Is a compression fracture serious?
When left untreated, a vertebral compression fracture can lead to a multitude of back issues, as well as health risks and even death. While some health problems such as kyphosis—an unnatural curvature of the spine—result directly from a compression fracture, other health risks are a byproduct of pain and immobility.
What is a thoracolumbar fracture?
A thoracolumbar fracture means that a bone is broken in the thoracic (middle) or lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. There are approximately 15,000 thoracolumbar fractures each year in the U.S., and nearly 1/3 of these injuries are associated with a neurologic injury or paraplegia.
How is a thoracic compression fracture treated?
The most common treatments for a thoracic compression fracture are: pain medications, decreasing activity, and bracing. In rare cases, surgery may also be necessary. Mild pain medications can reduce pain when taken properly. However, remember that medications will not help the fracture to heal.
Can an old compression fracture be fixed?
There’s a good chance you won’t need surgery. Most people can get by without it. Compression fractures usually heal on their own in about 3 months. While that happens, your doctor may suggest you try some things at home that can make you feel better, such as pain medicines, rest, physical therapy, or a back brace.
What construct is best for thoracolumbar fractures?
Usually, spinal fusion is performed as an operative treatment and in this procedure, the posterior approach is preferred than the anterior approach because most of the compression fractures do not have an involvement of the spinal canal. Short segment or long segment fusion may be chosen depending on the situation.
Why does my thoracolumbar fascia hurt?
Excessive strain, overuse, repetitive stress or having poor posture when lifting an object or squatting can bring on thoracolumbar pain in the low-, mid- or upper back. Sitting all day can also damage the thoracolumbar fascia.
Can a compression fracture be seen on xray?
If an X-ray image reveals a spine compression fracture and a doctor needs to see the spine in more detail, he or she may recommend a CT scan. CT scans use a series of X-rays to create two- and three-dimensional images of the spine so that doctors can examine the fractured bone from many angles.
What are symptoms of thoracic compression fracture?
Compression Fracture Symptoms. Vertebral fractures are usually followed by acute back pain, and may lead to chronic pain, deformity (thoracic kyphosis, commonly referred to as a dowager’s hump), loss of height, crowding of internal organs, and loss of muscle and aerobic conditioning due to lack of activity and exercise.
What is treatment for thoracic compression fracture?
Treatment. Treatment of the compression fracture in the thoracic spine may include Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression spinal manipulation with some extension manipulation to re-establish a more normal spinal alignment and restore more pain-free motion to the spine. You may lie facing up or down or on your side for treatment.
What is the prognosis of lumbar compression fractures?
For many people, a spinal compression fracture will hurt less as the bone heals. That can take up to 2 or 3 months . Other people will still have pain after the fracture has healed. Some people feel almost no symptoms from spinal compression fractures.
What are the complications of a compression fracture?
Complications of vertebral compression fractures include the following: deep venous thrombosis; acceleration of osteoporosis; loss of height; respiratory or gastrointestinal disturbances; and emotional and social problems secondary to unremitting pain and loss of independence.