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Spine Fracture Treatment in Pune
Get expert spinal fracture treatment in Pune with spine surgeons providing fixation, stabilization, and rehabilitation for complete recovery.
Overview
A spinal fracture is a break in one or more vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine. These bones support your body and allow you to stand, bend, and twist. When a vertebra breaks, it can range from a small crack to complete shattering of the bone.
Spinal fractures can happen suddenly from an accident or gradually over time due to weakened bones. Some fractures are stable and heal well with proper care, while others are unstable and may damage the spinal cord or nerves. The severity determines what type of spinal fracture treatment you’ll need.
Symptoms
Spinal fracture symptoms vary greatly depending on the type and location of the break. Some people with minor compression fractures may not even know they have one, especially if it develops slowly from osteoporosis.
Common symptoms include:
- Back pain – Often sharp and intense at the fracture site, worsening with movement and lifting.
- Swelling and tenderness around the injured area
- Changes in posture – New slouching, stooping, or leaning forward
- Height loss – Can be several inches over time with untreated fractures
- Numbness or tingling in the back, arms, or legs
If you experience severe back pain after an injury or notice gradual changes in your posture and height, see a doctor promptly. Early diagnosis and spinal fracture treatment can prevent complications and improve your recovery.
Causes
Spinal fractures happen for several reasons, but two main causes account for most cases:
Trauma is the leading cause in younger people. High-energy accidents can break healthy bones:
- Car accidents
- Falls from height
- Sports injuries
Osteoporosis causes most fractures in older adults. This condition weakens bones, making them break easily from:
- Simple movements like bending or twisting
- Minor falls
- Lifting light objects
Cancer can also weaken vertebrae. Bone cancer, multiple myeloma, or cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy make bones more likely to fracture.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase your chances of developing a spinal fracture:
Age-related factors: Being over 50 years old- Previous fractures or falls
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone density)
- Smoking
- Drinking more than 2-3 alcoholic drinks daily
- Lack of physical activity
- Being underweight (less than 117 pounds)
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Being female (women are four times more likely to have osteoporosis)
- Taking corticosteroid medications for more than three months
- Depression
- Certain medical conditions affecting bone health
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a spinal fracture involves several steps. Your doctor will first examine you physically and check your neurological function to see if nerves or the spinal cord are affected.
Imaging tests confirm the diagnosis:
- X-rays – Often show fractures clearly, especially compression fractures
- CT scans – Provide detailed views of bone damage and are best for seeing fracture patterns
- MRI scans – Show soft tissue damage, including ligaments, discs, and spinal cord injury
- Bone density tests – Measure bone strength to check for osteoporosis
Types
Spinal fractures are classified by how the bone breaks and what causes the injury:
Compression fractures are the most common type. The front of the vertebra collapses, creating a wedge shape. These often result from osteoporosis and may develop slowly over time.
Burst fractures occur when extreme force crushes the vertebra into multiple pieces. These typically happen in car accidents and can be dangerous if bone fragments move toward the spinal cord.
Chance fractures happen when the spine is pulled apart, usually during sudden stops in vehicle accidents. These involve both bone and ligament damage and are generally unstable.
Fracture-dislocations are the most severe type, where the vertebra both breaks and shifts out of normal position. These carry high risk for spinal cord injury.
Fractures are also categorized as:
- Stable – The spine can still support body weight safely
- Unstable – Risk of further damage or deformity without treatment
Treatment
Spinal fracture treatment depends on several factors: the type of fracture, its stability, whether nerves are affected, and your overall health. Treatment goals include relieving pain, preventing further damage, and helping you return to normal activities.
Conservative Treatment
Many stable fractures heal well without surgery:
- Pain management – Medications like acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs, or prescription pain relievers
- Bracing – Special supports worn for 8-12 weeks to keep the spine aligned while healing
- Physical therapy – Exercises to maintain strength and mobility
- Activity modification – Temporary limits on lifting and bending
- Injections – Nerve blocks or epidural injections for persistent pain
Surgical Treatment
Spinal fracture surgery may be needed for:
- Unstable fractures
- Bone fragments pressing on nerves or spinal cord
- Progressive deformity despite conservative care
- Severe ongoing pain
Common surgical procedures:
- Vertebroplasty – Injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to strengthen it
- Kyphoplasty – Similar to vertebroplasty, but uses a balloon to restore vertebra height before cementing
- Spinal fusion – Joining vertebrae together with bone grafts and metal hardware
- Decompression surgery – Removing bone or tissue pressing on nerves
The choice between conservative and surgical spinal fracture treatment depends on your specific situation.
Rehabilitation
Recovery from a spinal fracture requires time and patience. Physical therapy usually begins as soon as it’s safe, whether you had surgery or not.
Our rehabilitation team will:
- Teach you safe ways to move and protect your spine
- Design exercises to restore strength and flexibility
- Help you gradually return to daily activities
- Provide education about preventing future fractures
Most people start feeling better within a few weeks, but complete healing can take several months. Following your rehabilitation plan carefully gives you the best chance for full recovery.
Complications
Spinal fractures can lead to both immediate and long-term problems:
Short-term complications:
- Severe pain
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty breathing (with upper spine fractures)
Long-term complications:
- Chronic pain
- Permanent height loss
- Spinal deformity (kyphosis or “hunchback”)
- Reduced mobility and function
- Increased risk of future fractures
- Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis (in severe cases)
Early diagnosis and appropriate spinal fracture treatment help prevent many of these complications. Regular follow-up care is important for monitoring your recovery and bone health.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of spinal fractures by:
Protecting your bones:
- Get adequate calcium and vitamin D
- Exercise regularly with weight-bearing activities
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Get bone density testing if you’re at risk
Preventing falls and injuries:
- Always wear seatbelts in vehicles
- Use protective equipment for sports
- Use proper lifting techniques
- Consider assistive devices if you have balance problems
Managing medical conditions:
- Treat osteoporosis if diagnosed
- Follow medication instructions carefully
- Keep regular medical appointments
- Discuss fracture risk with your doctor
Living With a Spinal Fracture
Life after a spinal fracture varies depending on the severity of your injury and how well you respond to treatment. Many people recover completely and return to their normal activities, while others may have ongoing limitations.
Managing daily life:
- Follow activity restrictions during healing
- Use proper body mechanics for lifting and bending
- Continue prescribed exercises and physical therapy
- Take medications as directed
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Long-term considerations:
- Monitor bone health regularly
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Consider home modifications if needed
- Stay connected with your healthcare team
Most people adapt well to any permanent changes and maintain a good quality of life with proper support and care.
Key Takeaways
Spinal fractures are serious injuries that can range from minor compression fractures to severe breaks requiring immediate surgery. Recognizing spinal fracture symptoms early leads to better outcomes, whether through conservative care or spinal fracture surgery. The key to successful spinal fracture treatment lies in proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection, and commitment to rehabilitation. Prevention through bone health maintenance and injury avoidance remains the best strategy for avoiding these potentially life-changing injuries.
At Sancheti Hospital, our experienced spine specialists provide comprehensive care for all types of spinal fractures. From initial diagnosis through complete recovery, our multidisciplinary team offers advanced surgical techniques, conservative treatments, and rehabilitation services tailored to each patient’s needs.
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of spinal fracture?
Vertebral compression fractures are the most common, especially in people with osteoporosis.
How long does it take for a spinal fracture to heal?
Healing time varies, but most people feel better within a few weeks of starting treatment. Complete healing can take 3-6 months.
Can you walk with a spinal fracture?
It depends on the type and severity. Some people can walk normally, while others may need assistance or be unable to walk if the spinal cord is damaged.
Is spinal fracture surgery always necessary?
No, many fractures heal well with conservative treatment. Surgery is reserved for unstable fractures or when conservative treatment fails.
What are the warning signs that require immediate medical attention?
Severe back pain after injury, numbness or weakness in arms or legs, loss of bowel or bladder control, or inability to move your legs.
Can spinal fractures be prevented?
Many can be prevented through good bone health, fall prevention, safety measures, and treating conditions like osteoporosis.
