Compression fractures are among the most underdiagnosed causes of chronic back pain, especially in older adults and people with osteoporosis. These small cracks in the vertebrae can occur with little or no trauma and often go unrecognized until the pain becomes disabling.
Recognizing the signs early is key to getting effective treatment and preventing long-term complications. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, provides expert, minimally invasive care for patients dealing with spinal injuries and conditions, including compression fractures.
Our team helps patients identify the source of their pain and restore function with customized treatment plans.
Overuse and muscle tension are not the only causes of back pain. Compression fractures happen when a vertebra in the spine weakens and collapses. The risk of compression fractures increases with age. Osteoporosis, cancer-related bone loss, or even trauma from a fall or car accident can cause a compression fracture.
For some, the fracture happens after something as simple as bending over, coughing, or lifting an object. The pain tends to come on suddenly and is usually sharp and localized, especially in the middle to lower spine.
If your back pain gets worse when standing or walking but improves when lying down, it may be a red flag for a compression fracture rather than a soft tissue injury.
Compression fractures don’t always cause intense pain right away, which makes them easy to miss. Here are some signs to watch for:
Without treatment compression fractures can lead to serious complications, including spinal deformity, nerve irritation, and disability. If you’ve had multiple fractures, your spine may start to lose alignment, increasing pressure on other vertebrae and increasing the risk of future fractures.
Dr. Jones takes a conservative approach to managing compression fractures. After a thorough evaluation and imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, he tailors a treatment plan that may include bracing, medications to strengthen bone, physical therapy, and, in some cases, a minimally invasive procedure like kyphoplasty to restore vertebral height and reduce pain.
Research has shown that kyphoplasty reduces pain in older patients. You may be a candidate for kyphoplasty if you still struggle with severe pain, limited mobility, or visible spinal deformity and your symptoms haven’t responded to conservative treatments.
The entire procedure is done through a tiny incision, and it usually takes less than an hour per fracture. Patients typically experience rapid pain relief along with improved mobility and posture.
If you’ve experienced a sudden change in your back pain or posture, especially after age 50, get it checked out. Our team is here to find the right solution that will help you reclaim a life with less pain.
Contact The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas to request an appointment with Dr. Jones to find out if a compression fracture is behind your back pain. We’ll take you through the next steps and get you on the path to better spine health.
