Understanding and Managing Compression Fractures

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we specialize in the diagnosis and advanced treatment of compression fractures. Whether caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or underlying spinal conditions, compression fractures can severely affect your mobility and quality of life. Our team is dedicated to helping you find lasting relief through comprehensive, personalized care.

A compression fracture occurs when one or more vertebrae in the spine collapse or are compressed due to pressure. These fractures most commonly occur in the thoracic spine (mid-back) or lumbar spine (lower back) and can cause sudden back pain, loss of height, and spinal deformity.

Compression fractures are especially common in individuals with osteoporosis, but can also result from trauma or cancer weakening the bone.

The most common causes include:

• Osteoporosis: Weakening of bones due to low bone density
• Trauma: Falls, car accidents, or severe injuries
• Spinal tumors: Cancer that spreads to the bones and weakens the vertebrae
• Chronic steroid use can reduce bone strength
• Bone diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta

Even a minor fall or everyday activities like bending or lifting can cause fractures in weakened bones.

You are at higher risk for a compression fracture if you:

• Are over the age of 50
• Have osteoporosis or low bone density
• Are female (especially postmenopausal women)
• Have a history of previous fractures
• Use long-term corticosteroid medications
• Have cancer affecting the bones

Early bone health management can significantly reduce your risk.

Symptoms of a compression fracture may vary based on severity but often include:

• Sudden, sharp back pain, often after minor trauma or movement
• Pain worsening with standing, walking, or lifting
• Relief of pain when lying down
• Loss of height
• Spinal curvature (kyphosis or stooped posture)
• Limited mobility and stiffness

If untreated, compression fractures can lead to chronic pain, deformity, and breathing difficulties due to spinal changes.

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, our diagnostic process includes:

• Thorough medical history and symptom review
• Physical examination focusing on spinal tenderness, mobility, and neurological function
• Imaging studies:
  • X-rays to detect fractures and spinal alignment issues
  • MRI to assess acute fractures, spinal cord involvement, and soft tissue injury (Gold standard to evaluate timing of fracture)
  • CT scans for detailed evaluation of bone damage

Early and accurate diagnosis allows for better treatment outcomes.

Mild to moderate compression fractures often heal with conservative management, including:

Pain medications:

• NSAIDs or acetaminophen for inflammation and discomfort, occasional use of stronger pain medications are necessary

Back bracing:

• Supporting and stabilizing the spine during healing

Physical therapy:

• Gentle exercises to strengthen spinal muscles and improve posture

Activity modification:

• Avoiding heavy lifting, twisting, and high-impact activities

These approaches help manage pain while allowing the body to naturally heal.

When conservative care is not enough, we offer advanced procedures such as:

• Vertebroplasty:
  • A minimally invasive procedure where medical-grade cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize and strengthen the bone
• Kyphoplasty:
  • Similar to vertebroplasty, but includes inflating a balloon inside the vertebra before cement injection to restore lost height

These procedures often provide rapid pain relief and improved mobility, and reduced mortality.

Surgery is rarely needed for compression fractures, but may be recommended if:

• There is severe spinal instability
• Significant spinal cord compression causes neurological symptoms
• Multiple fractures cause progressive spinal deformity

In such cases, spinal fusion surgery may be considered to stabilize the spine.

Patients trust Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah because we provide:

• Board-certified spine and pain management specialists
• Accurate and early diagnosis of compression fractures
• Non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment options
• Expertise in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures
• Collaborative, patient-centered care plans

We are committed to helping you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.