Spinal fracture

Correct actions in the first minutes after an injury are crucial, as any careless movement can worsen the condition and cause damage to the spinal cord. First aid for a spinal fracture focuses on maintaining maximum immobility of the injured person until examined by a doctor.

Basic first aid rules:

• call emergency medical services immediately after the injury, especially after a fall from height, a road traffic accident, or a strong impact;

• do not change the position of the injured person’s body and do not attempt to lift or seat them independently;

• ensure complete immobilization of the torso and neck, and if possible, fix the head in a neutral position;

• if transportation is necessary, wait for medical professionals or use a rigid surface, avoiding any bending of the spine;

• do not give food, drinks, or pain medications without a doctor’s recommendation;

• continuously monitor consciousness, breathing, and the general condition of the injured person until medical help arrives.

Following these rules significantly reduces the risk of complications and increases the chances of safe further treatment and recovery.

Classification is important because the type of injury determines the treatment strategy and the prognosis for recovery.

Spinal injuries are most commonly classified according to the following criteria:

• By injury location. Injuries of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions are distinguished. Cervical spine injuries are considered the most dangerous due to the high risk of severe neurological complications.

• By mechanism of injury. Compression injuries occur when vertebrae are compressed, for example during a fall from height. Burst and comminuted fractures are accompanied by destruction of the vertebral body and may affect spinal cord structures.

• By stability. Stable injuries do not compromise the supporting function of the spine and are less likely to cause displacement. Unstable forms are associated with a high risk of secondary displacement and damage to neural elements.

• By presence of nervous system involvement. The injury may occur without neurological deficits or be accompanied by compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, manifested by weakness, loss of sensation, or dysfunction of the pelvic organs.

• By number of affected vertebrae. Isolated injury to a single segment is possible, as well as multiple injuries that complicate treatment and prolong the recovery period.

Understanding the type of injury helps assess the level of risk, determine the need for surgical intervention, and properly plan subsequent rehabilitation.

If a patient has a spinal fracture, treatment and rehabilitation are a prolonged process. In particular, the rehabilitation program directly affects the restoration of mobility, the ability to perform self-care, and future quality of life. Rehabilitation begins during the treatment phase and continues after the patient’s condition has stabilized.

At the initial stage of recovery, the formation of safe movement skills is essential. The patient is gradually taught how to change body positions correctly, stand up, sit down, and perform daily movements without overloading the spine. This helps reduce the risk of re-injury and the development of pain.

The key feature of this period is that excessive activity is just as dangerous as complete immobility. Therefore, all stages of rehabilitation must be carried out under specialist supervision and in accordance with the physician’s recommendations.

General rehabilitation rules:

• strict adherence to the regimen recommended by the physician, with limitations on movements that may overload the spine;

• use of orthopedic corsets or other fixation devices during the prescribed period to maintain spinal stability;

• control of pain and muscle tension through medication support or physiotherapy;

• gradual restoration of physical activity, starting with minimal movements in a safe position under the supervision of a rehabilitation specialist;

• performance of therapeutic exercises to maintain muscle tone, improve blood circulation, and prevent complications associated with prolonged mobility restriction.

It is important to understand that recovery timelines can vary significantly. With relatively mild injuries, rehabilitation may take several months; in complex cases, it may take much longer. Rushing the process or ignoring medical recommendations often leads to prolonged pain, limited mobility, and complicates the return to an active lifestyle.

A systematic approach to rehabilitation helps reduce the risk of long-term complications and maximizes the restoration of spinal function after injury.

The consequences of a spinal injury may appear even months or years later. Their nature and severity depend on the location and extent of the damage, as well as on how effectively treatment and rehabilitation were carried out.

Possible consequences after a spinal fracture include:

• partial or complete paralysis, which may occur in cases of spinal cord damage;

• chronic or recurrent back pain that worsens during physical exertion or prolonged sitting;

• reduced mobility and a feeling of stiffness, making daily activities more difficult and decreasing physical endurance;

• difficulty with prolonged sitting, walking, or remaining in an upright position, affecting work capacity and overall daily activity;

• decreased strength of the back and trunk muscles, especially after prolonged immobilization or the use of corsets;

• sensory disturbances, weakness in the limbs, or coordination problems when neural structures are affected;

• psychological consequences, including anxiety, fear of re-injury, reduced confidence in one’s movements, and a decline in quality of life.

Regular follow-up examinations, adherence to medical recommendations, and a gradual, controlled return to activity significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications. The earlier treatment and recovery begin, the greater the chances of preserving mobility and work capacity in the future.