What Is a Spinal Compression Fracture?

The spine is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae) that protect the spinal cord and support the body's weight. A spinal compression fracture happens when one or more of these vertebrae collapse under pressure, usually in a sudden traumatic event. Such injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the forces involved.

These types of injuries could potentially affect a person’s spinal alignment and nerve function. They’re particularly dangerous because they can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues, and in severe cases, the patient could even become paralyzed.

Types of Compression Fractures

There are a few different types of vertebral compression fractures, and they are categorized based on their stability and severity.

Wedge Fractures

Wedge fractures are the most common type of spinal compression fracture. The front portion of a vertebra collapses while the back stays intact to create a wedge-like shape. They usually cause localized pain and, if left untreated, may lead to a forward curvature of the spine.

Wedge fractures are more common in people with pre-existing conditions like osteoporosis. However, the high-impact forces of a car crash can cause this injury even in those with healthy bones.

Burst Fractures

Burst fractures are more severe than wedge fractures because the vertebra is crushed in several directions. They most often happen in the aftermath of a direct, hard impact, such as a head-on car collision or a fall from a significant height.

Burst fractures are especially dangerous because bone fragments can scatter and press against the spine and nerve roots. They need immediate treatment, and surgical stabilization is often required to prevent neurological damage and restore spinal integrity.

Crush Fractures

Crush fractures happen when the entire vertebra collapses uniformly under pressure. Though less severe than burst fractures, they can still create a lot of pain and distort the spine. Crush fractures tend to show up in the middle of the back and are commonly associated with high-impact accidents.

When multiple vertebrae experience crush fractures at the same time, the instability can severely limit mobility and increase the risk of long-term complications, such as chronic pain or changes in posture.

Stable vs. Unstable Fractures

A stable fracture means the vertebra has been compressed, but the overall alignment of the spine is still intact. They’re less likely to cause additional damage and can often be treated without surgery. Stable fractures are more common and are typically seen in lower-impact scenarios, though they can still cause serious pain and mobility problems.

Unstable fractures, on the other hand, compromise the integrity of the spine and lead to a risk of spinal deformity or neurological injury. They tend to be seen in accidents with high-impact trauma, like a severe car crash, and often need to be treated with surgery to avoid further complications.

How Does a Car Accident Cause a Spinal Compression Fracture?

The human spine is resilient, but the extreme forces involved in a car accident can overwhelm its structural integrity. In a crash, the body experiences fast changes between high speed and sudden stopping, and that creates a whiplash effect that stresses the backbone.

For example, in a rear-end collision the upper body is thrown forward and then snapped back, compressing the spine. Likewise, in a head-on crash the force of the impact can crush the vertebrae, especially if the occupant is thrown against the dashboard, steering wheel, or seat belt.

In some cases, pre-existing conditions like osteoporosis or spinal degeneration can increase the chances of a spinal compression fracture in a car accident. Even a relatively minor impact can cause serious damage if the bones are already weakened.

Vertebral Compression Fractures in Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrians and cyclists can experience a spinal injury from a car accident as well. When a car hits someone who’s not protected by a vehicle's safety features, the trauma can directly impact the spine.

For people on foot, the force can crush or compress the backbone after they hit the vehicle or land on the ground. Cyclists face a similar problem, especially if they’re thrown from their bikes. The lack of structural protection makes these injuries particularly terrible, and recovery can be long and difficult.

Pedestrians and cyclists who suffer broken spinal vertebrae from a car accident could run into unique problems when they decide to file a claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help them fight for the compensation they deserve.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Compression Fracture?

Symptoms of a spinal compression fracture can vary depending on how bad the injury is. Some of the more common signs include:

• Sudden severe back pain

• Worsening pain when standing or walking

• Reduced range of motion in the spine

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

• Loss of height or a hunched posture

• Difficulty breathing (if the fracture affects the upper spine)

If you suspect you have a spinal injury after a car accident, get medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent future complications and improve your chances of recovering.

Can Spinal Compression Fractures Heal?

The healing process will depend on the injury’s severity and the treatment used. Minor fractures can often heal without surgery through rest and symptom management. This may take a few months, though people with conditions like osteoporosis may need up to a year to fully heal.

Avoiding strenuous physical activities can help your recovery, and doctors may recommend low-impact exercise, like walking. Movement can reduce the risk of blood clots, which can create a life-threatening situation if they travel to the brain, heart, or lungs. You may also be prescribed a back brace, which can help keep your spinal stable while allowing you to stay moving.

Even if you require surgery, your treatment plan may be the same. Some procedures can be done as outpatient, and many folks are able to get up and move the same day as their procedure. You may need some physical therapy, and you may be prescribed medication to help with the swelling or pain, but barring any complications you should be back to "normal" within a couple of weeks.

How Does a Car Accident Lawyer Calculate Damages for a Broken Spine?

If you’ve suffered broken spinal vertebrae in a car accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Your payout will be calculated based on several factors, including:

• Medical Costs: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, etc.

• Lost Income: Time missed from work due to injury, loss of retirement contributions, loss of bonuses, loss of future earning capacity, etc.

• Property Damage: Damage to your vehicle and any personal possessions

• Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.

You may also be able to collect for losses specific to your situation. An experienced car accident lawyer knows that spinal injuries are complicated and will work to make sure you’re fairly compensated.

Moving Forward After a Spinal Compression Fracture

A spinal compression fracture from a car accident is a life-altering injury that can impact your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, your recovery could be long and challenging.

If you or a loved one has suffered this type of injury, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you put together a strong case, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve. When you know your options and hire experienced help, you can take the first steps toward healing and rebuilding your life.