A compression fracture occurs when a vertebra in the spinecollapses, leading to a loss of height and structural integrityin the affected bone. This type of fracture is most common inthe thoracic (middle) and lumbar (lower) spine and is oftencaused by weakened bones due to osteoporosis. As thevertebra compresses, it can cause severe back pain, limitedmobility, and even deformity, such as a hunched posture.While osteoporosis is the leading cause, compressionfractures can also result from trauma, such as a fall or caraccident, or from conditions like cancer that weaken thebones. These fractures typically occur when the vertebral body,which bears the weight of the upper body, is subjected to toomuch pressure. In people with osteoporosis, even minoractivities like lifting a light object, coughing, or bending overcan cause a fracture. For those with healthier bones, moresignificant trauma is usually required. The pain from acompression fracture can be sudden and severe, or it candevelop gradually if the fracture worsens over time.Treatment often involves pain management, rest, physicaltherapy, and in some cases, surgical procedures likekyphoplasty to stabilize the spine and restore lost height.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarilyaffecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Overtime, it can cause the vertebrae in the spine to fuse, resulting in reducedflexibility and a hunched posture. While AS most commonly affects thelower back, it can also impact other joints, the eyes, and, in rare cases,organs like the heart and lungs. The exact cause of AS is unknown, butgenetic factors, particularly the HLA-B27 gene, play a significant role.Symptoms often start in early adulthood, with men being more frequentlyaffected than women.Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on managing symptoms andpreventing the progression of the disease, as there is no cure. Nonsteroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first line of treatment toreduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy and regular exercise arecrucial to maintaining posture and flexibility. Surgery is rarely needed butmay be considered if there is severe joint damage or spinal deformity.Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthyweight, can also help manage the condition.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spine, often resulting from degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis. As the spinal vertebrae and their protective discs wear down, they can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Pressure on the nerves can also result as the ligaments in your back thicken as you age, or if you have herniated discs due to injury or disease.
