re: 3 fractured vertebrae. how bad is this?

My son has a degenerative back condition. Fractured his L-5 lifitng weights in jr high and wore a brace for 4 years. Had to have surgery 3 times so far with a set of 4 titanium screws finally getting it to set. Screws have been removed. He's been through alot of pain and deals with it every day with just 1 so I can only imagine what this guy is about to endure with 3.