Cervical fractures are breaks in any one or more of the seven bones in the neck, usually resulting from high-energy trauma such as automobile crashes or falls. Athletes are also at risk. Injury to the spinal cord at the level of the cervical spine can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis of the entire body from the neck down. Treatment will depend on which of the seven cervical vertebrae are damaged and the kind of fracture sustained. A minor compression fracture can be treated with a cervical brace worn for 6 to 8 weeks until the bone heals. A more complex or extensive fracture may require traction, surgery, 2 to 3 months in a rigid cast, or a combination of these treatments.

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A clavicle fracture is a break in the collarbone, one of the main bones in the shoulder. Most clavicle fractures occur when a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm puts enough pressure on the bone that it snaps or breaks. A broken collarbone can be very painful and can make it hard to move your arm. Most clavicle fractures can be treated by wearing a sling to keep the arm and shoulder from moving while the bone heals. With some clavicle fractures, however, the pieces of bone move far out of place when the injury occurs. For these more complicated fractures, surgery may be needed to realign the collarbone.

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Most spinal fractures occur in the midback and lower back or at the connection of the two (thoracolumbar junction). Most spinal fractures are caused by high-energy trauma such as a car crash, fall from height, or other violent act. Many times, these patients have additional serious injuries that require rapid treatment. The spinal cord may also be injured, depending on the severity of the fracture. Spinal fractures may also be caused by bone insufficiency. For example, people with osteoporosis, tumors, or other underlying conditions that weaken the bone can fracture a vertebra even during low-impact activities--such as reaching or twisting. These fractures may develop unnoticed over a period of time, with no symptoms or discomfort until a bone breaks.

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Osteoporosis is a natural aging phenomenon; as we get older, our bones weaken and are more likely to break. It often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a bone breaks. Fractures caused by osteoporosis most often occur in the spine (vertebral compression fractures). These fractures are often the result of a fall, but people with osteoporosis can suffer a fracture even when doing everyday things, such as reaching, twisting, coughing, and sneezing. Not all vertebral compression fractures are due to osteoporosis. But when the disease is involved, a fracture is often a patient's first sign of a weakened skeleton from osteoporosis. Fortunately, most people who suffer a vertebral compression fracture get better within three months without specific treatment to repair the fracture.

Learn more about osteoporosis and spinal fractures.