Although a transverse process fracture is one of the more uncommon injuries around, it is one of the most dreadful because of the part of the body where it occurs. Any fracture can be devastating but when it is your spine, almost everything that you do hurts.
But can you imagine having a fracture involving one of the bones in your spine? This means that both the process of standing upright and sleeping on your back will become very painful. That is why a transverse process fracture is very dreadful because of the amount of impact it has on your quality of life as an athlete.
In this article, we will be sharing with you all the essential details you need to know about a transverse process fracture, how you can prevent the fracture and how to go about treating the condition.
What Is A Transverse Process Fracture?
A transverse process fracture happens when there is a break in a portion of one of the bones that make up the spine. This fractured or broken portion is known as the transverse process, and it is the part of the spinal column that shoots out like a wing.
There are two transverse processes in a vertebral bone. These protrusions allow muscles and ligament to attach to the bones of the spine, allowing you to be able to move your spine as you deem fit.
What Are The Causes Of A Transverse Process Fracture?
- Falls: The impact of a fall from a high spot could cause a transverse process fracture.
- Trauma: Either from a motor vehicle, motorcycle or pedestrian accident.
- Sudden twisting or bending of the spine or back
- If you carry heavy load often with your back, it can cause a transverse process fracture.
- Gunshot or any other high impact injury to the back can cause a transverse process fracture.
- Sports injuries may also be the cause of injury
What Are The Risk Factors For Having A Transverse Process Fracture?
- Old age
- Reduced muscle mass
- Certain diseases around the spine such as tumors.
- Osteoporosis (A medical condition where the bones of the body become weaker and are at risk of breaking easily)
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Transverse Process Fracture?
Here are the signs and symptoms that could indicate that you have a transverse process fracture:
- Severe pain in your back that worsens when you make any attempt to move
- Swelling and bruising in your back
- Back that feels pain when it is touched or when you rest on your back
- Reduction in the range of movements that involve you using your back
Treatment
- Medical History and Physical Examination: In the medical history, the Doctor will ask you some questions regarding the pain you have been feeling in your back and will also examine your back.
- Investigation: The Doctor may request for an X-ray, MRI or CT scan to confirm his diagnosis.
- Treatment: The Doctor will place you on drugs to relieve the pain you might be feeling. The Doctor will also refer you to a Physical Therapist that will put you on an exercise regimen that will hasten your healing process. If it is a very severe form of injury, you may be referred to a surgeon.
- Please note that you are not to return to intense physical activities until your Doctor tells you that it is okay to do so.
Transverse Process Fracture: Prevention
- Always wear a seatbelt when you are driving
- Wear safety equipment when you want to perform sporting activities
- Involve yourself in exercises that will help you build your muscles and bones
Find The Best Healthcare Providers
If you realize that you have tried doing things on your own to heal your Transverse Process Fracture, but it doesn’t appear to be working, you need to work with a sports medicine professional. 9INE POINT Health can help to link you up with the best local providers.
You can search for providers by type or skill. Let’s say you want to work with a Chiropractor that also knows Graston, 9INE POINT Health will show you the best local options so you can compare 9INE POINT Numbers.
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.