Spinal fractures / broken back

Some people break their back during a high energy collision or impact and will usually be assessed in a trauma centre to see if urgent stabilisation is required, especially if there is any spinal cord injury or nerve injury.

Many people have a lower energy fall from a low height or from standing height.  Most of these people will try and pursue non-operative treatment in the first instance and the majority will heal within 2-4 months.  However, in a small number of people, the fractures may not heal and they could have ongoing pain.  In these people, they can continue non-operative measures or may wish to consider kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty to reduce pain.