Spinal Fracture
What are spinal fractures?
A spinal fracture is a dislocation or fracture of the vertebrae that make up the spine, and can occur anywhere along the spinal column. Spinal fractures can be serious, because dislodged bone fragments can pinch and damage the spinal nerves or spinal cord, which provides protection to the spinal cord and nerve roots. This system, referred to as the nervous system, relays messages between the brain and the body. Most spinal fractures are caused from injury or trauma from car accidents, falls, sports or some sort of high velocity impact. There are multiple different spinal fracture types depending on where the fracture occurred, including: spinal compression fractures, spinal burst fractures, and more.
How are spinal fractures diagnosed?
A doctor conducts a thorough physical exam of the spine, which can reveal any physical changes that indicate a compression fracture. If a vertebral compression fracture is suspected, the doctor will test for tenderness and sensitivity near specific vertebrae along the spine. Based on the patient’s history and physical exam, if a vertebral fracture is suspected, an X-ray will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms may include the following:
- Back pain
- Pain that worsens when standing or walking
- Trouble bending or twisting your body
- Loss of height
- A curved spine
What are the risk factors for spinal fractures?
Having one spinal fracture significantly increases your chances of having another. Over time, multiple fractures can disrupt the alignment of your spine, causing it to tilt forward (dowager’s hump). This forward curvature can become so pronounced that your balance is affected and your chest cavity compressed, making it difficult to breathe, eat or sleep properly. Other risk factors include your age, gender and lifestyle.
I’ve been diagnosed with spinal fractures. Now what do I do?
Trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is certified to treat a host of spinal conditions. We’re committed to treating every patient like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help speed recovery with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for spinal fractures?
Most fractures heal with pain medication, reduction in activity, medications to stabilize bone density and bracing to minimize motion during the healing process. While most people return to everyday activities, some may need further treatment, such as surgery.
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and you with the great chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.
What are spinal fractures?
A spinal fracture is a dislocation or fracture of the vertebrae that make up the spine, and can occur anywhere along the spinal column. Spinal fractures can be serious, because dislodged bone fragments can pinch and damage the spinal nerves or spinal cord, which provides protection to the spinal cord and nerve roots. This system, referred to as the nervous system, relays messages between the brain and the body. Most spinal fractures are caused from injury or trauma from car accidents, falls, sports or some sort of high velocity impact. There are multiple different spinal fracture types depending on where the fracture occurred, including: spinal compression fractures, spinal burst fractures, and more.
How are spinal fractures diagnosed?
A doctor conducts a thorough physical exam of the spine, which can reveal any physical changes that indicate a compression fracture. If a vertebral compression fracture is suspected, the doctor will test for tenderness and sensitivity near specific vertebrae along the spine. Based on the patient’s history and physical exam, if a vertebral fracture is suspected, an X-ray will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms may include the following:
- Back pain
- Pain that worsens when standing or walking
- Trouble bending or twisting your body
- Loss of height
- A curved spine
What are the risk factors for spinal fractures?
Having one spinal fracture significantly increases your chances of having another. Over time, multiple fractures can disrupt the alignment of your spine, causing it to tilt forward (dowager’s hump). This forward curvature can become so pronounced that your balance is affected and your chest cavity compressed, making it difficult to breathe, eat or sleep properly. Other risk factors include your age, gender and lifestyle.
I’ve been diagnosed with spinal fractures. Now what do I do?
Trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is certified to treat a host of spinal conditions. We’re committed to treating every patient like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help speed recovery with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for spinal fractures?
Most fractures heal with pain medication, reduction in activity, medications to stabilize bone density and bracing to minimize motion during the healing process. While most people return to everyday activities, some may need further treatment, such as surgery.
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and you with the great chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.