Compression Fracture Treatment in Illinois

Have You Felt Continued Back Pain After an Accident or Fall?

The bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) absorb substantial force. To soften the impact and cushion contact between the bones, the building blocks of the column are separated by resilient, rubbery, intervertebral discs. Normally, the structure withstands significant forces, without incident, but compression fractures occur under certain circumstances. Osteoporosis, trauma, and other pathological causes may each play a role in a compression fracture.

Vertebral compression fracture comes about when an individual vertebra is squeezed, causing it to crack and/or break under pressure.

Causes of Compression Fractures

Like other broken bones, the customary cause of compression fractures is trauma to the affected area. In cases where pre-existing conditions do not play a role, considerable force is required to fracture vertebra. A compression fracture may result from:

• Car accident
• Sports injury
• Fall

Elderly individuals experience fractures due to bone deterioration when small cracks develop in individual vertebra. The weakened bones eventually collapse, resulting in compression fractures. Women, particularly those who have undergone menopause, suffer from bone density loss, called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a primary cause of compression fractures among those with pre-existing disease. Increased risk factors for developing osteoporosis include:

• Body type – osteoporosis is more common among thin women
• Early menopause – risk increases among women experiencing menopause before age 50
• Ethnicity – White and Asian women share the highest risk for developing osteoporosis
• Smoking

Additional pathological causes of compression fracture are also tied to reduced bone strength. Cancer, whether originating in bones or metastasizing from another part of the body, can lead to compression fractures.

It is also important to note that men can also develop osteoporosis - it is not exclusive to women.

Symptoms of Compression Fractures

Compression fractures cause various symptoms, including these common complaints:

• Low back pain
• Hip and thigh pain
• Postural changes/ stooping
• Difficulty bending and/or twisting

When nerve compression is present, a compression fracture may also lead to the following symptoms:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness

If the fracture presses directly on the spinal cord or multiple compression fractures are present, sufferers may experience:

• Incontinence or inability to urinate
• Digestive issues
• Height loss
• Breathing problems

Bone Health

We recommend talking to your orthopedic specialist or primary care physician about your bone health and prevention

Contact us online or call (630) 584-1400 to schedule an appointment.