When the bones become weak or brittle, often due to osteoporosis, they can break and crack, leading to compression fractures. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may not always be what you think. Some examples include loss of height, problems controlling your bowel or bladder functions, and back pain.
Compression fractures can be incredibly painful, eventually causing the person to develop a hunch. It’s important to be aware of what they are and how they develop so you can seek proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Are Compression Fractures?
A compression fracture is a break in the vertebrae. These are the bones that make up the spinal column. One is stacked on top of the other with a fluid disc between them. Compression fractures most often occur in the vertebral body, which is the thick, rounded area in the front of each vertebra. While one fracture may go unnoticed, as the condition develops, you will likely begin to have more severe symptoms.
Signs of a compression fracture include:
- A stooped posture
- Decreased flexibility of the spine
- Inability to control bladder or bowel movements
- Loss of height
- Pinched nerves
- Back pain
Why Do You Have Them?
Various conditions can cause a compression fracture to occur. The most common reason is the presence of osteoporosis. This condition occurs when the body starts to leach calcium from the bones. It’s common in people who are older, especially women. As this process reduces the calcium in the bones, it makes them fragile. They can easily crack under any type of stress or strain.
There are other causes of compression fractures as well, such as an injury to the spine. Some people develop this condition after a car accident or after a hard hit playing a sport. There are times when it could be brought on by a tumor on the bone as well.
Let Us Provide You with Treatment
Do you think you have compression fractures? If so, schedule an appointment with one of our pain and spine doctors in San Antonio, TX, to learn more about your treatment options. Call us now at 210-920-8945.