Compression fractures of the spine

[Lizzy Liz]

In a compression fracture of the spine, the drum-shaped part (body) of one or more back bones (vertebrae) collapses into itself and becomes squashed (compressed) into a wedge shape.

Most compression fractures result from slight or no force in older people with osteoporosis.
In most people, compression fractures due to osteoporosis do not cause any symptoms, but when pain occurs, walking, standing, or sitting for a long time worsens the pain.
Doctors diagnose spinal compression fractures using x-rays or computed tomography.
Treatment can include braces, comfort measures, and sometimes injection of bone cement into the fractured bone.

(See also Overview of Fractures.)
The spine consists of 24 back bones plus the tailbone (sacrum). The back bones bear most of the body