Understanding Vertebral Compression Fracture
A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is a breakage in a part of the vertebra. These fractures mainly occur in the middle (thoracic) and lower (lumbar) regions of the spine. Patients may experience mild to severe fractures.
Causes of Vertebral Compression Fracture
One of the major causes of VCF is osteoporosis, a condition that results in weak and brittle bones. Weaker bones are more prone to fractures during activities such as sneezing, coughing, bending forward, standing suddenly from a seated position, etc. Sometimes spinal injuries can be caused by a vehicle accident, a fall, or even when playing sports. Spinal conditions such as an infection, cancer, or vascular necrosis weakens bones and leads to fractures.
Signs and Symptoms
The healthcare provider will assess the past history of injuries and diseases. He / she will also conduct a physical exam and examine the spine. The diagnosis process may include some tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
For Mild Fractures – Doctors suggest bed rest for a short time period. Patients may also require wearing a back brace for around 8 to 12 weeks. It helps in reducing pain and facilitate vertebral healing. The following treatment measures may also be suggested for relief:
Medicines such as NSAIDs, are prescribed to decrease swelling, pain, and fever. Calcitonin and Bisphosphonates may be prescribed to strengthen bones.
Physical and occupational therapy is prescribed to enhance movement and strength of bones and reduce pain.
For Severe Conditions – Doctors suggest surgery in cases where pain, weakness, or numbness does not go away with medications, rest, bracing, and physical exercises. Surgery provides more stability to the spine and decreases pressure on spinal nerves caused due to fracture. The surgical options include:
Vertebroplasty – The procedure involves placing of bone cement into the fractured vertebrae.
Kyphoplasty - A balloon is used to allow space in the fractured vertebrae. The space is filled with bone cement.
Open Surgery – It helps bones to take the right place. Wires, plates, screws and pins are used to hold bones together.
Emergency Treatment – When to Rush to a Doctor
When you experience the following symptoms, it is time to rush to a doctor for immediate treatment:
Speak to the Doctor
As a patient, you hold the complete right towards owning a care agreement. The authorities have a responsibility towards you. Ample care should be given to you in a timely manner. Also learn more about your health condition from an experienced doctor and understand various ways to treat it.
It is crucial to have a clear discussion about various treatment options available for your condition. As a patient, you always have the right to refuse treatment. Medical advice from experienced nurses, doctors or specialists prior to following a treatment is very important.
You want to know more about various treatment so visit the following link : www.spinecentermiami.com
A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is a breakage in a part of the vertebra. These fractures mainly occur in the middle (thoracic) and lower (lumbar) regions of the spine. Patients may experience mild to severe fractures.
Causes of Vertebral Compression Fracture
One of the major causes of VCF is osteoporosis, a condition that results in weak and brittle bones. Weaker bones are more prone to fractures during activities such as sneezing, coughing, bending forward, standing suddenly from a seated position, etc. Sometimes spinal injuries can be caused by a vehicle accident, a fall, or even when playing sports. Spinal conditions such as an infection, cancer, or vascular necrosis weakens bones and leads to fractures.
Signs and Symptoms
- Back pain that occurs all of a sudden and is sharp and severe
- Back muscle spasms
- Back pain that gets worse when you stand or walk
- Trouble urinating
- Problems with bowel movements
- Sudden weakness in legs or arms
Diagnosis
The healthcare provider will assess the past history of injuries and diseases. He / she will also conduct a physical exam and examine the spine. The diagnosis process may include some tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
The Treatment
For Mild Fractures – Doctors suggest bed rest for a short time period. Patients may also require wearing a back brace for around 8 to 12 weeks. It helps in reducing pain and facilitate vertebral healing. The following treatment measures may also be suggested for relief:
Medicines such as NSAIDs, are prescribed to decrease swelling, pain, and fever. Calcitonin and Bisphosphonates may be prescribed to strengthen bones.
Physical and occupational therapy is prescribed to enhance movement and strength of bones and reduce pain.
For Severe Conditions – Doctors suggest surgery in cases where pain, weakness, or numbness does not go away with medications, rest, bracing, and physical exercises. Surgery provides more stability to the spine and decreases pressure on spinal nerves caused due to fracture. The surgical options include:
Vertebroplasty – The procedure involves placing of bone cement into the fractured vertebrae.
Kyphoplasty - A balloon is used to allow space in the fractured vertebrae. The space is filled with bone cement.
Open Surgery – It helps bones to take the right place. Wires, plates, screws and pins are used to hold bones together.
Emergency Treatment – When to Rush to a Doctor
When you experience the following symptoms, it is time to rush to a doctor for immediate treatment:
- Coughing up blood
- Light-headedness, short of breath, and chest pain
- Problems urinating
- Arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful
- Sudden numbness in legs
- Leg / arm appear red and swollen
- Troubles with bowel movements
- Severe back pain after sneezing, falling, coughing, or bending forward
- Sudden trouble moving legs / legs
Speak to the Doctor
As a patient, you hold the complete right towards owning a care agreement. The authorities have a responsibility towards you. Ample care should be given to you in a timely manner. Also learn more about your health condition from an experienced doctor and understand various ways to treat it.
It is crucial to have a clear discussion about various treatment options available for your condition. As a patient, you always have the right to refuse treatment. Medical advice from experienced nurses, doctors or specialists prior to following a treatment is very important.
You want to know more about various treatment so visit the following link : www.spinecentermiami.com
