Vertebral Compression Fracture
A collapsed vertebra can cause sudden, severe back pain. Most are caused by osteoporosis, and many can be treated with a same-day procedure.
Also Called: Osteoporotic fracture, wedge fracture, spinal compression fracture, collapsed vertebra.
What It Is
A compression fracture happens when a vertebra collapses, usually into a wedge shape with the front shorter than the back. Most are caused by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis thins the bone enough that everyday forces can break it — a cough, a sneeze, or bending to pick something up.
Causes & Risk Factors
Osteoporosis is by far the most common cause, and the risk climbs with age, after menopause, and with long-term steroid use. Less often, a compression fracture follows a harder impact, like a fall or car accident, in someone whose bones are otherwise healthy. It can also come from a bone weakened by illness instead of osteoporosis. For that reason, a new compression fracture is always worth a closer look.
Symptoms
- Sudden onset of sharp, localized back pain
- Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or changing position
- Some patients also notice a gradual forward lean or a loss of height over time
There's no single right treatment for Vertebral Compression Fracture. The best plan depends on your imaging, your history, and your exam. The next step is a conversation about your specific case.
Dr. Hirsch is board-certified and Yale-trained. Read his full background.