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What is a vertebral fracture?
A vertebral fracture is a broken vertebra in the spine. Most vertebral fractures occur in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The other half occur in the cervical region.
Vertebral Fracture Overview - Thoracic and Lumbar
Vertebral Fracture Overview - Cervical
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What clinical findings (signs, symptoms and test results) indicate a vertebral fracture?
Common symptoms include:
Test Results
Click here for information about cervical (neck and shoulders) herniated discs.
Click here for information about thoracic (upper back) herniated discs.
Click here for information about lumbar (lower back) herniated discs.
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Treatment options
Though surgery is typical for severe fractures, many vertebral fractures are treated with non-invasive techniques, include ice/compression, immobilization of the affected area (using a brace), and physical therapy.
Click here for an overview of treatment options for vertebral fractures.
Click here for information on the anatomy of the spine.
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Science Links
Spinal Anatomy
This reference offers a concise description of the anatomy of the spine and the four regions of the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), and sacral (bottom or tailbone). Click the links at the bottom for additional information about the spine.
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