Compression Fracture Treatment in Castle Rock
What is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the bony blocks (vertebrae) in the spine collapses or partially collapses. This most commonly happens in the thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (lower back) spine. The fracture causes the vertebra to lose height, which can change the shape of the spine and cause severe pain.
Compression fractures are most often caused by osteoporosis - the bones become weak enough that normal activities like bending, lifting, or even coughing can cause a fracture. They can also result from cancer that has spread to the spine, traumatic injury, or long-term steroid medication use.
What Does a Compression Fracture Feel Like?
Sudden onset of back pain that may begin after a specific movement (bending, lifting) or may start without a clear trigger
Pain that is worse with standing and walking and improves when lying down
Sharp pain with certain movements - especially bending forward or twisting
Tenderness over a specific spot in the mid-back or lower back when pressed
Difficulty getting up from a seated position or getting out of bed
Gradual loss of height or development of a hunched posture (kyphosis) over time, especially with multiple fractures
Some patients have compression fractures that cause only mild or moderate pain, while others are in severe pain that limits nearly all activity. The severity depends on the degree of collapse and the individual patient.
How is a Compression Fracture Diagnosed?
Compression fractures are typically identified on X-ray, which shows the characteristic loss of vertebral height. An MRI is often ordered to determine whether the fracture is acute (recent) or old and healed. This distinction is important because treatment is most effective for acute fractures. MRI can also help rule out other causes of the fracture, such as cancer.
When Should I Seek Immediate Evaluation?
You should seek prompt evaluation if you have sudden severe back pain, especially if you have known osteoporosis, are over 60, have a history of cancer, or take long-term steroid medications. Compression fractures also occasionally cause nerve compression, so new weakness or numbness in the legs, or changes in bowel or bladder function, require urgent evaluation.
How Are Compression Fractures Treated?
Conservative management: Many compression fractures improve with time, pain medications, a short period of reduced activity, and sometimes a brace. Anti-inflammatory medications and nerve-calming medications may help with pain control. Physical therapy typically begins once the acute pain has settled.
Kyphoplasty / vertebroplasty: For fractures causing significant pain that is not improving with conservative treatment, kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty can stabilize the fracture by injecting bone cement into the collapsed vertebra. Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to restore some of the lost height before the cement is placed. These are outpatient procedures performed under sedation, and many patients notice significant pain relief within one to two days. Dr. Carrera's team prioritizes acute compression fractures for urgent scheduling - call the office and mention you have an acute fracture.
Osteoporosis treatment: A compression fracture is often a sign that the bones are significantly weakened. After treating the fracture, the team will discuss bone health including DEXA scanning (bone density testing) and referral to your primary care provider or an endocrinologist for osteoporosis treatment. Addressing the underlying bone weakness is the most important step in preventing future fractures.
How Quickly Can I Be Seen for a Compression Fracture?
Dr. Carrera's team understands that compression fracture patients are often in severe pain and cannot wait weeks for an appointment. Acute compression fractures are prioritized for expedited scheduling. Call the office and mention that you have an acute compression fracture, and the team will work to get you seen as quickly as possible.
What About Multiple Compression Fractures?
Some patients, especially those with severe osteoporosis, develop multiple compression fractures over time. Each fracture can contribute to progressive loss of height, worsening posture (kyphosis), and chronic pain. For patients with multiple fractures, the treatment plan addresses both the acute pain from new fractures and the chronic pain from old ones. Kyphoplasty can be performed at multiple levels if needed.
Schedule an Evaluation
If you have been diagnosed with or suspect a compression fracture, Dr. Carrera's team can evaluate you promptly and determine whether kyphoplasty or conservative management is the right approach. Acute fractures are seen on an urgent basis.