This article focuses on fractures of the thoracic spine (midback) and lumbar spine (lower back) that result from a high-energy event, such as a car crash or a fall from a ladder. These types of fractures are typically medical emergencies that require urgent treatment.

Lumbar spine fractures, as the name suggests, are always located in the lumbar spine. The lumbar spine is the part of the spine located in the lower back and is a common painful area in physiotherapy. It is situated in between the thoracic and the sacral part of the spine and is characterised by lordosis.

Your spine is divided into three main sections, all of which can experience a spinal fracture: Cervical spine fracture: Broken vertebrae in your neck. Thoracic spine fracture: Broken vertebrae in your upper back that runs from the bottom of your neck to the bottom of your ribs. Lumbar spine fracture: Broken vertebrae in your lower back ...

As the name implies, a spinal fracture is a break in a bone or bones of the spine. This can cause vertebrae to collapse or break. The bone does not have to break in half. Trauma such as car accidents, diving into shallow water, falls, or sporting injuries can cause spinal fractures.

Lumbar spine fractures are often a result of significant blunt trauma such as motor vehicle accidents or a fall from height. Non-traumatic causes include osteoporotic and pathological fractures.