Fractured Vertebrae

What is a Fractured Vertebra in the Lower Back?

The spine is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae, which stack together to form the spinal column. These bones protect the spinal cord and provide support for the body.

The lumbar spine, located in the lower back, consists of five vertebrae. These vertebrae are larger and stronger than those in other parts of the spine because they support most of the body’s weight.

A fractured vertebra in the lower back occurs when one of these bones cracks or breaks. This type of fracture can affect spinal stability and may cause pain, reduced movement, and nerve-related symptoms if nearby nerves are compressed.

How Does a Fractured Vertebra in the Lower Back Happen?

Fractures in the lumbar spine usually occur due to high-impact trauma or weakened bones.

Common causes include:

• Road traffic accidents
• Falls from significant heights
• High-impact sports injuries
• Direct trauma to the back
• Osteoporosis weakening the bones
• Degenerative spinal conditions such as spondylosis

In individuals with osteoporosis, vertebral fractures may occur even after minor falls or sudden movements.

What Are the Symptoms of a Fractured Vertebra in the Lower Back?

Symptoms of a vertebral fracture usually develop immediately after the injury.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe lower back pain
• Swelling around the injury site
• Muscle spasms in the back
• Reduced mobility in the lower back
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Numbness or tingling in the buttocks, legs, or feet
• Muscle weakness in the legs
• Visible spinal deformity in severe cases

These symptoms may indicate nerve irritation or spinal instability, which requires medical assessment.

What Should I Do If I Have a Fractured Vertebra in the Lower Back?

A suspected vertebral fracture requires immediate medical attention.

If you suspect this injury:

• Avoid moving the spine unnecessarily
• Seek urgent medical assessment at a hospital
• Follow medical advice regarding imaging and treatment

Doctors usually confirm the diagnosis using X-rays, while MRI or CT scans may be required to assess nerve involvement or soft tissue damage.

Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and may include:

• Bracing to stabilise the spine
• Pain management
• Activity modification
• Surgery in severe or unstable fractures

Once the fracture is stabilised, physiotherapy helps restore mobility and strength.

Physiotherapy Treatment for a Fractured Vertebra in the Lower Back

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in restoring spinal mobility, muscle strength, and functional movement after a vertebral fracture.

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists develop personalised rehabilitation programmes based on the patient’s condition and recovery stage.

Physiotherapy treatment may include:

• Core strengthening exercises to support the spine
• Range-of-motion exercises to maintain spinal mobility
• Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility
• Postural training to reduce stress on the spine
• Progressive strengthening exercises for the back and abdominal muscles
• Functional movement training to restore daily activities
• Breathing and relaxation techniques to manage pain

These treatments help stabilise the spine and improve overall movement.

What Should I Avoid With a Fractured Vertebra in the Lower Back?

To support healing and prevent complications, certain activities should be avoided.

Patients should avoid:

• Heavy lifting or bending
• Sudden twisting movements of the spine
• Massage or heat therapy during the early injury stage
• Hot baths or showers that increase blood flow
• Alcohol consumption shortly after injury
• Ignoring persistent back pain

Following medical and physiotherapy advice is essential for safe recovery.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most vertebral fractures heal successfully with proper treatment and rehabilitation.

However, possible long-term effects may include:

• Chronic lower back pain
• Reduced spinal mobility
• Muscle weakness
• Postural changes
• Increased risk of future spinal injuries

Early physiotherapy significantly improves recovery outcomes and helps patients regain normal movement.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in spinal rehabilitation, orthopaedic injuries, and sports physiotherapy.

Our clinic provides:

• Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
• Structured recovery plans for spine and back injuries

Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.