Question 1

how do you treat vertebral compression fractures?

Accepted Answer

Fracture: These are usually treated with a brace to stabilize the area until it heals (at least 6 weeks)

Sometimes special cement can be injected with a surgical procedure to treat the fracture (vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty)

Question 2

what does it mean if i have osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures?

Accepted Answer

Patient specific: Some patients have no pain while others suffer debilitating pain from a vcf.  Regardless, it is critical to treat your osteoporosis.

Question 3

how do i prevent vertebral compression fractures?

Accepted Answer

Exercise: The only way to delay the effects of bone loss is to build stronger bones through exercise when you are young.  If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, then you need medication to reduce the chance of fractures.

Question 4

are vertebral compression fractures common?

Accepted Answer

Yes: They occur in older patients usually due to osteoporosis.  Women are affected 6:1 compared to men.

Question 5

how are vertebral compression fractures diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Mri scan is the most accurate test.  Pain over the fracture site is the most useful physical finding.

Question 6

how are vertebral compression fractures typically treated?

Accepted Answer

Yes: 60% probably need some form of treatment.  Simple options include rest and medication.  Bracing does not seem to be of much benefit although it is often ordered.  Physical therapy may help patients mobilize but can be challenging if severe pain.  30-40% of vcf's come to surgery which is usually immediately helpful.

Question 7

can you tell me what percentage of vertebral compression fractures are symptomatic?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is estimated in the spinal literature that 60% of vertebral compression fractures are symptomatic enough to cause moderate - severe pain.  Many of these heal without incident but approximately 30-40 percent may require treatment such as surgery.

Question 8

are stress fractures and compression fractures the same?

Accepted Answer

Different: Stress fractures are classic overuse injuries, defined as when injury to tissue (in this case bone) is injured at a rate which exceeds the body's ability to heal or recover.  Compression fractures usually result from an injury.

Question 9

what is the usual cause of compression fractures in the spine?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis: The usual cause of compression fractures in the spine is osteoporosis -- low bone mass that usually occurs after menopause in women but it can occur in men after testosterone levels have dropped or for anyone on certain medications that interfer with bone metabolism.  Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin d along with exercise can slow progression but one should check with their physician.

Question 10

my lumbar compression fractures are stable what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

It means that: it will not move around and cause further damage.  It also means that it will heal given enough time.  Most important thing is to prevent recurrence by avoiding activity that caused the injury and strengthening your bones.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Recovery from compression fractures of vertebrae

A member asked:

How do you treat vertebral compression fractures?

A member asked:

What does it mean if i have osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures?

A member asked:

How do i prevent vertebral compression fractures?

A member asked:

Are vertebral compression fractures common?

A member asked:

How are vertebral compression fractures diagnosed?

A member asked:

How are vertebral compression fractures typically treated?

A member asked:

Can you tell me what percentage of vertebral compression fractures are symptomatic?

A member asked:

Are stress fractures and compression fractures the same?

A member asked:

What is the usual cause of compression fractures in the spine?

A member asked:

My lumbar compression fractures are stable what does that mean?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?