Are you wondering whether a spinal compression fracture could be behind your back pain? Many people attribute chronic or worsening back pain to aging and put off seeking care, not realizing that a treatable condition may be causing their symptoms. Spinal compression fractures are more common than most people expect, but with the right treatment plan, significant relief is possible.
The physiatrists at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine have the training and tools to diagnose your condition accurately and develop a personalized plan to address it. Reach out to our team today at 1-888-SPINE-1-1 to ask about a same-day appointment.
What Is a Spinal Compression Fracture?
A spinal compression fracture occurs when one or more of the vertebrae that form your spine crack or collapse under pressure. Unlike fractures that result from sudden traumatic events, compression fractures often develop gradually, with the vertebra slowly losing its shape over time. They most commonly affect the thoracic spine (the mid-back) and the upper portion of the lumbar spine (the lower back). In a healthy spine, vertebrae are strong enough to withstand normal daily stress. When bone density decreases, that resilience does, too.
What Causes Spinal Compression Fractures?
Osteoporosis is by far the most common cause of spinal compression fractures. The disease progressively weakens bones by reducing their density, which leaves vertebrae vulnerable to collapsing even under ordinary strain like bending over, lifting light objects, or simply bearing your own body weight.
Long-term use of corticosteroid medications can also contribute by compromising bone strength. Cancer that has spread to the spine can weaken vertebral bone to the point of fracture, too. In rarer cases, spinal infections can erode the structural integrity of vertebrae. Underlying causes are important to identify because they shape treatment approaches.
What Are the Symptoms?
Some people with spinal compression fractures notice a sudden, sharp onset of pain, while others experience a more gradual decline that they initially chalk up to normal aging. Either way, this condition tends to produce a recognizable set of symptoms. If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to consult a physiatrist:
- Sudden or gradually worsening back pain, typically in the mid or lower back
- Pain that intensifies with standing, walking, or twisting, and eases when lying down
- A noticeable loss of height over time
- A stooped or hunched posture (sometimes called a “dowager’s hump”)
- Limited spinal flexibility and range of motion
- In severe cases, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the arms or legs
Who Is at Risk?
Certain people are at higher risk of spinal compression fractures than others. Older adults are the most commonly affected group, particularly postmenopausal women, whose estrogen losses accelerate bone density decline after menopause. People with diagnosed osteoporosis conditions and those who have taken corticosteroids for extended periods are also at elevated risk. A history of prior compression fractures is itself a significant risk factor, as one fracture can alter spinal mechanics in ways that put additional stress on neighboring vertebrae. Anyone who falls into these categories has good reason to stay proactive about their bone health.
How Do You Diagnose a Spinal Compression Fracture?
Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and medical history. X-rays can usually confirm the presence of a compression fracture by revealing changes in vertebral height and shape. If a physician suspects nerve damage or needs a clearer picture of a fracture’s severity, an MRI or CT scan may be necessary to provide more detailed information. A bone density scan (DEXA scan) is also standard for most patients, since it can clarify whether osteoporosis is contributing to the fracture and guide decisions about bone-strengthening treatments.
How Do You Treat a Spinal Compression Fracture?
Our physiatrists take a thorough, individualized approach to treating spinal compression fractures. Rather than defaulting to surgery, we draw on a wide range of non-surgical tools to relieve pain, support healing, and restore function. Possible treatment methods include:
- Bracing: A custom back brace can limit movement at the fracture site to reduce pain and give the vertebra a chance to heal. A physiatrist can assess the fracture’s location and severity to determine the right type of brace and how long it’s necessary.
- Pain Medication: In the short term, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and analgesics can take the edge off acute pain. For more severe cases, stronger medication or a short course of calcitonin can directly reduce fracture-related pain.
- Bone Density Treatment: Osteoporosis underlies many compression fractures, so addressing bone loss itself is a key part of some treatment plans. Bisphosphonate therapy and other medications can slow bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.
- Interventional Procedures: If conservative measures don’t bring adequate relief, minimally invasive options like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty are worth considering. Both procedures involve stabilizing the fractured vertebra without surgery.
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Once the acute phase passes, a structured exercise program can stimulate bone formation, improve balance (to reduce fall risk), and help patients regain the mobility and confidence they had before the injury.
- Osteoporosis Counseling and Education: Physiatrists can help patients understand why past fractures happened and how to prevent new ones. This can include guidance on nutrition, vitamin intake, fall prevention strategies, and lifestyle modifications.
- Coordination with Other Specialists: Compression fractures sometimes point to underlying conditions that need their own management. Our physiatrists collaborate with other providers to address root causes alongside the fractures themselves.
Why Choose Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine?
Physiatrists are uniquely well-suited to treat spinal compression fractures. As physicians who focus on physical medicine and rehabilitation, they bring a whole-person perspective to a condition that involves not just bone fracture but pain, mobility, and long-term quality of life.
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our team doesn’t look at fractures in isolation. We assess the full picture, address underlying conditions like osteoporosis, and create personalized treatment plans with your functional goals in mind. Our approach is non-surgical by philosophy, and our track record speaks for itself.
If you’re dealing with back pain that may point to a compression fracture, don’t put off getting the answers you need. Contact Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine today to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced physiatrists.