A compression fracture occurs when a vertebra in the spine
collapses, leading to a loss of height and structural integrity
in the affected bone. This type of fracture is most common in
the thoracic (middle) and lumbar (lower) spine and is often
caused by weakened bones due to osteoporosis. As the
vertebra compresses, it can cause severe back pain, limited
mobility, and even deformity, such as a hunched posture.
While osteoporosis is the leading cause, compression
fractures can also result from trauma, such as a fall or car
accident, or from conditions like cancer that weaken the
bones.
These fractures typically occur when the vertebral body,
which bears the weight of the upper body, is subjected to too
much pressure. In people with osteoporosis, even minor
activities like lifting a light object, coughing, or bending over
can cause a fracture. For those with healthier bones, more
significant trauma is usually required. The pain from a
compression fracture can be sudden and severe, or it can
develop gradually if the fracture worsens over time.
Treatment often involves pain management, rest, physical
therapy, and in some cases, surgical procedures like
kyphoplasty to stabilize the spine and restore lost height.
