A spinal fracture can cause bone fragments to pinch and damage the spinal nerves or spinal cord. Spinal injuries can range from mild ligament, muscle strains to fractures and dislocations of the bony vertebrae. You may experience pain, difficulty in walking, or unable to move your arms or legs depending on the severity of the injury. Many small fractures heal with conservative treatment. However, in the case of severe fractures, there is a need for surgery to realign the bones. The treatment of the spinal fracture depends on fracture type and the degree of instability.