A vertebral compression fracture happens when one of the spine's bones collapses or wedges down. The most common cause is osteoporosis — thinning, weakened bones. When bone is weak enough, a vertebra can crack from something as minor as a stumble, a cough, or lifting a bag. These are very common, especially in older adults and postmenopausal women.
Symptoms
Sudden back pain, often from a minor movement, worse with standing, walking, coughing, or lifting, and usually centered over the spine. Over time, multiple fractures can cause height loss and a forward-stooped posture. Many cause little or no pain and are found by chance.
How it's diagnosed
X-rays show the collapsed bone, MRI tells whether it's new or old, and a bone density scan (DXA) checks for osteoporosis.
Treatment
Most heal with non-surgical care over several weeks — pain medicines, a short period of reduced activity (not prolonged bed rest), sometimes bracing, and gradual return to activity. Treating the underlying osteoporosis is essential to prevent the next fracture. If severe pain persists, a minimally invasive kyphoplasty (a small balloon plus bone cement to stabilize the bone) can reduce pain quickly.
You have new leg weakness, saddle numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control after a spine fracture.