Compression fractures

What You Need to Know

Your spine is like a stack of sturdy building blocks, but sometimes one of those blocks can crack or get squished. That’s called a compression fracture—and it can happen more easily than you might think, especially if your bones are weaker.

What Is It?

A compression fracture is when one of the bones in your spine (called vertebrae) partially collapses. This can cause sudden back pain and even make you a little shorter over time.

Why Do They Happen?

• Weakened bones from osteoporosis (very common, especially after age 50).

• Falls or accidents that put a lot of force on your back.

• Certain cancers that spread to the spine.

• Rare bone diseases that make bones fragile.

How It Feels

You might notice:

• Sudden sharp pain after bending, lifting, or a small fall.

• Pain that’s worse when standing or walking, better when lying down.

• A curve or hump in your upper back.

• A drop in your height over time.

How Doctors Find It

They’ll ask about your pain, check your back, and may order an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to see the damage clearly.

How It’s Treated

For mild cases:

• Rest and gentle movement changes.

• Pain medicine.

• A back brace.

• Physical therapy to strengthen your back.

For bigger problems:

• Procedures like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty to stabilize the bone and relieve pain.

And always—treat the root cause, like osteoporosis, to keep it from happening again.

How to Prevent It

• Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.

• Do weight-bearing exercises (like walking or light weights).

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol.

• Get bone density tests if you’re at risk.

Bottom Line

Compression fractures are common, especially as we age, but they can be treated—and in many cases prevented. If you notice sudden back pain, a curve in your spine, or a loss in height, don’t ignore it. The sooner you check it out, the better your back will thank you. We remain available for all your needs.