Back pain can be an indication of stress fractures known as vertebral compression fractures. Vertebral compression fractures occur when the normal vertebral body of the spine is squeezed or compressed. The bone collapses when too much pressure is placed on the vertebrae, resulting in pain, limited mobility, loss of height, and spinal deformity. In very severe compression fractures, the back of the vertebral body is pushed into the spinal canal, and pressure is placed on the spinal cord.
Vertebral compression fractures can occur because of trauma from a fall, forceful jump, car accident, or tumor that spreads to the spine from elsewhere. Vertebral compression fractures are usually caused by osteoporosis, a condition that causes thinning of the bone. The thinning bones can cause tiny fractures during normal activities. In severe cases of osteoporosis, a simple movement like bending forward can cause spinal compression fracture, resulting in kyphosis, a hump-like curvature of the spine.
The most common symptom of a vertebral compression fracture is sudden onset of mid-back or low back pain after minor trauma or movement.
The first step to diagnose vertebral compression fractures is to perform a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history.
Some of the treatments for Vertebral compression fractures include: