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Compression Fracture of the Back

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Definition

Compression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae, which are the bones of the spine.

Symptoms

Compression fractures may cause no symptoms and only be discovered when x-rays of the spine are done for other reasons. Over time, the following symptoms may occur:

  • Back pain with chronic or gradual onset
  • Loss of height, as much as 6 inches over time
  • Stooped over posture or kyphosis, also called a "dowager’s hump"

Compression fractures may also occur suddenly, causing severe back pain that is:

  • Most commonly felt in mid to lower part of the spine, but may also be felt on the sides or in the front.
  • Described as “knifelike” and usually disabling, often taking weeks to months to go away

Pressure on the spinal cord from kyphosis may rarely produce symptoms of:

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