Vertebral Compression FractureMedical Author:
Andrew Jenis, MD
Medical Editor:
Brian F Chinnock, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
James Ungar, MD
Vertebral Compression Fracture OverviewA vertebral compression fracture occurs when the bones of the spine become broken due to trauma. Usually the trauma necessary to break the bones of the spine is quite large. In certain circumstances, however, such as in elderly people and in people with cancer, these same bones can break with little or no force. The vertebrae most commonly broken are those in the lower back. Viewer Comments & ReviewsVertebral Compression Fracture - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment has been effective for your vertebral compression fracture? |
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Vertebral Compression Fracture
Hormone Replacement and Osteoporosis »
Hormone Replacement and Osteoporosis Introduction
Hormones are produced by glands in our bodies. They are chemicals that have specific effects on different parts of our bodies. For example, the ovaries produce estrogen that enters the bloodstream and has effects on the uterus. As we age, our bodies start to produce smaller amounts of hormones, particularly reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in women and testosterone in men.
Eventually, production of reproductive hormones declines, and in women, the decline results in menopause, when menstruation stops. In women, bone loss occurs rapidly in the perimenopausal years. Bone loss can eventually lead to osteoporosis (or porous bones). Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can progress without pain or symptoms until a bone breaks (fractures). Fractures commonly occur in the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporosis is the underlying cause of more than 1.5 million fractures annually (300,000 hip frac...
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Lumbar Compression Fracture »
The lumbar vertebrae are the 5 largest and strongest of all vertebrae in the spine.
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