Understanding Vertebral Fractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Back pain can be easy to dismiss. Maybe you lifted something too heavy, slept in the wrong position, or spent too many hours at your desk. But sometimes, that discomfort is a warning sign of something more serious. In many cases, especially in adults over the age of 50, that lingering or sudden sharp pain in the back could be a vertebral fracture.

At Adam Vital Hospital, we see a significant number of patients who never imagined they could have a spinal fracture—until the pain became impossible to ignore. Understanding vertebral fractures is not just about treating back pain; it's about preserving mobility, independence, and quality of life.

What Is a Vertebral Fracture?

A vertebral fracture, also known as a compression fracture, occurs when one of the bones in the spine (called vertebrae) collapses or cracks under pressure. These fractures most often affect the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine.

While trauma, like a fall or accident, can cause a spinal fracture, many cases happen without any obvious injury. That’s because the bones can become weak and brittle over time, especially due to osteoporosis. In fact, vertebral fractures are among the most common fractures seen in older adults—but they often go undiagnosed.

Common Causes

Vertebral fractures can happen for different reasons, but here are the main ones:

1. Osteoporosis

This is by far the most common cause. As bones lose density with age—particularly in postmenopausal women—they become more fragile and susceptible to fractures, even from simple movements like bending over or coughing.

2. Trauma or Accidents

In younger people or those with normal bone density, a vertebral fracture may result from a high-impact injury, such as a car accident or a fall from height.

3. Cancer and Metastasis

Certain cancers, particularly those that spread to the bones (like breast, prostate, or lung cancer), can weaken the vertebrae and lead to fractures.

4. Spinal Infections or Tumors

Though less common, infections and benign tumors can erode bone strength and increase fracture risk.

How Do You Know If You Have One?

One of the challenges of vertebral fractures is that symptoms can be subtle—or mistaken for general back pain. Here’s what to look out for:

Sudden onset of back pain, often sharp and intense

Pain that worsens with standing or walking, but improves with rest

Height loss over time (a classic sign in osteoporosis-related fractures)

Stooped posture or spinal deformity (such as kyphosis or a hunched back)

Limited spinal mobility

In severe or multiple fractures: numbness, tingling, or weakness if nerves are affected

If you're experiencing persistent or worsening back pain—especially if you're over 50 or have risk factors like osteoporosis—it’s important to get evaluated. At Adam Vital Hospital, we use advanced imaging (X-rays, MRI, or CT scans) to confirm a diagnosis quickly and accurately.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Ignoring a vertebral fracture can lead to serious consequences. Over time, untreated fractures can cause:

Chronic pain

Spinal deformity (like progressive kyphosis)

Reduced lung capacity, due to poor posture compressing the chest

Loss of mobility and independence

Increased risk of additional fractures

In fact, once someone experiences one vertebral fracture, their risk of having another increases dramatically. That’s why early detection and proper management are crucial.

Treatment Options

At Adam Vital Hospital, our approach to vertebral fractures is comprehensive. We focus on immediate pain relief, long-term spine health, and prevention of future fractures.

1. Conservative Management

For stable fractures (where the bone hasn’t shifted significantly), non-surgical treatments are often effective:

Rest and bracing: A custom-fitted back brace can help support the spine during healing.

Pain management: Medications, nerve blocks, or muscle relaxants may be used to relieve pain.

Physiotherapy: Once the initial pain subsides, physical therapy helps strengthen the back muscles, improve posture, and restore mobility.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures

For patients who don't respond to conservative treatment or who have severe pain:

Vertebroplasty: This involves injecting medical-grade bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilise it and relieve pain.

Kyphoplasty: Similar to vertebroplasty, but with the added step of inserting a small balloon to create space before injecting cement. This can also help restore some vertebral height.

Both procedures are performed under local or general anesthesia and are typically done on an outpatient basis. Most patients report significant pain relief within a few days.

3. Surgical Intervention

In rare, more complex cases—such as spinal instability, nerve compression, or fractures that do not respond to less invasive treatments—surgical intervention may be required. This can involve spinal fusion or decompression procedures to stabilise the spine.

Final Thoughts

A vertebral fracture is not just a minor injury—it’s a signal from your body that something needs attention. Whether it’s related to age, bone health, or trauma, it deserves proper care and a proactive plan for recovery.

At Adam Vital Hospital, our spine specialists, orthopedic consultants, and rehabilitation experts are dedicated to helping you heal, regain strength, and live pain-free. If you're dealing with unexplained back pain or suspect a spinal fracture, don’t wait.