Spinal Compression Fractures

Do have very severe acute back pain that feels better with rest? Do you have pain throughout your lower extremities? These could all be symptoms caused by a spinal compression fracture in your spinal column or vertebrae.

Spinal Compression Fractures – What are they?

Spinal compression fractures are bone fractures caused by compression of the bone in the spine. Most compression fractures occur in vertebrae that have been weakened by osteoporosis or other diseases.

Spinal Compression Fractures- Where do they occur?

Spinal compression fractures can occur anywhere in the spine but are most common in the thoracic and lumbar spine regions, which are lower on the spine. Rarely occurring above T7 level of the spine.

Spinal Compression Fracture Symptoms

-Severe acute back pain

-Standing or walking makes the pain worse

-lying down on your back makes relieves some of the pain

-Height loss

-Limited spinal mobility

Who is at Risk for a Spinal Compression Fracture?

The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 50% of women and 25% of men in the U.S. over the age of 50 will break a bone because of Osteoporosis. 9 times out of 10 someone with a compression fracture also has osteoporosis.

Increased Risks:

-Over the age of 50

-Female

-Menopause

-Family History

-Eating Disorder

-Calcium or Vitamin D deficiency

-Inactive lifestyle

Diagnosis of Spinal Compression Fractures – Process

-Complete Medical history

-Family Medical history

-Where did your pain start, did it gradually start or did it come suddenly?

-Where is the pain now, how intense is it?

-Do certain activities make it more painful, if you lie down a certain way, does your pain feel better?

-Is pain radiating into your extremities?

Once these questions are asked, we go through a manual examination of the pain site to diagnose you properly.

Spinal Compression Fracture Treatment

Kyphoplasty

At Southside Pain Specialists we offer a minimally invasive procedure called Kyphoplasty for our patients who have a compression fracture due to osteoporosis. Kyphoplasty restores density to the compressed vertebral body by filling the cavity with cement which can prevent further weakening and pain from the fractures. Learn more about Kyphoplasty today.