Spinal fractures involving vertebrae in the lumbar spine (lower back) can cause pressure on the spinal nerves, resulting in pain. Severe fractures are unstable and often require surgery to remove and replace the damaged vertebra (or vertebrae) and stabilize the spine. Prolonged bed rest should be avoided as it can contribute to bone loss and other health problems. Ice or heat packs applied to the affected area of the spine may also help. A back brace is usually recommended to help manage pain and stabilize the spine as it heals.
In these cases, surgical options usually include lumbar spinal fusion or direct repair of the fracture. If there is pinching of a nerve associated with a spondylolysis, a laminectomy (spinal decompression surgery) may also be considered. This surgery relieves the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves by removing the lamina, a procedure known as a laminectomy, or by removing the vertebral body, a procedure known as a corpectomy. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of burst fracture at Columbia Neurosurgery.
Are you experiencing lower back pain? Learn about the potential causes, different types, diagnostic tests, and the most effective treatment options at Hospital for Special Surgery. If the fracture is caused by osteoporosis, treatment of the osteoporosis can help prevent additional fractures. Treatment may include calcium and vitamin D supplements, bisphosphonates, and weight-bearing exercises. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of compression fracture at Columbia Neurosurgery.
The goals of treatment are pain relief, reversal or stabilization of neurological deficits, and stabilization of the spine. For the most part, nonoperative treatments are recommended for less severe pathologic fractures. These include taking pain medications, limiting physical activity, and wearing a brace.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: Thoraco-Lumbar Spine. STANDARD. 1. Identify the appropriate imaging modality to screen patients for thoraco-lumbar spine injuries. 2. Identify which patients require radiographic screening for thoraco-lumbar spine injuries. DEFINITIONS: Thoraco-lumbar spine fractures result from high-energy trauma. Learn more at Upstate University Hospital.
