A spinal fracture can be life-changing. While some people recover fully with proper treatment, others may experience long-term effects, including gradual changes in spinal alignment. This can lead to spinal deformity, which not only affects posture and appearance but can also cause ongoing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we often meet patients who wonder why their spine has changed shape months or even years after an injury. Understanding the connection between spinal fractures and deformity can help you take steps to protect your spinal health early.

What Is a Spinal Fracture?

A spinal fracture occurs when one or more of the vertebrae—the bones that make up your spine—are broken or compressed. Causes can include:

• Road traffic accidents
• Sports injuries
• Falls, especially in older adults with osteoporosis
• Severe trauma or impact

While some fractures are immediately obvious, others may be subtle and only detected during a medical evaluation.

How a Fracture Can Lead to Spinal Deformity

When a vertebra breaks, it may heal in a slightly collapsed position. Over time, this can change the natural curve of the spine, leading to deformities such as:

• Kyphosis – An exaggerated forward rounding of the upper back
• Scoliosis – A sideways curvature of the spine
• Loss of height – Common in compression fractures

If the fracture is not properly treated or stabilized, the spine can gradually lose its balance, placing extra stress on surrounding muscles, joints, and discs. This creates a cycle of strain and deterioration.

Risk Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Deformity

• Osteoporosis – Weakened bones are more likely to collapse after a fracture

• Multiple fractures – Each additional injury increases spinal instability
• Delayed treatment – Waiting too long for evaluation can allow deformity to progress

• Severe trauma – Greater damage to the bone and surrounding tissues increases the risk

Symptoms That May Develop Over Time

Patients sometimes notice changes months after the fracture has healed:

• Progressive rounding or tilting of the spine
• Back pain that worsens with activity
• Stiffness or reduced flexibility
• Fatigue from muscle strain
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness if nerves are affected

Treatment Options at DRHC Dubai

Early intervention is key to preventing or slowing spinal deformity after a fracture. Depending on the severity and symptoms, treatment may include:

• Bracing – To support healing and prevent further curvature
• Physiotherapy – To strengthen muscles, improve posture, and restore movement
• Pain management – Medications or targeted injections for relief
• Minimally invasive procedures - Such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, to stabilize the bone
• Surgery – For severe deformities causing pain, nerve compression, or significant disability

Explore Our Related Blogs

• How degenerative disc disease progresses to facet joint arthritis
• How sacroiliac joint dysfunction mimics low back pain
• What causes foot drop in patients with lumbar spine conditions
• How kyphosis develops from poor posture or spinal degeneration