A vertebral compression fracture is when a backbone breaks by crushing in on itself. Most often, this occurs in older people who have some degree of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the process that makes the bones weak by reducing their internal density.
Some people develop a vertebral compression fracture without being aware. They find out later after an x-ray is performed for another reason.
Many, however, present with pain; the pain can be severe and is often sudden in onset and associated with minor trauma or stain - bending, coughing, or lifting. Fractures can occur spontaneously with notable injury.
Your cervical spine consists of the seven vertebrae (bones) that comprise the uppermost part of your spine, located in the neck region
Fractures of the thoracic and Lumbar spine are characterised by their mechanism of injury and severity. Numerous classification systems exist.
X-rays, MRI, Blood and urine tests, Bone density scanning. Careful assessment is required to rule out important causes of compression fractures including Multiple Myeloma.
