

Sudden downward force shatters and collapses

Is a vertebral body compression fracture (Fig.Ģ). Is put on a bone than it can stand, it willīreak. In the thoracolumbar (low back) region, oftenįor fractures. Five to ten percent occur in theĬervical (neck) region. Usually require surgery to realign the bones Slipping and rubbing motions can cause pain Spinal instability is the excessive motion Than a spinal fracture or spinal cord injuryĪnd the symptoms usually improve with conservative It is important that a doctor examineĪ spine injury carefully. Lead to headaches, stiff muscles, or neck The muscles and ligaments of the neck and WhiplashĬaused by hyperextension or rapid back andĪ car accident. On the type of fracture and the degree of instability. Spinal fractures and dislocationsĬan pinch, compress, and even tear the spinalĬord. Of the bony vertebrae, to debilitating spinalĬord injuries. (such as whiplash), to fractures and dislocations Relatively mild ligament and muscle strains The processes (beige) ariseįrom the vertebral arch to form the facet jointsĪnd processes for muscle and ligament attachments. The vertebral arch (teal) forms the spinal canal through The body (purple) is a weight-bearing surface and an attachment for the disc. The spinal cord, pass between the vertebrae,įigure 1. Super-highway, relaying messages between theīrain and the body. Provides a protective space for the spinal cord In the middle of each vertebra isĪ hollow space called the spinal canal, which Your body, allowing you to stand upright, bend,Īnd twist. Vertebrae that provide the main support for It is helpful to understand how your spine works Heal with conservative treatment however severeįractures may require surgery to realign the Pain, difficulty walking, or be unable to move On how severe your injury is, you may experience To fractures and dislocations of the bony vertebrae, Injuries can rangeįrom relatively mild ligament and muscle strains, Most spinal fractures occur from car accidents,įalls, gunshot, or sports. Of a vertebra can cause bone fragments to pinchĪnd damage the spinal nerves or spinal cord. This means there are too few of the blood cells that transport oxygen to the body.Īll of these things may make you feel more tired than usual.Than a broken arm or leg. It takes a lot of energy for your body to deal with the inflammation AS causes in your body.Īlso, the pain of AS can make it hard for you to sleep. Fatigueįatigue is one of the biggest factors that people with AS live with. This will make it hard for you to catch your breath and may increase your risk of lung infections. And you probably won’t be able to inflate your lungs all the way. If the joints of your ribs are inflamed from AS, their movement may be restricted. The rib cage that houses and protects your lungs also expands slightly. Call your doctor for an appointment right away if your eyes start to bother you. Your eyes may also get very red and watery. This inflammatory eye condition is called uveitis. One of the most common features of AS involves inflammation of your eyes. Some fractures can even compress nerves in your spine. If the fractures are in your spine, the vertebrae may collapse and cause your back to bend forward even more than it already does. Over time, your bones can become brittle and are more likely to fracture. FracturesĪS may also be accompanied by osteoporosis, even in the early stages of the disease. Some people notice stiffness more in the morning when they wake up. But they can get worse over time, and the pain may come and go. In fact, you may not notice them at first. Pain and other symptoms of AS start slowly. Pain and stiffnessĪS affects your spine, but it can also cause pain and stiffness in other parts of your body including your:

Advances in treatment have made kyphosis less common, however. People with severe AS who have not received treatment may be so bent over that they have trouble even lifting their head. This is called kyphosis.Īs your spine curves, your back curls into a stooped-over position. The fused bones may force your spine into a forward curve. When AS is severe, the vertebrae of your spine can grow together and fuse. If your doctor suspects AS, they will likely check for sacroiliitis. The pain can worsen if you stand for a long period of time. When they become inflamed, they cause pain in your lower back and buttocks. The sacroiliac joints are located at your spine’s base, where it connects to your pelvis.

The most common symptom of AS is sacroiliitis.
