Symptoms

What symptoms do spine fractures cause?

The main symptom of a broken bone in the back is pain localized to the region of the thoracic spine. This sort of pain is made worse by moving, coughing or deep breathing. The area of the spine is usually tender as well. Sometimes a bony deformity can be detected with some of the spinous processes sticking out more than usual. This deformity is referred to as a kyphus or gibbus deformity.

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 is an important clue to the location of the damage to the nerves and will be examined repeatedly.