Symptoms

What symptoms do spine fractures cause?

The main symptom of a broken bone in the back is pain in the lumbar spine. This sort of pain is made worse by moving, coughing or deep breathing. The area of the spine is usually tender when touched as well. Sometimes a bony deformity called a gibbus deformity can be seen and felt. This deformity is formed when the fractured spine changes shape and forms an angle with the point towards the back. This results in a bump formed by the spinous processes sticking out more than usual.

If the nerves are damaged at the time of an injury you may lose sensation and/or power in your legs. Control of the bladder and bowel may also be lost. The exact amount and distribution of neurological impairment will be examined repeatedly as it's an important clue to the location of the damage to the nerves.