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Compression fractures of the back   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Vertebral compression fractures

Definition:

A bone break involving the vertebrae of the spine.

Causes and Risks

Vertebrae are the bones of the back. In a compression fracture of the vertebrae, the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses. More than one vertebra may be affected. This condition may result from osteoporosis (the most common cause), tumor, or from trauma to the back. When the fracture occurs as a result of osteoporosis, the vertebrae in the thoracic (chest) and lower spine are usually affected and symptoms may be worse with walking. With multiple fractures kyphosis, a forward hump-like curvature of the spine (think the Hunchback of Notre Dame) may result. Pressure on the spinal cord may occur producing symptoms of numbness, tingling, or weakness. Symptoms depend upon the area of the back that is affected, however, most fractures are stable without producing neurological symptoms.

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