If you suddenly develop back pain that won’t go away, you may have a vertebral fracture. This is especially true if you are over the age of 50. Fortunately, many injuries leading to vertebral fractures do not require surgery. However, major fractures can cause ongoing problems unless they are treated quickly and effectively.
At Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic, we treat vertebral fractures that include painful compression fractures in patients with osteoporosis and burst fractures that follow a fall or auto accident. You may have only mild pain in the beginning or if this fracture is not that severe. In fact, some patients with vertebral fractures report feeling no back pain!
Still others experience deformities after multiple fractures compromise their spinal vertebrae. This may be the first indication of fractures caused by osteoporosis. Learn more about the symptoms of vertebral fracture so that you can get treatment as quickly as possible for this condition.
These fractures cause mild to severe pain. Often, the pain worsens with movements and in extreme cases can cause weakness, muscle spasms, tingling, numbness and even paralysis. If you feel extreme pain after routine daily activities such as bending over or twisting your torso to reach for an object, seek medical assistance to avoid more severe damage
Dr. Lewis typically orders an x-ray to determine the location and severity of a suspected vertebral fracture in the neck or back. After the x-ray, you may also need a CT scan or other imaging technology that can help the doctor evaluate the damage to your spine and determine the best possible course of treatment. For example, an MRI can show damage to ligaments, soft tissues, and the spinal cord.
We often treat fractures with immobilization techniques such as using a brace. Bracing the spinal column can reduce pain and maintain the shape of the spinal cord until the injury heals. This process can take up to 12 weeks and may impact your mobility for the duration of the treatment.
During this time, you may have to return to our office in Flowood, MS, so Dr. Lewis can make sure you’re healing as expected.
There are two main types of surgery that can help patients with vertebral fractures, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.
Plates, screws, and hardware also have their place in replacing bones with severe vertebral fractures and breaks.
Contact the Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic today to learn more about vertebral fractures and other spinal challenges. Call us at (601) 366-1011. We’ll find a solution that works for you.