What is Compression Fracture?
What is Compression Fracture?Compression fractures are small breaks in the vertebrae, the bones that form the spine. The breaks happen when vertebrae weaken from disease or injury. Over time, they can cause the vertebrae to collapse, or flatten.
Trauma, such as a blow from a fall, can also cause compression fracture. You may hear the term spinal compression fracture for this condition or lumbar compression fracture when it affects the lower part of the spine.
Types of Compression Fractures
TypesCompression fractures have different names depending on how a vertebra breaks.
There are three types of compression fractures:
- Wedge fracture. The front side of the bone collapses, resulting in a wedge-shaped vertebra. One or more wedge fractures can cause the spine to curve over.
- Crush fracture. The entire vertebra compresses or flattens.
- Burst fracture. More severe than a compression fracture, a burst fracture results from a sudden blow. The vertebra shatters and sends pieces of bone in all directions as it collapses. A burst fracture may damage nerves in the spinal cord.
Signs & Symptoms of a Compression Fracture
SymptomsSymptoms of a compression fracture vary depending on the cause and the individual. Pain may be severe and come on suddenly, or it may be mild and develop slowly over time. Some people may not have any symptoms at first.
A spine specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian can treat compression fracture symptoms.
The range of compression fracture symptoms includes:
- Severe back pain, commonly in the middle or lower spine, or on the sides, or in front of the spine
- Sharp back pain that feels like a stabbing knife
- Weakness or numbness if the fracture injures the nerves of the spine
- Trouble twisting or bending over
- Back pain that starts slowly, worsens with walking, and is relieved with rest
- Loss of height over time
- Hunched or stooped back (kyphosis), when one or more vertebra collapse on the front side but not the back
What Causes a Compression Fracture?
CausesOsteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fracture. Over time, bone mineral loss from osteoporosis slowly weakens vertebrae so that they crumble and collapse.
The main causes of compression fractures are:
- Osteoporosis. With osteoporosis bones become brittle and thin. In a person with osteoporosis, everyday activities may put enough pressure on the spine to make a vertebra collapse. In other cases, a small jolt or impact, like from a fall, causes compression fracture. Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men. It usually develops after age 60.
- Trauma. Impact from a car accident, sports injury, or fall can cause a compression fracture.
- Bone tumor. Many types of cancer can spread into the bones of the spine. Vertebrae weakened by a tumor can collapse.
Risk Factors
Risk FactorsThe risk of compression fracture increases with age for all genders. Having osteoporosis or being at risk for osteoporosis is the most important risk factor for compression fractures.
Risks factors for compression fracture include:
- Being over age 50
- Being female and past menopause
- Having osteoporosis
- Already having a compression fracture
- Having a history of cancer
Complications
ComplicationsComplications that can result from compression fracture include:
- Damage to nearby vertebrae from unhealed fractured bones
- Problems with the heart, lungs, and digestive system due to compression of the spine with a hump back (kyphosis)
- Chronic (long-term) pain
- Blood clots in the legs from not walking enough due to back pain
- Nerve damage that leads to difficulty walking, or trouble controlling bowels or bladder
- Hip pain
- Neck pain
Prevention
PreventionThe best way to prevent compression fractures is to take steps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about bone-strengthening medicines to treat osteoporosis if you already have it. If you are at risk for osteoporosis, get a bone-density test.
More ways to maintain strong bones, help reduce bone loss, and prevent compression fractures include:
- Do weight-bearing exercise, such as fast walking, aerobics, or using stair-step or elliptical machines
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D from dairy and other foods
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol
- Stop smoking
- Start an exercise program designed specifically to strengthen back muscles and support the spine
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Spinal Fracture Care
Spine injuries can have a significant impact on everyday life. Schedule an appointment with a spine specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian if you have a spine fracture, compression fracture, or osteoporosis or are at risk for osteoporosis. Our spine teams provide treatment that helps heal fractures and relieve pain so patients can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.