A vertebral compression fracture is a break in the round, thick body of the vertebral bone in the back. This type of fracture can occur after trauma to the vertebra or, more commonly, from the bone disease osteoporosis. When a vertebral compression fracture occurs, the bone is flattened or compressed and can cause shortening in height.
The spinal column is made up of four regions: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae. Vertebral compression fractures commonly occur in the middle to lower regions of the spine in the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. In the patient with osteoporosis, simple movements such as turning or twisting can cause a fracture.
Bone tissue undergoes continuous turnover with periods of bone growth followed by periods of bone degradation. The bone disease osteoporosis develops when the rate of bone growth slows and the bones become spongy and very brittle. Osteoporosis can develop in women as they go through menopause and bone density decreases. Men also develop osteoporosis, although at a later age than women, and are also susceptible to vertebral compression fractures.
Back pain is often the main indication that a fracture has occurred. The doctor may order an x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine to diagnose the fracture. Home treatment involves icing the fracture for the first week to reduce swelling or inflammation. After the first week, heat can be used to prevent stiffness. It is also important for the patient to rest to allow the fracture to heal.
Pain from a vertebral compression fracture can be severe. The patient may experience a significant reduction in pain during bed rest due to the fact that standing and sitting put weight on the vertebra and can cause pain. The patient should discuss pain management and medication options with a physician. Any loss of sensation or function may indicate nerve damage and a doctor should be consulted immediately.
If left untreated, vertebral compression fractures usually heal in about 90 days. During this time, in addition to pain control and rest, your doctor may recommend a back brace. The back brace should be worn while standing or sitting to provide additional support for the vertebrae.
There is a surgical option, known as kyphoplasty, that can be used to repair a vertebral compression fracture. This procedure involves inserting a balloon into the body of the vertebra to restore the height of the bone. Cement is then injected into the bone to stabilize the fracture. In a patient with osteoporosis, one risk with this procedure is that the newly opened vertebra will put pressure on the neighboring vertebra and cause another fracture.
Men and women who are susceptible to osteoporosis should have regular bone density tests. Patients with low bone density may be given medications to lessen the effects of osteoporosis. Your doctor may also recommend supplementing your diet with calcium and vitamin D. Weight-bearing exercise has also been shown to strengthen bones. A combination of these activities can help prevent a painful spinal compression fracture.