In the course of our daily lives, we are constantly vulnerable to vertebrae complications. That said, you must seek timely intervention if you suspect having this condition. If you encounter spinal fractures in Mesa, you are in good hands at Southwest Cardiovascular Associates. Contact the experts via phone or online today for a practical, personalized treatment solution.
What is Vertebral/Spinal Fracture?
A spinal fracture refers to a dislocation or fracture of the vertebrae and can occur anywhere along the spine. Most spinal fractures result from injury or trauma from falls, car accidents, sports, or any other high-velocity impact.
These injuries can appear as mild muscle and ligament strains or more severe fractures and spinal cord damage. While minor spine fractures can be treated with medication and rest, severe fractures, however, demand surgery to realign bones. Without professional intervention, spinal fractures can bring about permanent spinal cord injury, paralysis, and nerve damage.
Types of Spinal Fractures
There are various types of spinal fractures, such as:
- Compression Fracture- A compression fracture results from osteoporosis, a tumor, or any other spine abnormality. In this type, the front vertebrae fracture and weaken while the rear vertebrae remain stable.
- Chance Fracture- Fracture occurring from the pulling apart of vertebrae resulting from a violent forward flexed injury. A chance fracture commonly results from a car accident.
- Axial Burst Fracture- An axial burst fracture results from a loss in height on the front and back of the vertebrae due to a fall or vertical impact.
Symptoms of a Spinal Fracture
Spinal fracture symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of your injury. Most individuals report feeling back pain that increases with movement. Other symptoms include:
- Tingling or numbness
- Loss of urinary or bowel control
- Pain in the back or neck
- Uncontrolled muscle spasms
- Weakness of limb paralysis
You should, however, seek immediate emergency evacuation and treatment in case of loss of consciousness from high-energy trauma.
What Causes a Spinal Fracture?
Spinal fractures are severe Orthopaedic injuries that often result from high-velocity impacts such as:
- Sports accidents
- Vehicle or motorcycle accidents
- Violent actions such as gunshot wound or assault
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal tumors
- Any underlying condition that weakens your vertebrae
Diagnosis of Spinal Fracture
At Southwest Cardiovascular Associates, a spinal fracture diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation by your specialist. According to your injuries, your provider might recommend other diagnostic tests such as X-rays (to examine for fractures or abnormal spine movement), spine CT scans, or MRI scans.
Treating Spinal Fractures
In case of a spinal fracture, the initial step for treatment involves stabilizing the individual using a backboard, cervical collar, or stretcher to prevent further injuries. After stabilization, your Southwest Cardiovascular Associates practitioner determines whether to apply surgical treatment, depending on the complexity and location of your fracture. Some minor fractures can be addressed non-surgically with rest and cervical bracing. For those with unstable fractures, surgery might be recommended. Following emergency treatments, your treatment plan for spinal fractures may include:
- Physical rehabilitation and therapy
- Some specific medications to control issues like pain, muscle spasticity, blood pressure, and other health complications.
If you feel you have been exposed to spinal fractures, it would be best to seek medical intervention before your conditions increase in severity. Contact Southwest Cardiovascular Associates via phone or online for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
