Complete Care for Compression Fracture in Northern California
A spinal fracture is a break or crack in the bones that make up the spinal column. Trauma, such as a car accident or a high fall, is a common cause of spinal or compression fracture. Osteoporosis, a bone-weakening disease, can make your spine more prone to fractures.
Dignity Health North State hospitals offer a full range of services for fractured vertebrae, including emergency services for trauma to the spine, surgical treatment for compression fractures, and post-surgery rehabilitation. In fact, Mercy Medical Center Redding is one of the few hospitals in the nation with a dedicated orthopedic traumatologist.
Find a Doctor today to get an expert diagnosis and help with choosing the best treatment for a spinal fracture in Northern California.
Symptoms of a Compression Fracture
A hallmark of a spinal fracture is intense pain that worsens with movement, especially in severe cases. Minor fractures may cause mild back pain.
If the spinal cord is affected by the fracture, you may experience these additional symptoms:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
- Loss of nerve function from the trunk area down to the limbs
Your doctor at Dignity Health North State can diagnose back pain to determine if a spinal fracture is the cause.
Procedures for Spinal Fracture at Dignity Health North State
The severity of the fracture will guide your plan of care. Many spinal fractures don’t require surgery. For minor fractures, we can provide back bracing that limits spinal movement while the fracture heals. In some cases, your doctor may recommend both physical therapy along with back bracing for quicker recovery.
If surgery is necessary, our hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to stabilize your spine and relieve spinal pressure.
Preventing Spinal Fractures at Home
Sometimes, a minor fall or slip can lead to spinal fractures, especially in those who have weak bones. To prevent falls and protect your bone health, get regular osteoporosis screening if you are older than 65, eat calcium-rich foods, and create a fall-proof environment at home.
Our physical therapy services can also help you improve your flexibility and balance to help prevent falls. Visit one of our Northern California locations to relieve pain or immobility from fractured vertebrae or another spine injury.
Dignity Health North State offers emergency care and surgery for compression fractures in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.