Compression Fracture of the Spine

$compression fracture$

The bones of the spine, commonly known as vertabra, while very strong, can fracture just like any other human bone. To break the bones of the spine normally requires a severe trauma.

In certain situations, however, such as in the elderly people or those with cancer or osteoporosis, these same bones can break with little or no force.

A vertebral compression fracture will generally be caused by one of the following:

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Vertebral compression fracture is the term used to describe when a vertabra collapses. These fractures happen most commonly in the lower vertebra of the middle (thoracic) section of the spine.

Symptoms usually include pain in the lower back but pain may also occur in the upper back or neck. Some people may also have hip, abdominal, or thigh pain. A fracture may also be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and weakness, indicating compression of the nerves at the fracture site. Occassionally, a patient may experience loss of urine or stool control or an inability to urinate, indicating the fracture may be pushing on the spinal cord itself.

Treatment Options
Except in the most severe cases, vertebral fractures usually take about three months to fully heal. Xrays are commonly taken monthly to track healing progress.

Traditional non-invasive treatment includes:

Bed rest (a few days at most)
Oral or parenteral analgesics
Muscle relaxants
Bracing

Traditionally, patients who do not respond to these measures can be admitted to the hospital for strict bed rest and powerful medication for pain control. Both of these, however, can worsen other conditions, especially in older patients.

The risks associated with these therapies can be avoided via percutaneous vertebroplasty, a newer technique in which medical-grade cement is injected though a needle into a painful fractured vertebral body. This stabilizes the fracture and notably reduces the associated pain, allowing most patients to discontinue or significantly decrease analgesics and resume normal activity.

In extreme cases, surgery may be required to prevent the spine from pressing on the spinal cord or to stabilize the vertebra adjacent to the fracture site.

We Can Help
The physicians at the Northwest Surgical Specialists Pain Management Center are experts at diagnosing and treating compression fractures to relieve pain and restore mobility.

In addition, our physicians are skilled percutaneous vertebroplasty practitioners and, should the procedure be necessary, will ensure only the latest, most reliable techniques are employed to properly repair your injured vertebra.

If you or a loved one is suffering the effects of a compression fracture or other chronic back pain, contact the Pain Management Center at 847.885.9525 to arrange a consultation.

Hoffman Estates

Northwest Surgical Specialists
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Foot & Ankle Care
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Skin Care
Surgical Care Center

847.885.9525

Elgin

Summit Green Medical Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy

847.697.4500