Vertebral Compression Fractures

Vertebral Compression Fracture Treatment

Relief for spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis, injury, or structural weakness

A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when one of the spinal bones collapses or loses height, often leading to significant back pain, limited mobility, and changes in posture. These fractures most commonly occur in the thoracic and lumbar spine and are frequently associated with osteoporosis, trauma, or metastatic disease.

At Resolution Spine & Joint, we provide comprehensive evaluation and minimally invasive treatment options designed to stabilize the fracture, reduce pain, and help patients return to function safely and quickly.

Common Symptoms

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

• Sudden onset back pain

• Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or movement

• Relief when lying down

• Loss of height over time

• Forward stooped posture (kyphosis)

• Muscle spasms and fatigue from altered spinal mechanics

Some fractures are surprisingly subtle at first, patients may assume they “pulled a muscle.” Others produce immediate, intense pain that feels mechanically unstable.

Causes and Risk Factors

Compression fractures can result from:

• Osteoporosis (most common cause)

• Minor trauma in weakened bone

• Falls or motor vehicle accidents

• Long-term steroid use

• Cancer involving the spine

• Age-related bone density loss

Bone is a dynamic tissue constantly remodeling itself. When bone resorption outpaces formation, structural integrity quietly declines until normal forces become enough to cause collapse, physics doing its quiet work.

Diagnosis

Evaluation typically includes:

• Detailed history and physical examination

• Assessment of neurologic function

• X-rays to identify vertebral height loss

• MRI to determine fracture acuity and rule out nerve involvement

• CT imaging when structural detail is needed

MRI is particularly useful because it distinguishes acute painful fractures from older healed ones, a critical distinction when planning treatment.

Treatment Options at Resolution Spine & Joint

Treatment depends on fracture severity, stability, and symptom burden.

Conservative Management

• Activity modification and bracing when appropriate

• Pain management and anti-inflammatory strategies

• Physical therapy focused on posture and core stabilization

• Osteoporosis evaluation and treatment coordination

Many fractures heal over time, but pain and functional limitation can persist if spinal alignment and mechanics are not addressed.

Minimally Invasive Stabilization

When pain is severe or persistent, procedures such as kyphoplasty may be recommended.

Kyphoplasty involves placing a small balloon into the fractured vertebra to restore height, followed by injection of bone cement to stabilize the bone. This often results in rapid pain relief and improved mobility.

Patients frequently experience improvement within days, sometimes dramatically so, because stabilization removes painful micromotion within the fractured bone.

Potential Complications if Untreated

• Chronic pain

• Progressive spinal deformity

• Reduced lung capacity from kyphosis

• Increased risk of additional fractures

• Decline in mobility and independence

Spinal alignment isn’t just cosmetic, it influences breathing mechanics, balance, muscle fatigue, and overall health trajectory.

When to Seek Immediate Evaluation

Urgent evaluation is recommended if symptoms include:

• Severe or worsening pain after a fall

• Progressive weakness or numbness

• Difficulty walking

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

• History of cancer with new back pain

These signs may indicate instability or neurologic involvement requiring prompt care.

Why Choose Resolution Spine & Joint

• Rapid access to evaluation and treatment

• Expertise in minimally invasive spinal procedures

• Individualized fracture management and recovery planning

• Coordination with bone health specialists when appropriate

• Focus on restoring function, independence, and quality of life

Your clinic’s ability to move quickly from diagnosis to stabilization is especially meaningful here, compression fracture patients often spiral into inactivity, deconditioning, and fear of movement if relief isn’t achieved early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all compression fractures need surgery?
No. Many heal with conservative care, though persistent pain may benefit from stabilization procedures.

Is kyphoplasty safe?
For appropriately selected patients, kyphoplasty is generally safe and highly effective at reducing pain and improving function.

Can compression fractures heal completely?
Pain often improves significantly, though some loss of vertebral height may remain.

How do I prevent future fractures?
Bone density evaluation, osteoporosis treatment, fall prevention, and strength training are essential.

References

• North American Spine Society (NASS)

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

• National Osteoporosis Foundation

• International Osteoporosis Foundation