Compression Fractures of the Spine
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What is it?
A compression fracture of the spine is a collapse of vertebral bone, which forms your spinal column. It can affect one or more vertebrae, although compression fractures typically occur in the thoracic spine (the middle portion of your spine), especially in the lower section. This pain will generally develop in your mid or lower back. A compression fracture can lead to severe pain and change the shape of your spinal posture. In other words, it could also lead to eventual height loss and/or deformity and disability. The most common indicators of a spinal compression fracture are a sudden development of pain in your back, an increase in pain levels while standing or walking, a decrease in pain levels while lying on your back, and noticing a lack of spinal mobility.
Stellate Ganglion Block
What causes compression fractures of the spine?
Individuals with osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes weak and brittle bones, are more susceptible to spinal compression fractures. For those with severe osteoporosis, simple activities such as lifting a light object could be enough to cause a compression fracture of the spine. For someone with a moderate condition of osteoporosis, it could take increased force or trauma, like a nasty fall. Individuals without a pre-existing condition and a healthy spine would likely have to sustain severe trauma for a spinal compression fracture to occur. This could be something like a car crash, sports injury, or a rough fall.
About 40% of women who are 80 years or older are affected by compression fractures of the spine.
Compression fractures of the spine are the most common fracture to occur in people with osteoporosis. In general, the likelihood and occurrence of spinal compression fractures increase with age, although it does affect older women more than older men.
If you’re feeling a sudden development of back pain and think that you might have a compression fracture of the spine, get in touch with us today! Let’s get you back on track for a comfortable, pain-free life!
