5 Important Facts About Vertebral Compression Fracturesc

Vertebral compression fractures are one of the most common causes of chronic back and neck pain. They impact millions of people each year, affecting quality of life and mobility.

At Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC, in Sarasota, Florida, our team of interventional pain management specialists regularly diagnoses and treats vertebral compression fractures. 

Here, we highlight five important facts about the condition you need to know.

What are vertebral compression fractures?

A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) causes microscopic cracks in one (or several) vertebrae — the bones in your spine. 

Without treatment, these fractures can weaken your spine, affect your posture, and ultimately cause the affected vertebrae to collapse.

5 facts about vertebral compression fractures

Now that you know what a vertebral compression fracture is, let’s take a closer look at some lesser-known facts:

Fact 1: There are three types of vertebral compression fractures

Vertebral compression factors fall into three categories:

Wedge fractures

This type forms at the front of the affected vertebrae. It causes the bone to collapse, creating a wedge-like shape. More than 50% of vertebral compression fractures are of this type. 

Crush fractures

This type damages the entire vertebrae. It causes the bone to collapse, affecting posture and resulting in intense pain.

Burst fractures

This type causes the affected vertebrae to break into multiple pieces and spread outward. It’s the most severe compression fracture and requires immediate treatment.

Fact 2: Compression fractures can be stable or unstable

A stable fracture damages the affected vertebrae but doesn’t change its position. In other words, the bone stays in place.

In an unstable fracture, the broken pieces of bone change position. This may place pressure on nearby nerves or intervertebral discs, causing more severe symptoms.

Fact 3: Several things can increase your risk of a VCF

Vertebral compression fractures affect people of all ages and races. However, certain things may increase your risk, including:

• Being a postmenopausal woman
• Having an underlying medical condition that affects bone strength, like osteoporosis
• Being 50 or older
• Having a history of compression fractures

If you fall into any of these categories, take necessary precautions, like scheduling annual checkups.

Fact 4: Without treatment, they can have lasting consequences

Although most vertebral compression fractures are small, without proper treatment, they increase the risk of lasting complications, including a hunched-over posture, chronic pain, and future fractures. In severe instances, they may also affect bowel and bladder function.

Fact 5: You may be able to avoid surgery

If you have a vertebral compression fracture, you might assume surgery is necessary. The good news is that most of these fractures heal with conservative treatments.

Depending on the type and location of the fracture, we may recommend pain medication to reduce discomfort, wearing a brace to support your vertebrae during healing, and participating in physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your spine.

We can help you heal after a vertebral compression fracture

Our caring team regularly helps people recover from vertebral compression fractures. We take a conservative and integrative approach, but we can also provide minimally invasive surgery if necessary. Schedule an evaluation today through online booking or by calling Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC.