The human back is able to withstand a sufficiently large load, however, in the presence of such traumatic factors as a fall from a height, a strong blow, heavy lifting or a decrease in bone density, serious mechanical damage can occur, which often results in a compression fracture of the spine. In some cases, such a pathological condition can provoke tumor metastases. In adults and children, such an injury is characterized by flattening or squeezing of the vertebra, as well as a decrease in its height. There are several types of vertebral disorders: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, coccygeal and sacral. Half of older people with osteoporosis are diagnosed with a compression fracture of the lumbar spine, causing a reduction in height, resulting in a hump.
Main symptoms and effects of injury
BIn most cases, a compression fracture causes severe pain in the affected area, which can radiate to the limbs. If nervous structures are involved in the pathological process, a person may feel numbness in a certain area and severe weakness. It is unacceptable to self-medicate with a compression fracture, otherwise irreversible changes in the vertebrae are possible, which will entail severe deformation, spinal cord injury, destruction of the intervertebral disc and compression of the nerve roots. As a result of this, post-traumatic sciatica, osteochondrosis and even paralysis can occur.
First aid
In case of a compression fracture, an ambulance should be called. If it becomes necessary to move the victim, it is necessary to follow the basic rules of transportation in order to prevent the possible displacement of the fragments and not to harm even more. First of all, you need to ensure that the patient does not move, and even more so does not try to sit or stand up. It can be transported or carried only on a hard and even surface, making sure that all the vertebral sections are located in the same plane. To do this, it is recommended to turn the neck and head simultaneously with the body. If you are unsure of your actions, it is better to leave the victim in his original position until the arrival of specialists.
Diagnostics and treatment of compression fractures
Whensuspected problems with the spine, it is necessary to determine the main cause of certain symptoms. For this, an x-ray or MRI is performed. To examine the condition of the spinal cord in a certain area, myelography is performed, and a neurological examination is prescribed to check the functions of the nerve roots. Treatment of the disease is a strict restriction of motor activity. The patient should not lift weights and even minimally load the back. Long-term bed rest is recommended for older people, since their healing of bone tissue is much slower. A compression fracture of the lumbar requires the use of special orthopedic corsets for rigid fixation of the spinal column. With neurological complications, surgical treatment is indicated, which involves the removal of fragments that compress the spinal cord and nerve endings.
