You may not know you have compression fractures until your back stands bending forward or your doctor detects them during an X-ray diagnosing another medical condition. If you are elderly and begin experiencing persistent back pain, it may be wise to inform your doctor immediately. To prevent further damage to your spine, the team at the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine may recommend minimally invasive compression fracture Shrewsbury treatments.
What should you know about compression fractures?
Compression fractures refer to the tiny breaks in the bones in your spine, making them shorter. These fractures can occur in anyone, but they are more prevalent in older women. As you age, or as your osteoporosis advances, your spinal bones are more likely to fracture.
These fractures weaken your spine, eventually affecting your posture and causing kyphosis. Compression fractures often occur in the thoracic part of your spine. The primary cause is osteoporosis, but you can also get them after a tragic accident or spinal tumor. Your provider may treat compression fractures with back braces or minimally invasive procedures to restore the stability in your spine and correct your posture.
Are compression fractures common?
Despite being common, most people may not know that they have compression fractures until their spine curves cause kyphosis. Compression fractures are more prevalent in older women diagnosed with osteoporosis, a degenerative disorder that causes your bones to be brittle and weak. This condition can also affect older men. These fractures are more likely to occur during menopause in women.
How can you know that you have compression fractures?
Some people may not have any symptoms until their back stands bending forward. Your routine medical visits may allow your provider to detect the fractures early during an x-ray or when diagnosing another medical condition.
However, most people find it difficult to stand or walk with pain and discomfort. Compression fractures may reduce your spine flexibility and mobility, making it difficult to bend over without intense pain. You may also develop chronic back pain that deteriorates when you walk or stand and improves when you lie down.
In advanced cases, you may experience trouble controlling your bowels and bladder. If you struggle with these symptoms, do not hesitate to inform your most trusted specialist at the facility.
How can your doctor treat compression fractures?
If the cause of your compression fractures is osteoporosis, your provider may design treatment that addresses the underlying osteoporosis to prevent future fractures. Most fractures improve with pain medications, medications that stabilize your bone density, and back braces to reduce movement during the recovery period. Your provider may also recommend short bed rest to alleviate acute back pain. Prolonged bed rest may trigger more fractures and worsen your health.
If your symptoms persist, your provider may recommend more aggressive approaches to alleviate your pain. Some of the surgical procedures you may undergo include spinal fusion surgery, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty. These procedures are minimally invasive and require a minimal recovery period.
To relieve your chronic back pain, call the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine or schedule an appointment online for comprehensive care.
