What is a compression fracture?
It is a fracture of a vertebra. This type of spinal fracture is common as we age. Treatment options include rest, medication, minimally invasive surgery, and a special brace.
The following symptoms are characteristic of a compression fracture:
- Sudden back pain;
- Limited range of motion;
- Tingling or numbness in the back;
- Weakness in the affected area;
- Muscle weakness or spasms.
Symptoms of a compression fracture can be mild or severe - the most common sign is a decrease in height.
Causes include:
- Osteoporosis;
- Physical trauma (fall, fall from a height, accident);
- Cancer.
Risk factors for a compression fracture include:
- You are a woman and are going through menopause;
- You have a history of a disease that affects bone strength;
- You are over 50 years old;
- You have had a compression fracture before.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21950-compression-fractures
