Spine Disorders
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Mid and/or low back pain associated with a compression fracture may present
like arthritis or similar to the aches and pains associated with the
degenerative changes attributed to aging. A spinal compression fracture can
occur or be present without obvious symptoms, especially if it progresses
gradually with the coalescence of smaller stress fractures. Individuals often believe
that the sings and/or symptoms they experience are associated with a disc
problem, a pinched nerve or muscle strain. Older adults are more likely to
develop a compression fracture. The signs
and symptoms of stress fractures include:
In severe cases a compression fracture with displacement of bone can narrow
the central spinal canal (spinal stenosis) and/or narrow the openings along the
side of the spine (neuroforamen). Displaced bone can directly compress the
spinal cord and/or spinal nerve roots. A change of the normal spinal curves and
segmental relationships such as increased kyphosis and/or scoliosis can also
lead to narrowing of the spinal canal. Pressure on the spinal cord from
kyphosis and/or displaced bone may produce symptoms of:
The signs and symptoms depend on the area of the back that is affected;
however, most fractures do not produce nervous system (neurological) symptoms. Conditions which may present similar to a spinal compression fracture
include:
CAUSES Strong and healthy bones are able to
withstand the stress and train of normal activity. If forces placed on the
spine are too great, a compression fracture might occur. If the bones of the
spine are thin and weak stress fractures can develop under pressure leading to
a compression fracture. In a compression fracture of the vertebrae, the bone tissue in the vertebra
collapses. More than one vertebra may be affected. Generalized osteoporosis may
lead to generalized weakness of the vertebral body at multiple levels of the
spine. Any condition which leads to the destruction or loss of bone density
within one or more vertebral bodies will render it susceptible to compression
fracture. A compression fracture may be caused by one of more of the following:
RISK FACTORS Risk
factors for the development of a spinal compression fracture include any
condition which causes or contributes to thinning of bone. Additional risk
factors include any form of trauma or loading of the spine that exceeds the
spines ability to support the load or withstand the stress. Conditions
associated with thinning of bone include;
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