Who is at risk?
- Women after menopause and men over 70
- Long-term steroid use, smoking, low body weight
- Prior fractures or a family history of osteoporosis
- Cancers that spread to bone, such as multiple myeloma
Symptoms
Sudden mid- or low-back pain, worse when standing or walking and relieved by lying down, is typical. Multiple fractures can cause loss of height and a forward-stooped posture (kyphosis).
Diagnosis
X-rays show the fracture; MRI or bone scan shows whether it is new and still healing, which matters for treatment. Dr. Ferachi will also recommend bone health evaluation to reduce the risk of future fractures.
Treatment
Many compression fractures heal over 6 to 12 weeks with pain control, a brace and gradual activity. For patients with severe pain that limits walking, or pain that persists despite conservative care, kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty can provide rapid relief. These outpatient procedures inject bone cement through a needle to stabilize the fracture, and many patients notice improvement within a day or two.
Common questions
How do I know if I have a compression fracture or just back pain?
Sudden, severe pain after a minor event in someone with osteoporosis risk factors should be evaluated with an X-ray. Point tenderness over the spine is another clue.
What is the recovery after kyphoplasty?
Most patients go home the same day and can resume normal light activity within a day or two.