What is a common symptom of a spinal fracture?

Severe back pain, often worsened by movement or pressure, is a hallmark symptom of a spinal fracture. When a vertebra is fractured, it can lead to significant pain due to the injury affecting the nerves and surrounding tissues. This pain typically manifests as sharp or intense discomfort, especially when the individual tries to move, cough, or bear weight. The increase in pain with movement reflects the instability and irritation caused by the fracture, highlighting the need for immediate medical evaluation and treatment.

In contrast, persistent leg pain without movement might suggest other issues like sciatica or nerve impingement rather than a direct complication of a spinal fracture. Increased flexibility in the spine is contradictory to what occurs in the case of a fracture, as the injury would generally lead to stiffness or reduced motion. Swelling around the vertebrae, while possibly present in certain conditions, is not as commonly recognized as a primary symptom of a spinal fracture compared to the acute back pain experienced.