Compression Fracture of the Back
Definition
Compression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae, which are the bones of the spine.
Symptoms
Compression fractures may cause no symptoms and only be discovered when x-rays of the spine are done for other reasons. Over time, the following symptoms may occur:
* Back pain with chronic or gradual onset
* Loss of height, as much as 6 inches over time
* Stooped over posture or kyphosis, also called a "dowager’s hump"
Compression fractures may also occur suddenly, causing severe back pain that is:
* Most commonly felt in mid to lower part of the spine, but may also be felt on the sides or in the front.
* Described as “knifelike” and usually disabling, often taking weeks to months to go away
Pressure on the spinal cord from kyphosis may rarely produce symptoms of:
* Numbness
* Tingling
* Weakness
* Difficulty walking
* Loss of control of the bowel or bladder
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