Common Diagnosis
Lumbar Fracture
A lumbar fracture is a break or crack in one or more of the vertebrae in the lower back. Severity and treatment approach vary widely with the type and extent of the injury.
Overview
A lumbar fracture is a break or crack in one or more of the vertebrae in the lower back. The condition varies widely in severity and treatment approach depending on the type and extent of the injury.
Lumbar fractures often occur due to high impact trauma, such as motor vehicle collisions or significant falls. However, even minor incidents can lead to fractures in individuals with weakened bones from osteoporosis or other bone weakening conditions. Age, lifestyle factors, and certain chronic diseases can also increase the risk.
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and a review of your medical history. Imaging studies such as x rays, CT scans, or MRIs confirm the presence and extent of the fracture.
Additional clinical overview content is pending medical review by Dr. Abrahams and the clinical team.
Symptoms
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Causes
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When to see a specialist
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Non surgical treatment options
We offer comprehensive non surgical treatment plans tailored to each patient's condition, focused on pain relief, mobility improvement, and overall spinal health. While we do not perform these treatments in house, we collaborate with trusted local specialists to ensure you receive the highest level of care.
Physical therapy
We develop personalized physical therapy prescriptions based on your specific needs and refer you to experienced local providers. These programs are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and posture, helping to reduce pain and enhance mobility while promoting long term spinal health.
Epidural injections
For patients who may benefit from epidural steroid injections, we provide expert evaluations and referrals to trusted local physicians who specialize in pain management. These injections can reduce inflammation and nerve related pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis, offering significant relief with minimal downtime.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture
Chiropractic care can help patients with leg pain as a component of their condition. Acupuncture works best in the presence of severe muscle spasms. Both are considered alongside physical therapy and medication as part of a comprehensive conservative plan.
View all non surgical options →
Most fractures can be treated with bracing, depending on stability and symptoms.
Surgical options
Patients are initially evaluated by a physiatrist to ensure all non surgical options, including physical therapy and non narcotic pain management, are exhausted before considering a surgical solution.
Lumbar fusion and decompression (TLIF)
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, or TLIF, is a fusion procedure that decompresses the neural elements and stabilizes the level. This is the typical procedure for degenerative spondylolisthesis or instability with radicular symptoms. Most patients go home within a day or two of surgery.
Some patients are candidates for a kyphoplasty, or may require a lumbar fusion.
Recovery
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Sources and further reading
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Our clinical team explains Lumbar Fracture using your history, examination, and imaging. Symptoms vary by nerve or spinal cord involvement. An accurate diagnosis guides whether conservative care or surgery is the safest next step.
Symptoms may include neck or back pain, arm or leg pain, numbness, weakness, or balance changes when the spinal cord is involved. Severity and duration help determine urgency and treatment options.
Evaluation usually includes a neurological examination and MRI. X ray or CT may assess bone alignment. We correlate imaging with your symptoms before recommending injections, therapy, or surgery.
Physical therapy, medication, activity modification, and selective injections are common first steps. We monitor progress over four to eight weeks and escalate only when symptoms persist or neurologic deficits progress.
Seek urgent care for rapidly worsening weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle anesthesia, or severe pain after trauma. Call (914) 948 3008 for guidance if you are unsure how quickly to be seen.
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Office
Institute For Spine Surgery244 Westchester Avenue, Suite 209
West Harrison, NY 10604
Phone
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