Identifying and Treating a Common Source of Back Pain
Your back has been causing you discomfort for a while, but you’re not sure what it is. You don’t recall a specific incident that could have caused the pain. You just noticed a twinge one day, and the pain got progressively worse over time. Have you herniated a disc or pulled a muscle? Is it arthritis or simply one of the consequences of getting older?
If you’re over 50, and particularly if you are a woman, you may have a spinal compression fracture. We can help.
At SOAR, we offer our extensive experience to individuals suffering any type of back pain, including spinal compression fractures. To set up an appointment, call us at 844-434-SOAR or send an e-mail to soarscheduling@soarsurgery.com.
What Is a Spinal Compression Fracture and What Causes It?
Your spinal cord is comprised of 26 vertebrae, which protect your spinal cord and support your head, neck, and shoulders. Compression fractures are tiny cracks in your vertebrae, often the result of osteoporosis, a medical condition that causes your bones to become brittle and weak. A compression fracture may result from a single event—lifting or pulling on a heavy object—or may stem from repetitive stress or motion.
What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Compression Fracture?
There’s a good chance that you have a spinal compression fracture if:
- you experience greater pain in your back when you walk or stand than when you sit down;
- your posture has become stooped, with a curve to your back, causing you to become shorter in stature;
- you have difficulty turning your head or upper body left or right when your feet are stationary;
- you find it hard or painful to bend over to pick up an object; or
- you experience pain when you slip or trip on a rug or step.
To diagnose a spinal compression fracture, your doctor may initially order an X-ray. If the X-ray fails to show anything, an MRI or CT scan may be needed to find the fracture.
How Do You Treat a Spinal Compression Fracture?
If your injury has minimal impact on your daily life, your doctor may prescribe a non-invasive approach, such as the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers, a period of rest, physical therapy, or the use of a back brace. More serious fractures may require a surgical approach, often with the injection of bone cement to bind the fractures.
Contact SOAR for Treatment of a Spinal Compression Fracture
At SOAR, we can effectively diagnose and treat any spinal compression fracture. For more information about the range of services we offer, contact us today or call our offices at 844-434-SOAR.
