Franklin Pain and Wellness Center

Vertebral Compression Fracture Causes

Compression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae, which are the bones of the spine. Compression fractures of the vertebra may be caused by:

Osteoporosis, which is the most common cause. These types of fractures can lead to chronic pain and disability.

Trauma to the back – Injury severe enough to cause a vertebra to break can occur from a fall where you land on your back, feet, or buttocks. It can also be caused by a car accident.

Pathologic fracture this is a fracture caused by a preexisting disease like cancer in the bone. Cancer tumors in the bone can either start in the bone or spine, like multiple myeloma, which start in the spine, or they can travel to the bone from other tumors in the body.

The vertebral fracture may also occur because of a localized infection of the bone. This often occurs in people with diabetes or in those who abuse IV drugs.

Multiple fractures may lead to a hump-like curvature of the spine which is also called kyphosis.

Vertebral Compression Fracture Symptoms

The pain from Vertebral Compression Fracture tends to be in the lower back but may occur in the upper back or neck. Some people may also have hip, abdominal, or thigh pain.

You may experience numbness, tingling, and weakness: Such symptoms could mean compression of the nerves at the point of the fracture.

Most compression fractures occur in older people with osteoporosis. These fractures generally do not cause injury to the spinal cord, but they can cause pain. The condition is usually treated with medicines and calcium supplements to prevent further fractures.

Other than narcotic pain treatment, Vertebral Compression Fractures may be treated with a back braces, but these may further weaken the bones and increase your risk of more fractures. Physical therapy is also used as pain treatment in order to improve your movement and strength around the spine.

The latest advancement in spinal fracture treatment is called Kyphoplasty. This minimally invasive procedure is offered by the specialists at The Franklin Pain and Wellness Center.

A comprehensive examination will be done and some additional lab tests may be performed. This is done in order to establish the most thorough and accurate diagnosis so that a customized program that will target your specific pain can be created.

If you suffer from Vertebral Compression Fractures, contact Franklin Pain and Wellness Center.

Our comprehensive pain management approach offers procedures and treatments to help manage your patient's pain.

"I had been in pain for over seven years. I tried so many treatments and medications to help. Nothing worked. My last specialist was the staff at Warwick Pain Center. Dr. Shwartzman and his staff truly helped and I have recommended them to others. Although I can’t say I’m pain free, I can say that my quality of life is so much better."

- Therese S.
Radiofrequency Facet Neurotomy