Back pain is a widespread concern, affecting approximately 80% of adults in the US at some point in their lives. This discomfort can be life-disrupting as it might keep you from performing your routine activities or engaging in the activities you love. One probable cause of this discomfort is compression fractures, which develop once one or more vertebrae in the spine become fragile and shatter. Although a compression fracture Shrewsbury could affect virtually anybody, variables like advanced age, osteoporosis, and susceptibility to tripping enhance your risk. Continue reading to learn the warning signs of compression fractures.
Back Discomfort
Compression fractures are among the several potential causes of back discomfort. Actually, the major sign of spinal compression fractures is back pain.
The discomfort is so faint that one might not even feel it. However, for some patients, the pain is intense throughput. This pain might strike spontaneously and sharply or begin relatively subtly and gradually intensify with time. Irrespective of the initial intensity, your pain will probably worsen if you:
- Bend to retrieve an object
- Carry a heavy load, like groceries or a suitcase
- Walk or stand
- Hoist the mattress when changing sheets
- Slip or trip
Spinal Deformity and Height Loss
If you have several compression fractures, you might observe obvious abnormalities in your spine. Every fracture in the spine shortens it, and uncorrected fractures could raise your chance of subsequent breaks. If multiple vertebrae fail, you will eventually look shorter.
Compression fractures could also result in back curvature. This issue occurs when collapsing vertebrae create a wedge-like shape, causing the spine to bend somewhat forward. As this condition progresses, your body will attempt to adapt, causing back and neck discomfort.
What Other Complications Do Compression Fractures Cause?
After the shortening of your spine, you may encounter further complications, like damaged nerves regulating digestion portions. For instance, you may lose the capacity to keep and dispose of waste normally. Consequently, you may experience constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, and a diminished appetite.
Your shortened stature might also trigger hip discomfort. Your rib cage inches closer to your hip bones, causing friction and pain. Moreover, if the compression fractures are extensive, your lungs might fail to work normally, resulting in breathing difficulties.
How To Treat Compression Fractures?
Most specialists take a comprehensive care approach, restoring stability, height, and function for compression fracture patients. Your doctor will employ a blend of proven procedures and advanced techniques tailored to deliver the best outcomes.
The care plan your doctor suggests will be unique based on your specific concerns. Mild fractures could be successfully corrected with specialized braces and physical therapy. However, you might need minimally invasive techniques like kyphoplasty for more unstable and advanced fractures. Kyphoplasty can restore the height loss linked to compression fractures and stabilize the fracture itself; thus, offering instant pain relief.
Compression fractures require immediate care. Otherwise, you risk developing more severe complications that can leave you even paralyzed for life. If you have any risk factors for a compression fracture or develop back pain, consult your physician to rule out the possibility of this condition. Nevertheless, if the doctor diagnoses you with a compression fracture, rest assured you will receive extensive care to address your concerns.
