$compression fracture of lumbar spine$

How long have you been in pain? Was the onset sudden or gradual?.

(To find one near you, visit our Physician Locator.) Here are some questions your doctor may ask If you think you may have a compression fracture, see a doctor. How Are Vertebral Compression Fractures Diagnosed?

Shortness of breath – it’s possible for the torso to become so compressed that it’s difficult to breathe.

Gastrointestinal problems – crowding of the internal organs can be a serious side effect of multiple compression fractures.

These additional symptoms signal the possibility of multiple vertebral fractures

Weakness or numbness in the affected areas.

Increase in pain when standing or walking.

The primary physical symptoms of vertebral fracture include one or more of the following What Are The Symptoms of Vertebral Compression Fracture? Vertebrae can withstand a good deal of shock however, if the force on the spine is too great, they can break. People with strong, healthy bones also can sustain compression fractures from a hard fall or blow to the back or torso. Tumors also may spread to the spine as a result of cancer in other organs and areas of the body, such as the breasts, lungs and intestines. Doctors frequently monitor those diagnosed with certain types of cancer, including multiple myeloma or lymphoma, for spinal breakage. Tumors growing in or near the spine are another cause of compression fractures.

$compression fracture of lumbar spine$

The vertebral bone tends to collapse toward the front of the spine, creating wedge-shaped vertebrae that cause the spine to curve forward (kyphosis), eventually leading to the “dowager’s hump” frequently associated with the advanced stage of the disease. Osteoporosis-related compression fractures can occur anywhere in the spine, but are most often found in the lower vertebrae of the upper back. When bones are brittle, even everyday activities and minor traumas, such as lifting a laundry basket, missing a step, or even coughing or sneezing, can cause these tiny fractures.

$compression fracture of lumbar spine$

There is no one single cause however, the vast majority of vertebral compression fractures are the result of osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to progressively become more thin and fragile.

$compression fracture of lumbar spine$

Compression fracture of lumbar spine