Injuries of the spine can be acute, as from a car accident, fall or other trauma, or from overuse that is often related to incorrect posture and strenuous movement. Bones weakened by osteoporosis can also develop stress and compression fractures. Injuries of the spine such as fractures or dislocations are emergencies that require special care and immediate medical treatment. Each Sutter hospital is equipped with 24-hour emergency room services to handle sudden injuries.

Whether caused by trauma, long-term stress or osteoporosis, pinpointing the location and extent of the injury is the first step toward resolution. Tests may include spinal X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan of the spine and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine. In complex cases or prior to back surgery, additional tests covered in the evaluation section of this site may be included.

Treatment varies widely, depending on the type and extent of the injury. Most cases can be handled at a nearby Sutter facility. More complicated cases may be referred to spine specialists at Sutter Neuroscience Institute and Sutter Children's Services with treatment available at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento and Sutter Roseville Medical Center.

Sutter offers physical, occupational and rehabilitation therapy through its local hospitals, and can provide patients with orthotic assistive devices when necessary.

For further information, see back problems and injuries and spinal cord injury in our Healthwise health information section. You can find additional information under fractures in MedlinePlus®, a joint effort of the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine.

For more information on bone and joint conditions, select one of the following: