A broken back with no spinal cord injury: what comes next
A spine surgeon and a physical therapist on stability and safe movement
A crash can break one or more bones in the middle or lower back. It’s good news to hear your spinal cord wasn’t hurt. That news still doesn’t tell you whether the fracture is stable or how much you can safely move. [1]
Some fractures heal with a brace and time. Others need surgery. A spine surgeon sets your limits. A physical therapist shows you everyday ways to sit, stand, walk and handle stairs within those limits. [1]
Find out what makes your fracture stable
Ask which vertebra, or bone in the spine, is broken. Find out whether a ligament, disc or nearby bone was hurt too. Ask if you need a brace and how snug it should fit. Check when it can come off and whether more imaging is planned. If you had surgery, ask which bones were joined and what movement limits apply. Don’t follow another patient’s advice about braces or lifting. [1, 2]
Move through your day more safely
Have your therapist show you how to get out of bed, use the bathroom and get into a car. Learn how to pick up things you need without breaking your limits. Ask for a clear walking plan and your lifting limit at work and at home. Pain usually eases bit by bit. Call your team if the pain keeps getting worse or the brace causes sores. [1, 2]
Your medicine plan should help you move and sleep. It also shouldn’t mask a new nerve problem. [1, 2]
Signs of a new nerve problem
Get emergency care for new weakness in the legs or numbness around the groin or buttocks. The same goes for losing control of your bladder or bowels, or being unable to pass urine. Promptly report numbness that is new and spreading, or trouble walking. These changes need an exam even if your first scan showed no spinal cord injury. [1]
Questions for your spine team
- Is my fracture stable, and which movements are off limits?
- When exactly do I need to wear the brace?
- When will my imaging and activity limits be reviewed?
Practice moving from bed to chair before you leave
Sources and further reading
- 1American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons thoracic and lumbar spine fractures
- 2University Hospitals Plymouth spinal fractures patient information
Read this as general education from spine surgery and physical therapy. Some spinal fractures are unstable. Follow only the movement and brace instructions you were given for your own injury.
Keep learning
Safe Driving Resource Center
Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.
