Vertebral Compression Fractures

What Are Vertebral Compression Fractures?

A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the bones in the spine weakens and collapses. These fractures most commonly affect the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) spine and can develop suddenly or progressively over time.

Compression fractures are often associated with osteoporosis, but they may also result from:

• Falls or traumatic injuries
• Sports injuries
• Degenerative spinal conditions
• Long-term steroid use
• Cancer involving the spine
• Weakened bone density and aging

Some compression fractures may occur with minimal activity, such as bending, lifting, coughing, or twisting.

Symptoms of Vertebral Compression Fractures

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture but may include:

• Sudden onset back pain
• Mid-back or low-back pain
• Pain that worsens with standing or walking
• Muscle spasms and stiffness
• Limited mobility and reduced activity tolerance
• Loss of height over time
• Stooped posture or spinal curvature changes
• Pain with bending, lifting, or twisting

Some patients may also experience chronic pain if fractures are not properly treated.

Risk Factors for Compression Fractures

Several factors can increase the risk of vertebral compression fractures, including:

• Osteoporosis and low bone density
• Aging
• Prior fractures
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Long-term corticosteroid use
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Certain cancers or metabolic bone disorders

How Are Vertebral Compression Fractures Diagnosed?

Dr. Nixon uses advanced imaging and diagnostic evaluation to identify vertebral compression fractures and determine the severity of spinal involvement.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• X-rays
• MRI imaging
• CT scans
• Bone density evaluation when indicated

Accurate diagnosis is important to determine the most appropriate treatment approach and prevent further spinal complications.

Vertebral Compression Fracture Treatments

Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture, the level of pain, and how much the fracture is affecting mobility and daily function.

Conservative & Supportive Therapies

• Activity modification
• Bracing and spinal support
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Osteoporosis management and nutritional support
• Pain management and anti-inflammatory therapies
• Limited medication management when appropriate

Interventional Pain Management

• Trigger point injections
• Facet joint injections when indicated
• Epidural steroid injections for associated nerve irritation
• Image-guided minimally invasive procedures

Kyphoplasty 

Dr. Nixon specializes in evaluating patients for kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure designed to stabilize painful vertebral compression fractures and restore spinal stability.

During kyphoplasty, a small balloon is inserted into the compressed vertebra to create space before specialized bone cement is carefully injected to stabilize the fracture. This procedure may help restore vertebral height, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved function shortly after treatment.

Benefits of kyphoplasty may include:

• Rapid pain relief
• Improved spinal stability
• Better mobility and function
• Reduced reliance on pain medications
• Prevention of further vertebral collapse
• Outpatient, minimally invasive treatment

Click here to learn more about Kyphoplasty ! 

Recovery & Long-Term Spine Health

Following treatment, Dr. Nixon works closely with patients to improve spinal strength, mobility, posture, and bone health to help reduce the risk of future fractures.

Additional supportive therapies may include:

• Physical therapy and strengthening programs
• Fall prevention strategies
• Nutritional counseling and supplementation
• Red light therapy to support healing and recovery

Our goal is to help relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve long-term spine health using evidence-based, minimally invasive treatment options whenever possible.

If you are experiencing sudden back pain or have been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture, contact Alpenglow Pain & Wellness today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nixon and learn more about your treatment options.