Being able to walk after sudden back pain does not rule out a broken bone in your spine. Some people remain mobile with a compression fracture, although movement hurts. At Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center in Sugar Land, Dr. Rajesh Bindal is a board-certified neurosurgeon with more than two decades of experience. He evaluates spinal conditions and performs kyphoplasty for selected patients. We also welcome patients from Greater Houston.
What Does a Spinal Compression Fracture Feel Like?
A “broken back” describes several possible injuries. A compression fracture happens when a vertebra partially collapses, often because osteoporosis has weakened the bone. A fall or other injury can also cause a fracture.
Symptoms may include sudden pain in the middle or lower back, tenderness, or difficulty bending. Discomfort often worsens when standing and improves when lying down. Over time, repeated fractures can lead to height loss or a rounded upper back. Some fractures cause little pain and are discovered during imaging.
Can You Walk With a Fractured Vertebra?
Yes, in some cases, but walking does not tell you whether the injury is stable. Pain and mobility vary with the type and severity of the fracture. Avoid pushing through sudden, unexplained pain until you have been evaluated.
Severe pain after significant trauma needs emergency assessment. New leg weakness, numbness around the groin, or loss of bowel or bladder control also requires emergency care.
How Are Compression Fractures Diagnosed and Treated?
A medical examination and X-rays can help identify a collapsed vertebra. MRI or CT may be needed to clarify the injury or rule out other causes of back pain. Bone density testing can reveal osteoporosis.
Many people recover without surgery using pain medication, activity changes, and sometimes a temporary brace. When pain remains severe despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment and imaging confirms a suitable fracture, balloon kyphoplasty may be considered. The procedure is not necessary for every patient, and treatment for weakened bones remains important.
Does a Compression Fracture Affect Life Expectancy?
There is no fixed life expectancy after a compression fracture. Research has linked osteoporotic vertebral fractures with higher mortality in older adults, but that association does not mean a fracture alone determines how long someone will live. Age, other health conditions, and the underlying bone disease matter. Treating osteoporosis and working to prevent additional fractures are important parts of long-term care.
Discuss Possible Vertebral Fractures in Sugar Land
If you suspect a fractured vertebra, contact us at Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center. Dr. Bindal sees patients at our Sugar Land office, serving Fort Bend County and Greater Houston. Call 281-313-0031 to discuss your back pain and evaluation options.