While the spine is strong, it undergoes changes as you age that make it susceptible to issues such as compression fractures, small cracks in the bones (vertebrae) that make up your spine. This happens when one of the bones collapses under pressure.
These fractures tend to occur in older adults who’ve developed osteoporosis. However, compression fractures can occur in people of all ages due to trauma or certain underlying conditions, such as cancer.
At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, orthopedic spine surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Jones prioritizes conservative treatments for spinal issues, including compression fractures, whenever possible. When most patients come to see us, they’ve often tried nonsurgical treatments without adequate back pain relief.
Compression fractures most often happen in mid-back (thoracic) or low-back (lumbar) areas of the spine. When a vertebra collapses, it can lead to a loss of height and a wedge-shaped deformity, affecting the alignment of your spine. This misalignment can place additional stress on surrounding vertebrae, potentially leading to more fractures if not addressed.
Symptoms of a compression fracture include sharp or persistent back pain, particularly when standing or walking, as well as reduced mobility. In severe cases, you may notice a stooped posture or excessive forward curve (kyphosis), which can affect your quality of life.
A wedge fracture is the most common type. It typically develops in the front of the vertebra, where it collapses, but the bone remains intact. This is referred to as a stable compression fracture, differing from a crush fracture where the fracture occurs throughout the entire vertebra.
A burst fracture is when the vertebra collapses and sends fragments of bone shooting out into surrounding tissue.
Whether a compression fracture can heal on its own depends on the location and type. Stable compression fractures tend to respond positively to conservative treatment. Clinical evidence finds that measures such as bracing and physical therapy are often adequate for recovering from compression fractures.
Healing typically takes 8-12 weeks, during which time the fractured vertebrae work to repair themselves. However, this process depends on several factors, including your age, overall health, and the severity of the fracture. Proper medical evaluation is crucial to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Dr. Jones emphasizes noninvasive treatments whenever possible, aiming to relieve pain and promote natural healing.
Rest and activity modification is the primary conservative approach for compression fractures. This means reducing activities that strain the spine while maintaining light movement to prevent stiffness and improve circulation. Other conservative measures to support healing a compression fracture include:
These strategies can be highly effective, but monitoring your progress with a specialist ensures you’re on the right path.
Even with the best conservative efforts, not all compression fractures heal on their own. Patients with crush or burst fractures or complications such as nerve compression may need surgical intervention to get relief.
When this is the case, you may benefit from minimally invasive surgery, such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. These procedures stabilize the fracture and restore vertebral height, often leading to rapid pain relief and improved function.
Compression fractures are treatable, and with the right care, you can regain strength and mobility. The team at The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas is committed to finding the least invasive solutions that work for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation today, and let us guide you toward recovery with personalized care and expert attention.
