When one or more vertebrae of your spine collapse, they become shorter and flatter, resulting in a compression fracture. The most common cause of compression fractures is osteoporosis, a condition that causes the bones to become brittle and weak. However, they can also result from trauma, tumors, or infections. They can cause pain, deformity, and nerve damage.
In most cases, compression fractures are caused by osteoporosis, which affects about 10 million Americans, mainly women over 50. Osteoporosis causes the bones to lose density and strength, making them more likely to break. Since the vertebrae support the upper body and are subject to stress from bending and twisting movements, they are especially vulnerable.
Other causes of compression fracture include:
Trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury, that puts too much force on the spine
Tumors, either primary (originating in the spine) or metastatic (spreading from another part of the body), that weaken the bone or compress the spinal cord
Infections, such as tuberculosis or osteomyelitis, that damage the bone or cause inflammation
The symptoms of compression fracture depend on the location and severity of the fracture, as well as the underlying cause. Some people may not have any symptoms at all, while others may experience:
Sudden, severe back pain that worsens with movement or coughing
Gradual, dull back pain that gets worse over time
Loss of height or stooped posture
Numbness, tingling, weakness, or bowel or bladder problems due to nerve compression
Difficulty breathing or chest pain due to pressure on the lungs or heart
In order to diagnose a compression fracture, your doctor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors. They will also perform a physical exam to check your spine for tenderness, deformity, and nerve problems. Imaging tests may also be needed, including:
X-ray, to show the shape and size of the vertebrae and detect any fractures
Bone density test, to measure the amount of calcium and minerals in your bones and diagnose osteoporosis
MRI, to show the soft tissues and nerves around the spine and detect any tumors or infections
CT scan, to provide a detailed view of the bone structure and identify any complications
The treatment of compression fracture depends on the cause, severity, and symptoms of the fracture, as well as your overall health and preferences. Among the main goals of treatment are to relieve pain, prevent further bone loss, and restore function and quality of life.
Medications, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or opioids, to reduce pain and inflammation
Rest, to allow the fracture to heal and avoid further stress on the spine
Bracing, to support the spine and limit movement while the fracture heals
Physical therapy, to strengthen the muscles and improve posture and balance
Surgery, to stabilize the fracture and restore the height and shape of the vertebrae. The most common types of surgery are:
Vertebroplasty, which involves injecting a special cement into the fractured vertebra to fill the cracks and hold the bone together
Kyphoplasty, which involves inserting a small balloon into the fractured vertebra and inflating it to create a space, then filling the space with cement
Spinal fusion, which involves joining two or more vertebrae together with metal rods, screws, or plates to prevent them from moving
The best way to prevent compression fracture is to prevent or treat osteoporosis, which is the main cause of the condition. You can do this by:
Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health
Taking supplements or medications as prescribed by your doctor to prevent bone loss or stimulate bone growth
Doing regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises, such as walking, jogging, lifting weights, or yoga, to strengthen your bones and muscles
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can weaken your bones and increase your risk of fracture
Getting regular bone density tests, especially if you are over 50, have a family history of osteoporosis, or have other risk factors
Taking precautions to prevent falls, such as wearing sturdy shoes, using handrails, and removing tripping hazards from your home
