Medical Author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Medically Reviewed on 7/2/2021
Doctor's Notes on Vertebral (Spinal) Compression Fracture
A vertebral compression fracture is a condition in which the body an individual bone of the spine (vertebra) become compressed due to trauma. Usually it requires significant trauma to break the bones of the spine. However, in certain cases, such as in elderly people and in people with osteoporosis or cancer, these bones can be fragile and can break with little or no force (these are known as pathologic fractures). Compression fractures most commonly occur in the lower back, but they may develop in any portion of the spine.
Signs and symptoms of a vertebral compression fracture include pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling. Other associated symptoms can include hip or abdominal pain, incontinence of urine or stool, or the inability to urinate.
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Bone Loss
Bone loss occurs when bone resorption exceeds bone formation. Factors that may affect bone loss include diet, age, menopause, smoking, not exercising, and medications such as corticosteroids. Bone loss may be prevented by eating a high-calcium, high-vitamin D diet, exercising, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and taking medications to prevent osteoporosis. -
Bone Mineral Density Tests
Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and are more likely to break. Bone mineral density tests are used to diagnose osteoporosis, which check the strength and solidness of the bones. You should have a bone mineral density test when you are over age 65, had early menopause, low body weight, long-term corticosteroid therapy, chronic disorders (anorexia nervosa or liver disease), previous broken bones with minimal trauma, poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking. -
CT Scan (CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography)
What is a CT scan? Computerized tomography scans (CT scans) are important diagnostic tools for a variety of medical conditions. Some areas of the body frequently evaluated by CT scans include the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and sinuses. The CT scan process uses X-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the body. -
Fall Prevention and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become less dense, resulting in weak bones that are more likely to break. Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can progress until a bone breaks. -
Hormone Replacement and Osteoporosis
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is often used in treating the bone loss disease osteoporosis. The treatment, designed for postmenopausal women, helps stop bone loss and helps some patients to even regain some bone. -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanner that takes cross-sectional images of the body. It is used to evaluate tissues of the head, neck, chest, limbs, abdomen, and pelvis. MRI is a very safe procedure; sedation may be used for infants, small children, or adults who are claustrophobic. -
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to lose calcium and mass making them fragile, affects mostly post-menopausal women. Medications are available to slow or help prevent this process, including estrogen replacement therapy. It is possible to slow or even reverse osteoporosis, but often it becomes disabling. -
Osteoporosis and Calcium
Calcium is an important nutrient and is needed for many of the body's functions, including blood clotting and the proper function of the heart, muscles, and nerves. About 50%-60% of adults and only 10%-25% of adolescents in the U.S. get the recommended amount of calcium. -
Osteoporosis FAQ
Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bone loss occurs, so bones become weak and are more likely to break. This FAQ includes information about treatment, prevention, medications, symptoms, and causes. -
Osteoporosis in Men
Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and are more likely to break. Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can progress without pain or symptoms until a bone breaks. More than 2 million American men have osteoporosis and 12 million are at risk. Risk factors include: smoking, low calcium and vitamin D intake, small body frame, and low testosterone levels. Medications can treat bone loss, and exercise can prevent osteoporosis. -
Prevention of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and are more likely to break (or fracture). Osteoporosis is preventable for most people. Prevention involves a diet high in calcium, weight-bearing exercise, lifestyle changes, possibly medication, and early screening for osteoporosis. -
Treatment of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease condition of porous bones -- the porosity of which causes them to become weak and easily broken. Pain or symptoms may be absent until a bone is broken. -
X-Rays
X-Rays are a form of radiation used to image solid forms inside the body. X-rays are administered by radiologists for many different routine tests, such as mammograms, checking for broken bones, upper GI series, and dental exams, among others. Radiologists carefully monitor the X-ray equipment to make sure the patient receives the smallest dose of radiation possible.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.