A broken back vertebra, also known as a [vertebral compression fracture, can cause sudden, severe pain and significantly limit daily activities. These fractures are most often due to weakened bones from osteoporosis. Prompt treatment can ease pain, promote healing, and reduce the risk of future fractures. With the right care, many people regain mobility and improve their quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about treatment for broken back vertebra injuries and how to protect your spine long-term.
These fractures are typically diagnosed using X-rays. In some cases, MRI or CT scans are needed to assess severity and rule out other causes of back pain, such as infection or tumor. Early imaging is key to confirming a treatment for broken back vertebra and avoiding delays in care.
Conservative Treatment Options
For many patients, the first step in a treatment for broken back vertebra is conservative management. This approach avoids surgery and focuses on reducing pain and supporting healing.
- Back Bracing: A back brace such as a TLSO (thoracolumbosacral orthosis) or LSO (lumbosacral orthosis) limits spine motion. By stabilizing the spine and minimizing flexion, these braces reduce pain and support proper healing. TLSO braces support from the upper back to the pelvis and are used for thoracic fractures. LSO braces target the lower spine and are ideal for lumbar fractures. Braces are typically worn for 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture and healing progress.
- Many patients wonder if braces are uncomfortable. While some adjustment is required, most patients report significant pain relief while wearing them. For more guidance, read our blog: Is a TLSO Back Brace Right for Me?.
- Pain Management: Medications are essential in the early recovery phase. NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen help reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen is another option. In severe cases, short-term use of opioid medications may be appropriate. These are used with caution due to the risk of dependency. Muscle relaxants can also help relieve muscle spasms triggered by the fracture.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy typically begins two to four weeks after the injury, once pain is more manageable. Early sessions focus on gentle stretching and posture correction. As healing progresses, therapy includes core strengthening and balance training to reduce the risk of future injuries. Goals often include restoring walking ability, improving spinal support, and enhancing stability.
Conservative treatment for broken back vertebra is usually appropriate for stable fractures without nerve involvement or significant collapse. Regular imaging helps monitor healing.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
When conservative treatment for broken back vertebra is not enough, or if the vertebra has significantly collapsed, minimally invasive procedures may be needed. These outpatient techniques have low complication rates and provide rapid relief.
- Vertebroplasty: This procedure involves injecting medical-grade bone cement into the fractured vertebra through a small needle. The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the bone and often providing immediate pain relief.
- Kyphoplasty: Similar to vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty uses a balloon inserted into the vertebra to restore some of its height before cement is injected.
Both procedures are image-guided, usually with fluoroscopy, and performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Most patients return home the same day and report significant pain improvement within 24 to 48 hours. Candidates include those with severe vertebral collapse or persistent pain despite bracing. However, patients with infections or bleeding disorders may not qualify.
To learn more about how these procedures compare, visit our blog: What’s the Difference? Understanding Kyphoplasty vs. Vertebroplasty.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
Preventing future fractures is just as important as treating the current one. Prevention focuses on bone health evaluation and long-term management:
- Bone Density Testing (DEXA Scan): A DEXA scan measures bone mineral density and helps identify osteoporosis or osteopenia. T-scores from the scan guide treatment decisions, with a T-score of -2.5 or lower confirming osteoporosis.
- Medications:
- Bisphosphonates like alendronate, risedronate, and zoledronic acid are first-line treatments. They reduce bone breakdown and lower fracture risk.
- Denosumab (Prolia) is an injection every six months that slows bone loss.
- Anabolic agents like teriparatide and abaloparatide stimulate new bone growth and are used for severe cases.
- Romosozumab is a newer drug that both builds and preserves bone.
- Vitamin D and Calcium: Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and overall bone strength. Many patients with fractures have undiagnosed vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight, diet, and supplements are key sources. Read more in our article: Aching All Over: Low Vitamin D and Osteoporosis Concerns.
- Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking or tai chi.
- Incorporate balance training to prevent falls.
- Modify the home environment by adding grab bars in bathrooms, removing loose rugs, and improving lighting.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use, both of which weaken bone structure.
Long-term management of osteoporosis plays a key role in any treatment for broken back vertebra. These measures help prevent recurrence and support independence.
Get Help for a Broken Back Vertebra
Sudden back pain after minor trauma—such as a fall, twist, or lift—could indicate a vertebral compression fracture. Don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and treatment for broken back vertebra injuries can make a major difference in recovery and future well-being.
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we provide comprehensive care for spinal fractures, including:
- Expert evaluation and diagnostic imaging
- TLSO and LSO bracing
- Personalized physical therapy referrals
- Minimally invasive procedures: vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty
- Long-term osteoporosis management
We also work with your primary care provider or endocrinologist to optimize your bone health and reduce future risks.
Call us today at 602-633-4334 or schedule an appointment online. Relief is just one step away.