Spinal Fracture
Compression Fractures of the Spine
Fragility fractures are a serious and growing problem for older adults. In fact, 50% of women and 25% of men will have an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.[1]Compression fractures of the spine (also known as vertebral compression fractures or VCFs) are the most common with an estimated 700,000 such fractures reported nationally each year.[2]
In a spinal compression fracture, the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses. This condition is commonly caused by osteoporosis. Vertebral compression fractures may also be attributed to a type of cancer called multiple myeloma, as well as vertebral tumors from metastatic bone disease.
Symptoms
It is not uncommon to be unaware that you have fractured a vertebra. In many cases, a VCF can occur with no pain.[3] Typically however, VCFs are indicated by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Sudden onset of back pain
- Back pain that worsens while standing or walking
- Limited spinal mobility
- Height loss, deformity and / or disability
Consequences
Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are usually followed by sharp back pain, and may lead to:
- Chronic pain
- Kyphosis (commonly referred to as a dowager's hump)
- Loss of height
- Crowding of internal organs
This progressive decline in health is often called the "downward spiral." Since one fracture can lead to another, it is important that VCFs be diagnosed and treated early.
If you experience sudden and severe back pain, height loss, have limited ability to twist and bend, and/or develop a deformity in the spine, it is important that you talk to your doctor. There are treatments – such as Vertebroplasty and Vertebral Augmentation (also known as balloon kyphoplasty) – that can repair spinal fractures, relieve pain, and restore your quality of life.
