Types of Spine Fractures & Causes
Spine fractures (vertebral fractures) are breaks in one of the vertebrae. In older people it often happens with little or no injury because of osteoporosis; in younger people it usually follows a fall or accident; sometimes it is caused by a tumour weakening the bone.
Spine fractures can stem from osteoporosis, trauma, or underlying disease. Medically reviewed by Dr Jaydev Panchawagh, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery), Consultant Neurosurgeon, Pune (Last reviewed: [DD Month 2026]). For educational purposes only; individual outcomes vary and this content is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
The front of a weakened vertebra collapses, often after a minor strain, cough, or fall.
Compression, burst, flexion-distraction, or fracture-dislocation after significant injury. See spinal trauma.
Collapse of bone weakened by a tumour or infection. See vertebral body tumours.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Common signs and clinical features of vertebral fractures include:
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Sudden back pain: Worse on standing or moving and eased by lying down.
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Height loss: Loss of height or a stooped posture after several fractures.
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Referred pain: Pain spreading around the chest or abdomen.
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Neurological signs: Numbness or weakness if nerves or the spinal cord are affected.
Rapidly worsening weakness or clumsiness of the arms or legs, difficulty walking, or new loss of bladder or bowel control needs urgent assessment. After any neck or back injury, keep still and go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Diagnosis
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X-rays: Show collapse and alignment.
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CT scan: Detail of the fracture and whether it is stable.
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MRI: Shows whether a fracture is recent, and any pressure on the cord or nerves.
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Bone density test: For suspected osteoporosis.
Treatment Options
Pain relief, a brace when helpful, gradual mobilisation, and physiotherapy.
Medicines, calcium and vitamin D, and fall prevention to lower the risk of further fractures.
Screws and rods to hold an unstable fracture or a fracture with deformity. Read about spinal instrumentation.
Relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Read about thoracic decompression.
Stable fractures heal with time and support; unstable fractures, or those pressing on nerves, usually need stabilisation. The choice should follow the anatomy of your condition, your own circumstances — your health, your work, and what matters to you in recovery — and the advice of your neurosurgeon after examining you and reviewing your scans.
Questions to Ask Your Spine Surgeon or Neurosurgeon
These are the questions patients most often search for after a spine fracture:
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Stability: Is my fracture stable or unstable?
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Etiology: Is it recent, and is it from osteoporosis, injury, or something else?
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Bracing: Do I need a brace, and for how long?
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Bone health management: Should my bone density be tested and treated?
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Activity restrictions: Which activities are safe while it heals?
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Surgical indications: When would surgery be needed?
Unless there is an emergency, spine surgery is a planned decision. Seeking a second opinion from a qualified spine surgeon or neurosurgeon before deciding is entirely appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
General information only. Please consult a qualified spine surgeon or neurosurgeon for advice about your situation.
A spine fracture is a break in one of the vertebrae. It can result from osteoporosis with little or no injury, from significant trauma such as a fall or accident, or from bone weakened by a tumour or infection.
It is a collapse of the front part of a vertebra weakened by osteoporosis, often after a minor strain, cough, or fall. It typically causes sudden back pain and can lead to loss of height.
Most stable fractures heal over about three months, with pain usually improving within several weeks. Healing time depends on the type of fracture, bone quality, and general health.
No. Most stable fractures heal with pain relief, sometimes a brace, and gradual activity. Surgery is considered for unstable fractures, progressive deformity, or pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Treatment of osteoporosis with medicines, adequate calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, and fall prevention at home all reduce the risk of further fractures.
Spine fractures are treated by spine surgeons and neurosurgeons, with physicians managing osteoporosis. Dr Jaydev Panchawagh—MBBS (B.J. Medical College, Pune), MS in General Surgery (KEM Hospital, Pune), and MCh in Neurosurgery (Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai)—is a consultant neurosurgeon in Pune (102, Bhagyatara Society, Erandwane, Pune, Maharashtra 411004; Tel: +91-9011333841) who assesses spine fractures and performs stabilisation when needed.
