Skip to main content

Och Spine Services

Diagnosis & Treatment

Compression Fracture

Find a specialist

How is a Compression Fracture Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

To diagnose compression fracture, your doctor will ask about your back pain—whether it started suddenly or gradually, the intensity, and whether certain movements or positions make it feel better or worse.

A physical exam can include checking posture and looking for a hunched upper back; pressing along the spine to locate the source of pain; and evaluating signs of nerve damage, such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. Compression fractures can sometimes be diagnosed solely by symptoms and a physical exam.

In addition, the doctor may order one or more of these tests:

  • Bone density test, to measure the strength and density of the bones and diagnose or rule out osteoporosis
  • X-ray, to detect any fractures and whether a vertebra is compressed or shortened
  • CT scan, creates a more detailed picture of fractures in bone and whether soft tissues like nerves are affected by a fracture, and may be done if a fracture was caused by a tumor or severe trauma
  • MRI scan, to determine in more detail whether soft-tissue injuries are causing pain, such as nerve damage near a fracture or a herniated disk

Types of Compression Fractures

Types

Treatment for a compression fracture depends on where it is located, how severe it is, and what caused the break.

Nonsurgical options

  • Medicine for pain relief
  • Medicines to slow bone loss, called bisphosphonates (for example, Fosamax®)
  • Rest, including short term bed rest, followed by a slow return to activity
  • Back brace, to support the spine while the fracture heals, and prevent movement that causes pain
  • Physical therapy, to improve movement and strength around the spine

Surgical options

  • Vertebroplasty a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a stabilizing bone cement into the fractured vertebra, to reduce pain and improve mobility
  • Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure during which the doctor places a small balloon into the compressed vertebra to make it taller, then injects a special stabilizing cement into the empty space

FAQs

FAQs

Treatment for compression fractures in the spine includes pain relief medicine, bed rest to allow the fracture to heal followed by a slow return to activity, wearing a back brace, and physical therapy. In some cases surgery is performed that strengthens the collapsed vertebra.

You should wear a back brace until the injury heals, typically every day for 2 to 3 months.

A spinal compression fracture is serious because it causes pain and can limit mobility. Effective treatment can reduce symptoms and help prevent future compression fractures.

A spinal compression fracture is a serious injury that causes pain and reduced mobility, which can worsen if the fracture is not treated.

 

This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.

Evan Johnson, PT

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for compression fracture treatment

Spine specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian have extensive experience treating compression fracture to relieve pain and restore quality of life for their patients. It’s important to know the symptoms of compression fracture, such as back pain and stooped posture. Schedule an appointment with NewYork-Presbyterian for effective compression fracture treatment and pain relief.