compression fractures

Compression fractures are common fractures found in both the thoracic and lumbar spine and result from trauma involving a combination of compression and flexion. In the elderly, oseteoporosis is a frequent contributing factor to the development of these wedge shapped fractures and these so called "grandma fractures" can also occur spontaneously during every day activites such as coughing or sneezing.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by decreased amounts of normal-quality bone resulting in an increased susceptibility to fracture. Although most commonly found in post-menopausal females, it can also be secondary to immobilization as well as a number of underlying conditions, e.g.  steroid use, alcoholism and malignancy.

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Osteoporosis may result in vertebral compression, which can be acutely painful or pass unnoticed by the patient.  Wedging usually affects the upper end-plate more than the lower, so that the difference in height between the front and back of the normally rectangular shaped vertebrae is greater than 2mm. 

Symptoms which may be associated with compression fractures are :

• Sudden, severe back pain.
• Worsening of pain when standing or walking.
• Some pain relief when lying down.
• Difficulty and pain when bending or twisting.
• Loss of height.
• Deformity of the spine - the curved, "hunchback" shape.

treatment for a compression fracture

Following imaging to confirm the presence of a compression fracture, it is necessary to establish the cause of this injury. If indeed the fracture occurred following a minor amount of trauma, it is necessary to work out if these is any underlying cause for the reduction in bone density within the spine. One way to ascertain bone density levels is through a bone density scan.

From a treatment stand point, no conservative treatment per se will be able to increase the height of the vertebra following collapse. Indeed even after healing has occurred when pain levels have decreased, a deformity of the spine is usually still apparent to the trained eye. If mutliple levels of callapse exist, the hunchback position will be more obvious.

From a conservative approach. treatment will usually include advice to reduce stress through the fracture site, antiinflammatories and rest. Reducing localised muscle spasm and gently improving the mobility in the spine in the areas above and below the fracture site may also be beneficial in helping to reduce the stress through the fracture site.

The surgical choice for the treatment of this condition is often a Vertebroplasty. For further information regarding this procedure, please visit your  general practitioner.

If you have any questions regarding this injury or indeed whether chiropractic will be beneficial, please do not hesitate to contact us.