Symptoms include:

• Sudden, sharp pain
• Slow developing pain
• Mild pain
• Severe pain
• Dull pain
• Pain worsens when standing, walking, bending, or sitting for long periods of time.
• People may become shorter.
• The back becomes rounded (Kyphosis).

Diagnostic tests include:

• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Kyphoplasty
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Physical exam and evaluation
• Tomography
• X-ray

Common forms include:

Types:

• Wedge fracture – Most common compression fracture

Front of vertebra collapses while the back of it remains intact, creating your weight shape

Can lead to a spinal deformity (hunchback)

• Crush fracture

Fracture throughout the entire vertebra

Bone collapses on itself

Mechanically stable

• Burst fracture

Breaks in several directions

Sends bone fragments into surrounding areas of spine

Most serious (unstable)

Requires immediate medical attention

Causes & contributing factors may include:

• Osteoporosis
• Metastatic disease
• Cancer

Facts about compression fractures:

• Common in elderly people with osteoporosis.
• Can result from little or no force.
• Walking standing, or sitting for long periods of time aggravates pain in people with osteoporosis-related compression fractures.
• 2 out of every 3 people with osteoporosis-related compression fractures have no symptoms.
• Pain starts to decrease after 1 month and can disappear after 3 months.
• Osteoporosis is most common in elderly women.