Compression Fracture Pain Management Specialists
Compression Fractures
Condition Overview
Compression fractures happen when the bones in your spine — called vertebrae — are crushed or collapsed. These fractures can feel like a sharp pain or a dull ache in your spine, especially when you move or try to stand up. You might also notice that it’s hard to bend or twist your body like you usually do.
Various factors can lead to compression fractures, including injury, arthritis, osteoporosis and, in rare cases, spinal tumors. Unfortunately, these fractures often go undiagnosed, as back pain is sometimes mistaken for typical signs of aging or symptoms of arthritis.
Due to decreased bone density, approximately 40% of women are at risk of experiencing a spinal compression fracture by age 80. It’s crucial — especially for women over 50 — to seek prompt treatment for sudden and severe back or vertebral pain to minimize the risk of repeat compression fractures.
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Symptoms of Compression Fractures
The most common symptom of a compression fracture is sudden onset of back pain. This pain is typically localized to the affected area of the spine and may worsen when bending, twisting or bearing weight. Other symptoms you may experience with a compression fracture include:
- Pain that is relieved when lying down
- Appearing or measuring shorter
- Spinal deformity — usually seen as a curve or “hunchback”
- Abdominal pain that’s caused by the shortened spine putting pressure on the stomach
- Breathing difficulty due to compression causing the lungs to have trouble functioning properly
Diagnosis of Compression Fractures
Diagnosing a compression fracture typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review and imaging tests.
When osteoporosis is suspected as the underlying cause, bone density testing (DEXA scan) may be conducted to evaluate bone strength and density. If a fracture due to a tumor or severe trauma is suspected, additional imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans may be necessary. In certain cases where spinal cord injury is a concern, a myelogram may also be performed — along with a thorough neurological examination — to assess possible spinal cord damage.
Treatment Options for Compression Fractures
Treatment for a compression fracture typically involves a combination of conservative measures to manage pain and promote healing, as well as interventions aimed at addressing underlying conditions such as osteoporosis.
Here are some common treatment options we offer:
Real people, real stories
My quality of life went from 10% to 150%.
Nearly 10 years ago, while she was being treated for a herniated disc, Rachel Saum’s life took a dramatic change for the worse.
The doctor who was treating her accidentally injected dye directly into Rachel’s spinal column. The dye destroyed a critical membrane and caused the onset of an extremely rare, incredibly painful condition.
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Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
