How serious is a compression fracture of the spine?
How serious is a compression fracture of the spine?
When left untreated, a vertebral compression fracture can lead to a multitude of back issues, as well as health risks and even death. While some health problems such as kyphosis—an unnatural curvature of the spine—result directly from a compression fracture, other health risks are a byproduct of pain and immobility.
What is the best treatment for a compression fracture?
How is a compression fracture treated?
- Pain medicine to relieve your back pain.
- Bed rest for a short time, followed by limited activity while your bones heal.
- Wearing a back brace.
- Physical therapy to help you move better and strengthen the muscles around your spine.
How do you know if your vertebral compression fracture?
The main clinical symptoms of VCFs may include any of the following, alone or in combination:
- Sudden onset of back pain.
- An increase of pain intensity while standing or walking.
- A decrease in pain intensity while lying on the back.
- Limited spinal mobility.
- Eventual height loss.
- Eventual deformity and disability.
Can you walk with a spinal compression fracture?
The symptoms of a compression fracture include back pain that gets worse over time (especially with standing), not being able to bend or move like normal, a decrease in height (your vertebrae will compress, making you shorter), stooped posture, trouble walking, and pain or tingling down the legs.
Can a compression fracture get worse?
The main symptom you’ll notice with a spinal compression fracture is back pain. It may start gradually and get worse over time or come on suddenly and sharply.
How long does it take for a compression fracture to stop hurting?
Pain from a spinal compression fracture allowed to heal naturally can last as long as three months. But the pain usually improves significantly in a matter of days or weeks. Pain management may include analgesic pain medicines, bed rest, back bracing, and physical activity.
Can a compression fracture be seen on MRI?
MRI scans can provide detailed images of nerves located near the spine and may help a doctor confirm a pinched nerve caused by a compression fracture.
Is a heating pad good for a compression fracture?
Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain. Apply heat on your back for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms.
Will an xray show a compression fracture?
X-rays use low doses of radiation to create images of the spine, allowing doctors to take a close look at vertebrae. An X-ray can reveal changes in the size and shape of a spinal bone. For instance, an atypically short vertebra may indicate that a spine compression fracture has healed in its compressed position.
What are the complications of a compression fracture?
Complications of vertebral compression fractures include the following: deep venous thrombosis; acceleration of osteoporosis; loss of height; respiratory or gastrointestinal disturbances; and emotional and social problems secondary to unremitting pain and loss of independence.
Can compression fractures heal without surgery?
You want to ease the pain, heal the fracture, and treat the osteoporosis that weakened your bones and caused them to collapse. There’s a good chance you won’t need surgery. Most people can get by without it. Compression fractures usually heal on their own in about 3 months.
What are the symptoms of a broken vertebrae?
The main clinical symptoms of vertebral fractures typically include one or a combination of the following symptoms: Sudden onset of back pain. Standing or walking will usually make the pain worse. Lying on one’s back makes the pain less intense. Limited spinal mobility.
What are the types of surgeries for compression fractures?
There are two types of surgery for treating compression fractures: vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty . With vertebroplasty, your doctor uses a needle to inject a bone cement mixture into the fracture to help it heal. With kyphoplasty, your doctor inflates a small balloon in the fracture to create a hollow space.