Causes

Causes of Vertebral Compression Fractures

In a vertebral compression fracture, the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses. This condition is commonly caused by osteoporosis and less often by tumor or trauma to the back.

Spinal fractures due to osteoporosis often occur while doing something that causes relatively minor strain to the spine, such as opening a window or bumping into something. Advanced cases of osteoporosis can even lead to a vertebral fracture from routine activities that would normally not cause a problem, such as sneezing or coughing.