Spinal Compression Fracture
A spinal compression fracture occurs when a vertebral body weakens and partially collapses. These fractures most commonly affect the thoracic and lumbar spine and can cause sudden or gradually worsening back pain, changes in posture and loss of height.
What Is a Compression Fracture?
Vertebrae support the weight of the upper body while protecting the spinal cord. When a vertebra becomes too weak to withstand normal forces, the front portion of the bone may collapse or become compressed, changing its shape and potentially affecting spinal alignment.
One Fracture Can Affect the Entire Spine
A collapsed vertebra can alter the normal curvature and mechanics of the spine. Multiple compression fractures may contribute to progressive height loss, a forward-stooped posture and additional stress on neighboring vertebrae.
How a Spinal Compression Fracture May Feel
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and cause of the fracture. Some fractures produce sudden pain, while others develop more gradually.
Possible Symptoms May Include:
Why Do Vertebrae Develop Compression Fractures?
Compression fractures occur when the strength of a vertebra is no longer sufficient to withstand the force being placed on it.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens the internal structure of bone and is the most common cause of vertebral compression fractures, particularly in older adults.
Falls & Trauma
A significant fall, automobile accident or other traumatic event can create enough force to fracture an otherwise healthy vertebra.
Tumor-Related Bone Weakness
Cancer that involves the spine can weaken vertebral bone and increase the risk of a pathologic compression fracture.
Age-Related Bone Loss
Bone density commonly declines with age, increasing fracture risk in both women and men, especially when osteoporosis is present.
Sometimes a Fracture Is the First Sign of Weak Bones
Osteoporosis may progress silently until a fracture occurs, making evaluation of bone health an important part of treating many spinal compression fractures.
Weak Bone Can Fracture With Minor Stress
When osteoporosis is advanced, everyday movements such as bending, lifting or even coughing may occasionally place enough stress on a weakened vertebra to cause a compression fracture.
Multiple Fractures Can Change Posture
Repeated compression fractures can create progressive loss of vertebral height and contribute to kyphosis, a forward curvature that can affect posture, balance and daily function.
How Spinal Compression Fractures Are Diagnosed
Evaluation focuses on confirming the fracture, determining whether it is new or chronic and identifying why the vertebra became weakened.
Your provider will review when the pain began, recent falls or injuries, osteoporosis history and other medical conditions.
The spine may be checked for localized tenderness, postural changes, restricted movement and neurological symptoms.
Imaging can show loss of vertebral height, fracture shape and structural changes within the affected vertebra.
MRI may help determine whether a fracture is recent and evaluate nerves or tumors. Bone density testing may be recommended when osteoporosis is suspected.
Treating a Spinal Compression Fracture
Treatment depends on the cause, severity and age of the fracture, as well as the patient's bone health, pain level and neurological status.
Pain Management
Medication and temporary activity modification may be used to control pain while the fracture heals and additional treatment is considered.
Bracing & Rehabilitation
A brace may be recommended in selected patients to limit painful movement, while appropriate physical therapy can help restore strength and mobility during recovery.
Osteoporosis Treatment
When weakened bone caused the fracture, treatment of osteoporosis can help improve bone health and reduce the risk of additional fractures.
Vertebral Augmentation
Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be considered for selected patients with persistent severe pain from an appropriate compression fracture despite conservative treatment.
A Compression Fracture Can Occur Even Without Major Trauma.
In patients with osteoporosis, a vertebral fracture can sometimes occur after relatively minor stress. New severe back pain, noticeable loss of height or an increasing forward-curved posture should be evaluated. Seek urgent medical attention when back pain follows significant trauma or is accompanied by new weakness, numbness, difficulty walking or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Experiencing New or Persistent Back Pain?
Schedule a consultation to determine whether a spinal compression fracture or another condition may be causing your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options.