Compression Fractures:

Spinal vertebrae are simply described as blocks of bone which form the spinal column.

The vertebrae tend to lose calcium as we get old and the general process is called osteoporosis. Because of trauma in a younger age or general osteoporosis in older patients, the vertebras can fracture and this usually causes significant pain in the middle or lower back area where these fractures commonly happen.

(Compression fracture of the vertebrae in the middle)

The patient may start becoming kyphotic or bent forward because of the anterior bowing down of the spinal column because of the above fractures. This not only affects the posture but can also affect the spine in such a way that even after the fracture is healed, this abnormal posture increases the stress on other vertebral structures thus causing longstanding pain.

Treatment generally is supportive with pain medications, resting and appropriate bracing and most cases recover within a couple months but some patients tend to have intractable pain which may necessitate procedures like vertebroplasty

(Cement injected in the bone to solidify the bone and decrease pain)

or kyphoplasty where needles are passed into the vertebral column and then cement is injected to solidify the vertebra which can very quickly decrease or eliminate the back pain and may even improve the posture by lifting up the collapsed vertebra. As with any procedure, there are potential complications but with good technique and patient selection criteria, their incidence is low. Further information can be obtained from looking up the links in the website or asking Dr. Rehman about the above.