Symptoms of a Spinal Compression Fracture

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A spinal compression fracture, more commonly simply called a compression fracture, is an injury to the vertebrae caused by trauma, or complications from conditions such as cancer and osteoporosis which may weaken the bones of the spine. Compression fractures are notoriously difficult to treat, although in the early 21st century, a number of surgical techniques to treat the problem were beginning to emerge. The condition may also sometimes be challenging to diagnose, since the symptoms may suggest other types of injuries.
It is important to identify the symptoms of spinal compression fractures and notify your doctor. Sudden, severe back pain, especially in older women, often signifies a spinal compression fracture, says Michael Schaufele, MD, a physiatrist and professor of orthopaedics at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
"If you fit the high-risk profile, get it checked out," he tells WebMD. Anyone with significant back pain -- especially a woman who is near or over age 50 -- should see a doctor. Most compression fractures in women over 50 are due to osteoporosis and treatment can help reduce the chance of further compression fractures.
One or more symptoms can indicate a spinal fracture:
Sudden, severe back pain. Worsening of pain when standing or walking. Some pain relief when lying down. Difficulty and pain when bending or twisting. Loss of height. Deformity of the spine - the curved, "hunchback" shape.
The pain typically occurs with a slight back strain during an everyday activity, like:
Lifting a bag of groceries. Bending to the floor to pick something up. Slipping on a rug or making a misstep. Lifting a suitcase out of the trunk of a car. Lifting the corner of a mattress when changing bed linens.
Falls and severe accidents are two common causes of compression fractures, since they put immense stress on the spine. Many patients with compression fractures also suffer from osteoporosis or other diseases which weaken the spine. The symptoms of a compression fracture include back pain, which may not always be localized to the site of the fracture, along with numbness in cases where the compression fracture crushes nerves. In severe cases, the patient may experience incontinence.
X-rays and other medical imaging techniques are used to identify a compression fracture. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, varying treatment plans may be recommended. The most basic involves resting at home and embarking on a light stretching and exercise program which is designed to strengthen the back while the fracture heals. In other cases, surgery to treat the compression fracture may be recommended, especially if the fracture is pinching nerves or leading to incontinence.
Many doctors say that the best treatment for a compression fracture is prevention. Eating plentiful supplies of calcium and stretching to exercise and strengthen the back is extremely important. For older people or people with a limited range of motion, gentle yoga and other techniques can be used to improve general muscle tone and strength. People should also try to avoid falls; elderly people may want to install rails and non-slip flooring to assist with this.

Back pain is not always associated with a compression fracture, but seeking medical attention for back pain is an excellent idea. In some cases, a doctor may simply diagnose strain, recommending rest and training in proper movement and lifting techniques to avoid such strain in the future. In other instances, a doctor may decide that a patient is at risk for a compression fracture, in which case more diagnostic tests may be needed to diagnose it. Untreated compression fractures can cause medical complications, so it is important to seek treatment.
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