Spinal Compression Fractures
Relieve Pain, Restore Strength To Brittle Bones
As aging bones become increasingly more fragile, the risk of spinal compression fractures (SCF) also increases. Particularly common among women, SCF affects an estimated 25 to 30 percent of those over the age of 50. Many women mistakenly attribute the symptoms of compression fractures to arthritis or normal aging pains. As a result, the condition may gradually advance, eventually impacting quality of life. Progressive pain from untreated SCF can lead to chronic unremitting back and hip pain, digestive problems, breathing difficulties, curvature of the spine or "hunch back", and declining ability to perform simple functions.
However, with accurate diagnosis, SCF can be treated very effectively without surgery. Proper care and early detection can greatly enhance treatment options and prevent further disability.
A preventable affliction
SCF is most often caused by osteoporosis - a condition that results from the gradual loss of bone mass due to age. Osteoporosis develops quietly with little or no symptoms, but is easily detected through screenings. Its progression can be slowed considerably with diet, exercise, and medications. Untreated, osteoporosis becomes a significant factor in SCF.
The spine is formed by a boney, weight-bearing column of vertebrae. When young and healthy, these bones can withstand significant amounts of pressure. When osteoporosis develops, bones gradually become brittle and more susceptible to fracture. Simple, everyday activities, such as lifting a bag of groceries, may cause a compression fracture. With severe osteoporosis, even coughing or sneezing may result in fractures.
SCF occurs when the spinal bone structure is so weak that the vertebral column virtually collapses on itself. Compression fractures typically shorten the front of the vertebral bone while the back of the bone is unchanged, creating a wedge-like shape. When fractures occur in multiple vertebrae, the entire vertebral column may shorten and curve, forming a stooped posture. As the spine becomes more compressed, lung capacity decreases, the abdomen may distend and the rib cage puts pressure on the hips.
Timely diagnosis, successful treatment
SCF can be misdiagnosed because the symptoms often mimic other conditions such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease. An accurate diagnosis requires a multifaceted examination, including lab tests and precision diagnostics such as DXA (dual x-ray absorptiometry), bone density scans, X-rays, MRI, and CT scans.
When correctly diagnosed, today's advanced technology makes it possible to treat SCF very effectively without surgery. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty are two procedures that restore strength to weakened vertebrae by injecting a cement-like substance directly into the fractured bone. Performed safely in an outpatient setting, these procedures have proven to be highly successful in providing substantial, often immediate pain relief, stabilizing fractures, and reducing spinal deformity. Physical therapy and medication can further strengthen the spine and prevent future fractures.