Understanding Spinal Fractures
If you have lingering back pain that becomes worse with prolonged sitting, you may have a spinal compression fracture. Though this sounds alarming, it is much more common than people realize, affecting approximately 700,000 Americans every year.
The good news: in most cases, it can be treated without surgery.
The Impact of Aging on Bone Health
As we age, our bones become less dense and more prone to injury. For many, this leads to osteoporosis, which often is not diagnosed until a bone breaks.
While we most often associate osteoporosis with hip or wrist fractures, spinal compression fractures are actually twice as common.
Causes of Spinal Compression Fractures
A spinal compression fracture occurs when too much pressure causes a weakened vertebra to crack.
Several factors can contribute to the development of these fractures:
- Osteoporosis: This is the most common cause. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures from minor stresses.
- Trauma: A fall or a blow to the back can exert significant pressure on the spine, leading to a fracture.
- Everyday Actions: Surprisingly, routine activities can sometimes cause a fracture if the bones are already weakened. Actions such as reaching for an object, bending over, or even severe coughing can trigger a fracture.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer can weaken the bones, making them more prone to fractures.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like hyperthyroidism or long-term use of corticosteroids can decrease bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.
The fracture is painful, especially when sitting, and is usually relieved by lying down.
Symptoms of Spinal Compression Fractures
Recognizing the symptoms of a spinal compression fracture is crucial for timely treatment. Key symptoms include:
- Back Pain: The most common symptom is sudden, severe back pain that becomes worse with standing or walking and improves by lying down.
- Height Loss: Over time, multiple compression fractures can cause a noticeable loss of height.
- Spinal Deformity: Kyphosis, or a stooped posture, can develop as a result of the vertebrae compressing and collapsing.
- Nerve Issues: In severe cases, fragments of bone may press against the spinal cord or nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
- Difficulty Moving: Pain and spinal changes can make it challenging to move, bend, or twist, affecting daily activities.
- Breathing Difficulties: Severe kyphosis can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it harder to breathe.
Treatment and Recovery
While some people who suffer a compression fracture may need surgery, most people heal in 6 to 8 weeks with some rest and, perhaps, a back brace to limit movement.
Treating a spinal compression fracture involves a combination of rest, pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention. The goal is to alleviate pain, promote healing, and prevent future fractures.
Here’s a closer look at the treatment options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest: Short periods of rest are recommended to allow the fracture to heal. However, it’s important not to be completely inactive for too long, as this can lead to other complications such as muscle weakness and loss of bone density.
- Back Brace: A back brace can provide support and limit movement, helping to reduce pain and stabilize the spine during the healing process. It’s typically used for a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the fracture.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is essential for recovery and future prevention. A physical therapist will design a personalized exercise program to:
- Strengthen back and core muscles
- Improve posture and balance
- Enhance flexibility and mobility
- Teach safe movement techniques to avoid future injuries
- Lifestyle Modifications: Making certain lifestyle changes can support recovery and overall bone health, such as:
- Nutrition: Ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
- Exercise: Engaging in regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises to strengthen bones and muscles.
- Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking, as it can negatively impact bone health.
- Limiting Alcohol: Reducing alcohol consumption, which can affect bone density.
Surgical Treatments
In cases where non-surgical treatments are not effective or the fracture is severe, surgical options may be considered. These include:
- Vertebroplasty: This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a special cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and relieve pain. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
- Kyphoplasty: Similar to vertebroplasty, this procedure involves inserting a balloon into the fractured vertebra and inflating it to create a space. The space is then filled with bone cement. This can help to correct spinal deformity and relieve pain.
- Spinal Fusion: In more severe cases, spinal fusion surgery may be necessary. This involves joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine. It is usually recommended when there are multiple fractures or significant spinal instability.
The Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the healing process and prevention of future fractures.
Here’s how:
Strengthening Back Muscles
A physical therapy regimen, usually consisting of weight-bearing exercises, can help strengthen the back muscles, which will not only help heal your fracture, but also prevent future osteoporosis-related fractures.
Improving Posture and Mobility
In addition to weight-bearing exercises, we can work with you to improve your posture, gait, and bending and lifting techniques, so that you can continue to perform daily activities safely and with confidence.
Personalized Exercise Programs
Physical therapists tailor exercise programs to each individual, focusing on:
- Core strengthening exercises
- Balance training
- Flexibility exercises
- Postural corrections
Balancing Rest and Activity
The ideal healing process requires walking a fine line between rest and activity. It’s important to strike a balance—too much rest can lead to other problems, including further loss of bone density, muscle mass reduction, and decreased balance and functional mobility.
If you have been diagnosed with a spinal compression fracture, we will work with you and your physician to create an individualized program to help you balance rest and activity.
This program will include:
- Rest: Short periods of rest to relieve pain.
- Activity: Gradual reintroduction of physical activities to strengthen your body and improve mobility.
- Monitoring Progress: Regular check-ins to adjust your program as needed.
These programs are designed to help you regain strength and mobility without putting undue stress on your spine.
Additional Benefits of Choosing Physical Therapy For Spinal Fracture Treatment
- Non-Invasive: Physical therapy avoids the risks associated with surgical procedures, such as infections and complications from anesthesia.
- Cost-Effective: It is generally less expensive, which can help reduce medical costs.
- Faster Recovery: Physical therapy promotes natural healing and often leads to quicker recovery times.
- Holistic Approach: It addresses not just the fracture, but also strengthens the overall musculoskeletal system, improving balance, posture, and preventing future injuries.
- No Downtime: Encourages gradual, safe activity that maintains overall health and fitness.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a spinal compression fracture can be challenging and painful, but it’s important to stay hopeful—recovery is within your grasp.
With physical therapy, you’re not just addressing the immediate pain; you’re also building a stronger, healthier body. The focus on personalized exercises, improving your posture, and enhancing your overall strength can make a huge difference in your healing journey.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
By partnering with your healthcare team and embracing physical therapy, you’ll be well on your way to resuming your daily activities with less pain and a greatly reduced risk of future injuries.
Check out one of our 18 locations to get started today, and remember, each step forward is a step toward a brighter, more comfortable future.