Causes
Common Causes
- Osteoporosis: Weak or brittle bones that fracture more easily
- Injury or Trauma: Falls, car accidents, or sports injuries
- Bone Weakness from Disease: Conditions such as cancer that weaken bone structure
- Normal Aging: Gradual thinning of bones over time
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms to Watch For
- Sudden onset of back pain, often in the mid or lower spine
- Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or bending forward
- Decreased height or a stooped posture (kyphosis)
- Stiffness or reduced mobility in the back
- Pain radiating around the sides of the body or into the ribs
Diagnosis
How It’s Diagnosed
Doctors begin with a physical exam and may order imaging tests such as X-rays to confirm the fracture. An MRI or CT scan may be used to determine the severity of the fracture and rule out other spinal conditions. A bone density test (DEXA scan) is often recommended if osteoporosis is suspected.
Treatment Options
Non‑surgical / Lifestyle Approaches:
- Rest, activity modification, and over-the-counter pain medications
- Bracing to stabilize the spine and reduce movement at the fracture site
- Physical therapy to strengthen the back and improve posture
- Medications to improve bone density (if osteoporosis is the cause)
Advanced Treatments:
- Vertebroplasty: Injection of bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it
- Kyphoplasty: Similar to vertebroplasty, but a balloon is first inserted to restore height before cement is added
- Spinal fusion (rare cases): To stabilize multiple fractures or severe instability