A spinal compression fracture happens when one of the bones in your spine collapses. These fractures often occur in the middle or lower back. They are usually caused by weak bones, especially from osteoporosis.
Knowing the signs and getting the right treatment from the experts at Summit Orthopedics in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area can help you feel better and avoid long-term problems.
What Is a Spinal Compression Fracture?
Spinal compression fractures are small cracks or collapses in a bone in your spine, called a vertebra. When one of these bones loses height it’s called a compression fracture.
Most of the time, this happens because of bone loss from osteoporosis. If your bones are weak, even simple movements like bending, lifting a grocery bag or coughing hard can cause a fracture.
Many spinal compression fractures heal with rest and care. But that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. If left untreated, they can lead to:
- A curved upper back (called kyphosis or “dowager’s hump”)
- Long-term pain
- Loss of height
- Trouble breathing due to changes in posture
The sooner you get care, the better your chances of healing without lasting problems.
Spinal Compression Fracture Symptoms
The most common symptom is sudden, sharp back pain. This pain often gets worse when you move and feels better when you rest. Other signs can include:
- A hunched or curved back
- Loss of height over time
- Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected
- Trouble bending or twisting
Some people with osteoporosis may have no symptoms at all. Their fracture might only show up during an X-ray for another reason.
Spinal Compression Fracture Diagnosis
Your doctor will start with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. They’ll check for spine tenderness, changes in posture and nerve problems.
If they suspect a fracture, they’ll likely order imaging tests. An X-ray can show a broken bone, while an MRI or CT scan may be used to get more detail or rule out other causes.
Finding a fracture early is key to preventing more damage and starting treatment right away.
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, help your spine heal and stop future fractures.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Most patients start with nonsurgical care, which may include:
- A back brace to support your spine during healing
- Medicine to treat osteoporosis and protect your bones
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicine
- Physical therapy to improve strength and posture
- Rest and avoiding movements that cause pain
These treatments are often enough to help the bone heal and get you back to your daily routine.
Surgical Procedures
If pain doesn’t improve after several weeks, your doctor may recommend a procedure like:
- Kyphoplasty: A small balloon creates space in the bone before cement is added. This may help restore height.
- Vertebroplasty: Bone cement is injected into the fracture to stabilize it.
Both procedures are done as outpatient treatments. Most people feel relief quickly and recover with little downtime.
Spinal Compression Fracture Recovery
Most spinal compression fractures heal in about 6 to 8 weeks. Your pain may start to improve in just a few days, especially with the right care. Full healing of the bone may take several months.
Healing time depends on your age, health and how weak your bones are. Younger people often heal faster than older adults with osteoporosis.
Your doctor will follow your progress with regular visits and adjust your treatment as needed.
Preventing Future Fractures
After one spinal fracture, you’re more likely to have another—especially if you have osteoporosis. That’s why prevention is important.
Your care team will help you build strong bones and protect your spine with:
- Calcium and vitamin D
- Medications that improve bone strength
- Safe movement techniques to avoid injury
- Stopping smoking, which weakens bones
Weight-bearing exercise
With the right plan, you can lower your risk of another fracture.
When to See a Spine Specialist
You should see a doctor if you have:
- A curved or hunched upper back
- A noticeable loss of height
- Ongoing pain that doesn’t get better with rest
- Sudden back pain after a minor fall, bend or lift
These symptoms could be signs of a spinal compression fracture. Seeing a specialist early gives you the best chance at healing well.
Spinal Compression Fracture Treatment at Summit Orthopedics
Summit Orthopedics surgeons are available at nearly 30 convenient locations across the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Our state-of-the-art, comprehensive orthopedic centers offer same-day appointments from a team of experts who offer the full scope of orthopedic care, including for spinal compression fractures.
Find your Summit Orthopedics spine expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
