Is a spinal compression fracture causing my back pain?
When you’re experiencing back pain, everyday life is just more painful. Because your back and spine support much of the body’s weight, back pain can cause issues with everyday movements like walking, standing, and even sitting. Don’t wait around any longer, it’s time to see a physician to get help for your back pain.
You may be wondering what is causing your pain and where you might find relief. Read about the common causes of compression fractures to see if that may be at the root of your pain. It could be a spinal fracture if your pain gets worse with walking or standing, you have trouble bending or twisting, you’ve experienced a loss of height, or are getting a curved spine. These types of fractures are most commonly found in the mid to lower back, so you would most likely be experiencing lower back pain or middle back pain.
Because we know that you want relief and to return to your normal life, we want to help relieve this compressed pain in your back. At Desert Vein and Vascular Institute, we know exactly what to look for when it comes to this type of condition. There are a number of different classifications for compression fractures that can impact recovery times and the type of treatment needed.
In order to receive a diagnosis and plan out treatment so you get back on your feet, feel free to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Rami or a member of our staff in Peoria, Arizona. In the meantime, here are some of the different types of vertebral fractures in your back.
The different types of spinal fractures:
Wedge fracture
A wedge fracture is the most common type of compression fracture and is typically found in your mid-back or thoracic region. This type of compression fracture occurs when part of the vertebra collapses while the other side is still intact. As the name implies, this results in a wedge shape which can lead to an impact on your posture causing you to hunch over.
Crushed Fracture
A crushed fracture occurs when the entire vertebra collapses. If you have a crush fracture you may notice a reduction in your height. This is because the entire bone is affected and the height of the vertebra that was crushed is reduced. Treatment options include minimally invasive surgery such as a procedure called balloon kyphoplasty.
Burst fracture
A burst fracture is the most severe of the spinal fractures listed and typically occurs if you’ve suffered from a severe trauma like a car accident or major fall. Burst fractures are very serious, as the name implies this fracture happens when the vertebral body is crushed in all directions. When a crush fracture occurs your bone fragments can be displaced which can put pressure on nerves and cause the potential for a spinal cord injury.
Following a back injury due to trauma, you should see a specialist immediately to prevent or minimize any injury to the spinal cord.
There are many causes of back pain so it’s important to talk to your doctor about what your treatment options are. Consider visiting a specialist like Dr. Rami at Desert Vein and Vascular Institute in Peoria, Arizona, to ensure you’re getting the best level of care. Going to a doctor that specializes in compression fracture treatment is incredibly important to ensure you’re getting the best possible treatment and outcome. Request a consultation today to take the first step in relieving your back pain.