Explore
Spontaneous fracture occurs primarily in two distinct groups of patients: the very active young and the elderly. Researchers and clinicians have used several terms interchangeably for spontaneous fracture, including pathologic fracture, fragility fracture, compression fracture, or fatigue or insufficiency fracture.
Can a compression fracture occur spontaneously?
Compression fractures of the spine are typically treated with rest, bracing, heat and/or cold therapy and pain-relieving medication. 1 In more severe cases, compression fractures are treated with kyphoplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure. See Compression Fracture Treatment. If you experience any of the above symptoms or suspect a spinal compression fracture, …
What are the treatments for a compression fracture?
· A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is a collapse or breakdown in a bone in your spine. Compression fractures happen when there is too much pressure on the vertebra. VCFs most often occur in the thoracic (middle) and lumbar (lower) areas of your spine. Fractures may be mild to severe.
What is the most common cause of spontaneous fracture?
In the short term, treatments like pain medicines, physical therapy, and bracing might help ease your pain and get you moving again. But you also want to lower your odds of getting more broken ...
What causes compression fractures in young people?
Rest (8-10 hours of sleep a night) Heat (hot packs, heat lamp, and/or hot paraffin)- alternate these. Cold packs. Rehabilitation. If they have a weight issue try to help with it. What is osteoarthritis. Nonsystemic, non inflammatory disorder that progressively causes bones …
Can ankylosing spondylitis cause compression fractures?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an underdiagnosed inflammatory condition in the initial stages of disease that can cause vertebral fractures in young adults after trivial trauma.
What are the treatment options for a compression fracture?
Treatment of compression fractures may include medicine, rest, a back brace, or physical therapy. Sometimes, surgery is needed. The risk of new fractures can be reduced by doing regular weight-bearing exercises that increase strength, and balance exercises that reduce the risk for falls.
Can a compression fracture be repaired?
Sometimes surgery is required for spinal compression fractures, no matter the cause. The goal of the surgery is to fuse and repair the fracture, eliminate back pain, and restore posture and ease of movement.
What is a spontaneous compression fracture?
Spinal compression fractures can be spontaneous. Once the bone has weakened, it may no longer be able to support your spinal column as you go about your daily activities. In these cases, compression fractures may occur spontaneously when you perform everyday activities, such as2: Opening a window. Coughing or sneezing.
What happens if a compression fracture goes untreated?
If left untreated, the fractured vertebra can eventually collapse causing pain, limited mobility, and deformity. These fractures are most common in the thoracic spine, which is below the upper body and centered in the middle of the back.
Can a compression fracture get worse?
The main symptom you'll notice with a spinal compression fracture is back pain. It may start gradually and get worse over time or come on suddenly and sharply. But regardless of how it happens, it's important to let your doctor know about it, especially if you're a woman who is near or over age 50.
When is surgery needed for a compression fracture?
If a spine compression fracture causes significant back pain that persists for more than two months despite nonsurgical treatment such as pain medication, activity modification, and bracing, doctors may recommend surgery to relieve pain and stabilize the spine.
How serious is a compression fracture?
Spine compression fractures are serious, and they can cause painful or debilitating symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. Fortunately, treatment can help repair the damage and relieve symptoms.
Is a compression fracture permanent?
Spinal compression fractures are the most common type of osteoporotic fractures. These vertebral fractures can permanently alter the shape and strength of the spine. The fractures usually heal on their own and the pain goes away. However, sometimes the pain can persist if the crushed bone fails to heal adequately.
What aggravates a compression fracture?
(Vertebral Fractures) In most people, compression fractures due to osteoporosis do not cause any symptoms, but when pain occurs, walking, standing, or sitting for a long time worsens the pain.
How are compression fractures treated in the elderly?
Traditional conservative treatment includes bed rest, pain control, and physical therapy. Interventional procedures such as vertebroplasty can be considered in those patients who do not respond to initial treatment.
Can a compression fracture cause problems years later?
Over time, multiple fractures can cause the main portion of the vertebrae (the bones that make up the spine) to collapse, causing a great deal of pain and even altering the shape of your spine. In older patients, the chronic pain caused by vertebral compression fractures can lead to a gradual loss of mobility.
What is the focus of treatment for a compression fracture?
The focus of treatment in most people with a compression fracture is to control the pain and get the individual back up and moving. A careful examination should ensure that nerve function is normal, and if there is concern about the fracture causing nerve or spinal cord symptoms, further testing and treatment may be necessary. ...
What is the most common symptom of a compression fracture?
Back pain is by far the most common symptom in patients with a compression fracture. You may experience sudden, severe back pain, or it may be more gradual in onset. In more severe traumatic injuries, the cause of the compression fracture is clear. In other situations where the bone is weakened by osteoporosis or another condition, ...
What is the most common type of vertebral fracture?
The most common type of vertebral fracture is called a compression fracture. A compression fracture occurs when the normal vertebral body of the spine is squished, or compressed, to a smaller height. This injury tends to happen in three groups of people: 1 . People who are involved in traumatic accidents. When a load placed on the vertebrae ...
What is compression fracture?
A compression fracture occurs when the normal vertebral body of the spine is squished , or compressed, to a smaller height. This injury tends to happen in three groups of people: 1 . People who are involved in traumatic accidents. When a load placed on the vertebrae exceeds its stability, it may collapse. This is commonly seen after a fall.
Can a compression fracture cause back pain?
Back pain is by far the most common symptom in patients with a compression fracture. You may experience sudden, severe back pain, or it may be more gradual in onset. In more severe traumatic injuries, the cause of the compression fracture is clear. In other situations where the bone is weakened by osteoporosis or another condition, the timing of the fracture may be less clear.
What is burst fracture?
In some serious traumatic fractures, called "burst fractures," the compression occurs around the spinal cord and nerves. This is more serious and may require immediate treatment to prevent or relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. 3 .
How long does it take for a compression fracture to heal?
Compression fractures tend to heal completely in about 8 to 12 weeks. 5 Patients who have one compression fracture are much more likely to have more, and, therefore, prevention of future compression fractures must be addressed.
Can a compression fracture occur spontaneously?
Spinal compression fractures can be spontaneous. Conditions such as osteoporosis or spinal tumors can weaken the vertebrae in your spine. Once the bone has weakened, it may no longer be able to support your spinal column as you go about your daily activities. In these cases, compression fractures may occur spontaneously when you perform everyday ...
Where are compression fractures most common?
Compression fractures are common in the middle and lower back. While a compression fracture can occur anywhere along your spine, the most common areas are in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. 60% to 75% of vertebral compression fractures typically occur at the T12 to L2 vertebral levels—your middle back area. 3.
What causes a spinal fracture?
A spinal compression fracture occurs when the vertebral body in the front of your spine gets compressed due to axial loading. Underlying medical conditions, such as osteoporosis and spinal tumors are common causes for these fractures. 1. A spinal fracture may also be referred to as a vertebral fracture, osteoporotic fracture, or wedge fracture.
What does it mean when your spine hurts?
A dull, deep ache in the region of the fracture. Increased pain when the area of the fracture is touched or gently pressed. Sudden pain when you take a deep breath, cough, sneeze, and/or move your spine in certain directions.
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy?
A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain. An occupational therapist teaches you skills to help with your daily activities. Surgery may be needed if your pain, weakness, or numbness does not go away with other treatment.
Can a VCF cause back pain?
You may not have any signs and symptoms with a mild VCF. You may have any of the following with a more severe fracture: Sudden, severe, and sharp back pain. Back pain that gets worse when you stand or walk. Muscle spasms in your back. Problems urinating or having bowel movements. Sudden weakness in your arms or legs.
What is a VCF?
What is a vertebral compression fracture? A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is a collapse or breakdown in a bone in your spine. Compression fractures happen when there is too much pressure on the vertebra. VCFs most often occur in the thoracic (middle) and lumbar (lower) areas of your spine.
What is the job of occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist teaches you skills to help with your daily activities. Surgery may be needed if your pain, weakness, or numbness does not go away with other treatment. Surgery may make your spine more stable, and help decrease pressure on your spinal nerves caused by the fracture.
How to sleep with a pillow on your back?
Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. This will decrease pressure on your back. You may also sleep on your side with 1 or both of your knees bent and a pillow between them. It may also be helpful to sleep on your stomach with a pillow under you at waist level.
How to avoid a compression fracture?
Physical Therapy. Once you're feeling better, ask your doctor if you should join a rehab program or work with a physical therapist. Exercises that strengthen your back can help you avoid having more compression fractures. Check with your doctor about the best weight -bearing exercises for you, such as: Walking. Yoga.
How long does it take for a compression fracture to heal?
Compression fractures usually heal on their own in about 3 months. While that happens, your doctor may suggest you try some things at home that can make you feel better, such as pain medicines, rest, physical therapy, or a back brace.
Can you have surgery for a compression fracture?
You want to ease the pain, heal the fracture, and treat the osteoporosis that weakened your bones and caused them to collapse. There's a good chance you won't need surgery.
What is the best medicine for pain?
Pain Medicine. You can often get relief with an over-the counter drug like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see which one is right for you. Your doctor might prescribe a stronger medicine for more intense or persistent pain. The doctor might also suggest you take the hormone calcitonin.
Why do you wear a back brace?
Wearing a back brace when you have a spinal compression fracture is similar to wearing a cast when you have a broken arm. It's made of a rigid frame that takes pressure off the painful bone and limits your movement. It gives your injured vertebrae -- the small bones that make up your spinal column -- time to heal.
What are the best exercises for weight loss?
Check with your doctor about the best weight -bearing exercises for you, such as: 1 Walking 2 Yoga 3 Dancing