What it is
A compression fracture happens when a vertebra (a bone of the spine) collapses and loses height. In people with osteoporosis, this can happen after a minor fall, a lift or even a cough. Fractures can also result from a serious injury or, less often, a tumour.
They are most common in older adults, especially women after menopause.
Common symptoms
Patients with compression fractures frequently report one or more of the following sensations:
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if you have:
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs
- Loss of control over your bladder or bowels
- Severe pain after a serious fall or accident
- Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
Otherwise, see a spine specialist if symptoms last more than a few weeks, keep coming back, or stop you from working, sleeping or walking comfortably.
Treatment options
Without surgery
The vast majority of spine conditions begin and resolve with conservative care:
When surgery may help
Surgery is only considered when non-surgical measures do not provide relief:
For selected patients with persistent severe pain, kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, in which bone cement is injected into the fractured bone through a needle, may be considered. Fractures causing instability or pressure on the nerves may need surgery to stabilise the spine.
Recovery
Many compression fractures heal over 6 to 12 weeks. Treating the underlying osteoporosis is important to help prevent further fractures.
Recovery varies from person to person. Your doctor will guide you on what is right for you.
Common questions
I'm getting shorter. Should I be worried?
Gradual height loss can be a sign of compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. It's worth discussing a bone density test with your doctor.
Can compression fractures be prevented?
Treating osteoporosis, staying active, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and reducing the risk of falls all help.
Consult Dr Vem Krishna Bhargava Reddy regarding your compression fractures symptoms
Most spine conditions respond to structured conservative care. If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or not responding to initial remedies, an in-person clinical examination and MRI review will give you clear, reassuring answers.
Consultations are scheduled across Apollo Hospitals (Jubilee Hills) and Vem Speciality Clinics, Madhapur based on schedule and clinical availability.