Display Patient Information Leaflets

Spinal Fractures

Posted Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Date issued: March 2019

For review: March 2021

Ref: A-412/MY/Physiotherapy/Spinal Fractures

The spine is made up of a number of bones called vertebrae.
The upper bones in our neck are called the cervical vertebrae. The middle part constitutes the thoracic spine and the lower part constitutes the lumbar spine.
There are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae and 5 lumbar vertebrae.
There are different areas of the vertebrae that may be injured. This includes spinous process, transverse process or the vertebral body.

Fractured Spine

You may have broken a bone in your spine following a fall. This is more likely if you have osteoporosis. Sometimes there may be a fracture without a fall.
The doctors will have looked at your x-rays and may have discussed your case with the neurosurgery doctors. They will decide how much movement you can do and how the fracture will be managed based on the images, any weakness or pain.
The doctors may request you have other scans such as CT or MRI scan depending on your injury.

Most people who have broken their spine but have not damaged their spinal cord will be allowed to walk. This may be painful initially so taking regular pain relief is very important.
Your physiotherapist will advise you on any restrictions following your injury.
The therapist may also provide you with walking aids to help with pain or to help with balance if you have fallen.
It is important to let your doctor or physiotherapist know if you develop more pain, pins and needles, numbness or weakness.
If you develop numbness between your legs or become incontinent please return to ED for urgent assessment.

It may be helpful to use extra pillows to support your knees and spine when you sleep to help reduce pain.
The physiotherapist will show you the most comfortable way to get out of bed. This is often to turn in ‘one piece’ trying to keep your spine straight and avoid twisting.
The occupational therapist will assess you and your needs for returning home. They can advise on equipment for making tasks easier and will also explore your care needs with you.
The bone will take at least 6-12 weeks to heal. It is essential to avoid heavy lifting (more than a kettle) and extremes of movement (bending to the floor without bending your knees/looking over your shoulder to check your blind spot whilst driving).