Fracture of the spine

The most common cause of a vertebral fracture is a fall from height to toe, head or buttocks. Also, it can occur as a result of an accident, with a squeeze, a blow to the back or neck.

Classification of vertebral fractures

Depending on the location, these types of fractures of the spine are divided:

Also distinguish stable fractures - the spine remains stable, the front or back parts of it are damaged. Unstable - the spine is displaced, both the front and back parts are damaged.

Compression fracture - when, after a crushing injury, the vertebral body contracts and the vertebral canal is damaged. Decompression - when there is an excessive stretching of the vertebrae, and as a result, the spinal cord may be damaged, nerve endings may be disturbed.

Fracture of the cervical spine is common. Particularly prone to damage are the fourth, fifth, sixth vertebrae. But it is heavier than the injury of the first and second vertebra. This type of fracture of the spine can lead to severe consequences - from neurological complications to death.

Fracture of the thoracic and lumbar spine may be caused by direct, flexural, extensor, flexor-rotational mechanism of the injury. In this case, the compression of the spinal cord can be multiple or isolated.

Consequences of a fracture of the spine

Often with a fracture of the spine, not only the vertebrae are injured, but also the spinal cord, intervertebral discs, nerve roots. Based on the type of fracture, the consequences are different:

Treatment of vertebral fractures

Treatment includes bed rest, taking pain medications, using corsets. The first 12 - 14 weeks are forbidden physical activity.

Corset with a fracture of the spine is a means of external fixation, which reduces movement in the damaged area of ​​the spine, straightens the vertebral fracture site. Usually the corset is worn for about two months.

Each month, the control x-ray of the spine is performed.

In some cases, surgical intervention is required. The operations are aimed at decompression (reduction of compression) of nervous structures, fixation of the damaged site of the spine.

Rehabilitation after a fracture of the spine is a long process, requiring serious attitude, internal forces.

With compression fractures of the spine, exercise therapy is aimed at:

Often it takes about five months of exercise therapy for rehabilitation. Massage with a fracture of the spine is required from the first treatment period. A classic, reflex, acupressure massage is used.

Helping with spine fractures

Provision of the first pre-medical care often allows to save a person's life with such serious damages. In this case, it is necessary to transport the injured person correctly - on an even, firm surface, trying to move it as little as possible. You can give an anesthetic drug to prevent pain shock.