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Hello!

We hope you enjoyed Labor Day weekend and are enjoying the warm weather. In this newsletter, we are discussing Spinal Compression Fractures.  

Spinal Compression Fractures

The bones or vertebrae in the spine are strong, but sometimes, in certain circumstances such as excessive pressure, repetitive bending or lifting or an injury such as a hard fall can damage or weaken vertebrae. When a spinal bone collapses, this is referred to as a compression fracture.   

For young, healthy individuals, these fractures are rare and most likely to occur in those who work at heights or participate in sports like gymnastics, or aerial sports like ski jumping.  Another common cause of compression fractures is osteoporosis, which is a silent disease that gradually leads to weak or brittle bones. Bones that are thin and weak cannot withstand normal pressure and may collapse during regular activity. 

People with osteoporosis are more susceptible to compression fractures even from a minor trip or fall. Metastatic diseases such as cancer can also cause compression fractures as cancer may spread to the spine and destroy parts of the spinal bones.  

“Compression fractures are tricky,” adds Crystal Eubanks, Physical Therapist at Sutton Place Physical Therapy. “Typically, they are due to underlying osteoporosis. While physical therapy cannot heal a compression fracture.  Our programs focus on pain reduction, improving posture, balance, and body strengthening to minimize the possibility of a fall leading to other fractures due to the underlying osteoporosis.”   

“Addressing core strength can also minimize the symptoms of the compression fracture,” adds Crystal. “Seated back extension is a good exercise for a patient with compression fractures. In addition to PT on land, utilizing aquatic PT in the pool is a great adjunct to help patients return to their prior level of function. The pool minimizes the risk and decreases impact, adds Crystal. 

To determine if you have a compression fracture, a physician will assess physical ability, range of motion, and most likely order an x-ray. Should you have any question, ask one of our therapists. 

References

1. Ross MD, Elliott RL. Thoracic spine compression fracture in a patient with back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(4):214. 
2. Lamanna A, Maingard J, et al. Vertebroplasty for acute painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: An update. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2019, in press. 
3. Baker LL1, Goodman SB, et al. Benign versus pathologic compression fractures of vertebral bodies: assessment with conventional spin-echo, chemical-shift, and STIR MR imaging. Radiology. 1990;174(2):495-502.
4. Theriault RL, Hortobagyi GN. Bone metastasis in breast cancer. Anticancer Drugs. 1992;3(5):455-62.
5. Weninger P, Schultz A, Hertz H. Conservative management of thoracolumbar and lumbar spine compression and burst fractures: functional and radiographic outcomes in 136 cases treated by closed reduction and casting. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2009;129:207-19.
6. Rousing R, Hansen KL, et al. Twelve-months follow-up in forty-nine patients with acute/semiacute osteoporotic vertebral fractures treated conservatively or with percutaneous vertebroplasty. Spine. 2010;35(5):478-82.
7. Cahoj PA, Cook JL, Robinson BS. Efficacy of percutaneous vertebral augmentation and use of physical therapy intervention following vertebral compression fractures in older adults: a systematic review. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2007;30(1):31-40.
8. Bennell KL, Matthews B, et al. Effects of an exercise and manual therapy program on physical impairments, function and quality of life in people with osteoporotic vertebral fracture: A randomised, single-blind controlled pilot trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2010;11(36):1-11.

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