficulty walking, indicating potential spinal cord involvement.
   
• Severe or urgent symptoms: sudden loss of bladder or bowel control or rapidly worsening weakness — medical emergency.
   

Important: Anyone who experiences sudden back pain after trauma or fall should be evaluated immediately to rule out a fracture.

Accurate diagnosis is critical to determine the type of fracture and develop an effective treatment plan.
Dr. Fried uses a comprehensive diagnostic approach:

• Medical history and symptom review – including details about the injury or event.
   
• Physical and neurological examination – checking for tenderness, deformity, nerve function, and stability.
   
• Imaging studies:
   
  • X-rays: initial assessment of alignment and bone integrity.
     
  • MRI: evaluates nerve compression, soft tissue damage, or spinal cord involvement.
     
  • CT scans: provide highly detailed bone images, especially for surgical planning.
    
     

Treatment depends on the severity and type of fracture, the patient’s overall health, and whether the spinal cord or nerves are affected.
Dr. Fried focuses on stabilizing the spine, relieving pain, and protecting neurological function.