Low back strain or sprain used to describe minor, self-limited injuries associated with LBP. Vertebral fractures from trauma result in anterior wedging or compression of vertebral bodies; burst fractures involving vertebral body and posterior spine elements can occur. Neurologic impairment common with vertebral fractures; early surgical intervention indicated. CT scans used to screen for spine disease in moderate to severe trauma; superior to routine x-rays for bony disease. Most common cause of nontraumatic fracture is osteoporosis; others include osteomalacia, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, multiple myeloma, or metastatic carcinoma.