Spinal Disorders: Lumbar Fractures

Fracture is a common traumatic injury, and when it occurs to the bones of the spine, it carries with it an array of other complications. Any fracture or dislocation in the vertebrae can cause irritation or damage to the nerves and the spine, and while many lumbar fractures will heal over time, some require surgery to safely realign the bones. As a patient, you want to take the right approach from the beginning.

Spinal or lumbar fractures are also a common complication of diseases like osteoporosis.

The Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine is that part of the spine that sits between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the hips. It consists of five large and strong vertebral bones as well as their intervertebral discs, and supports the abdominal part of the body down into the pelvis.

Fractures to the lumbar spine can compress, pinch, or tear the spinal cord, and need to be treated very promptly. The type of treatment needed will depend on the type of fracture that is present, and the level of instability it is causing.

Types of Lumbar Fracture: