Life After a Spinal Compression Fracture

Spinal fractures, or spinal compression fractures, can affect you for years after the injury happens. They’re especially common among people with osteoporosis, a condition that causes you to lose more bone than you build. This results in brittle bones prone to fracture, even from simply twisting your torso. 

Although spinal compression fractures are a common complication for women with osteoporosis after menopause, spinal fractures can also happen in car accidents, on the job, or while playing contact sports. 

Doctors in the United States see about 1.5 million osteoporosis-related compression fractures per year and 150,000 trauma-related compression fractures. 

No matter how a compression fracture happens, the injury can impact you long-term. Medical director and pain management specialist Haddis Hagos, MD, evaluates and treats spinal compression fractures using the latest interventions at Pain Management Associates LLC in Greenbelt, Maryland. 

What to expect from treatment

A spinal fracture can cause serious back pain. Depending on where the fracture is located along the spine, you may still be able to walk. Dr. Hagos examines you to find out where the fracture is and whether or not it has changed the shape of your spine. X-rays and other imaging tests can help him plan your treatment. 

Initial treatment for a spinal compression fracture depends on its location and severity. It might include: 

• A stabilizing brace or cast
• Medications for pain
• Osteoporosis medications
• Minimally invasive kyphoplasty

Dr. Hagos specializes in kyphoplasty at Pain Management Associates LLC. The minimally invasive procedure uses a balloon to restore the height of the fractured vertebra. Dr. Hagos fills the area with cement to strengthen and stabilize the bone. 

In the longer term, physical therapy (PT) helps strengthen your back muscles to reduce the risk of future fractures. Personalized PT can also help reduce long-term pain from the fracture. 

Your outlook with a spinal compression fracture

Many people feel a lot better in as little as a few weeks after starting treatment for a spinal compression fracture. However, some long-term effects can linger even after treatment:

Kyphosis

More commonly known as a humpback or hunched back, kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine. 

Chronic pain

Chronic pain lasts for months or years, becoming a major part of your life. When back pain becomes chronic, you might lose mobility too. However, not everyone experiences chronic pain after a spinal compression fracture heals. 

Height reduction

Some compression fractures can cause your spine to get shorter, which leads to a slight reduction in your height.

Preventing future spinal fractures

Dr. Hagos can give you tips for preventing future spinal compression fractures. Although osteoporosis isn’t curable, taking medications for osteoporosis can help slow bone loss. Dr. Hagos might also suggest:

• Strengthening your bones with more dietary calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D
• Continuing physical therapy
• Exercising regularly
• Clearing your home of fall hazards
• Wearing a seatbelt any time you’re in a car
• Using proper protective equipment for sports

If a spinal compression fracture causes you to lose mobility, Dr. Hagos might recommend mobility aids or home modifications (like railings) to help you get around more easily. 

For expert spinal fracture treatment, call Pain Management Associates LLC or request an appointment online.