Vertebral Compression Fractures: Understanding Their Impact on Health

By Gregory Cannarsa, MD, Fellowship-Trained Neurosurgeon

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a prevalent yet often overlooked health issue affecting more than 700,000 Americans yearly, especially the elderly population. These fractures occur when the vertebral body in the spine collapses due to weakness in the bone, which can lead to severe back pain, reduced mobility, and a significant decline in quality of life. Understanding the impact of VCFs is crucial for effective management and prevention of long-term complications.

The Nature of Vertebral Compression Fractures
VCFs are most commonly caused by osteoporosis, a disease characterized by decreased bone density and strength. They can also result from traumatic injuries or metastatic diseases. The spine’s vertebrae become so porous and weak that they can fracture under the normal pressure of daily activities, sometimes with minimal or no apparent cause.

Symptoms and Diagnosis
The primary symptom of a VCF is sharp, sudden back pain. It may be exacerbated by standing or walking and relieved by lying down. Other symptoms include height loss, deformity, and limited spinal mobility. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to confirm the presence and extent of the fracture.

Impact on Physical Health
. Chronic Pain and Disability: The most immediate impact of a VCF is pain, which can become chronic and debilitating. This pain significantly limits mobility and interferes with daily activities, often leading to disability.
. Spinal Deformity: Multiple VCFs can cause changes in the shape of the spine, such as a stooped posture or kyphosis. This deformity can further exacerbate pain and impair function.
. Height Loss: VCFs can cause a loss in body height due to the collapse of the vertebral bodies. This physical change can impact self-esteem and body image.
. Reduced Lung Function: Severe spinal deformity can compress the abdomen and thorax, reducing lung capacity and leading to breathing difficulties.

Impact on Mental and Emotional Health
The chronic pain and physical limitations associated with VCFs can lead to significant mental and emotional distress. Patients often experience depression, anxiety, and a sense of isolation due to their reduced ability to engage in social activities and maintain independence.

Increased Risk of Further Fractures
Once a vertebral compression fracture occurs, the risk of subsequent fractures significantly increases. Each additional fracture can lead to a worsening spiral of pain, disability, and further decline in overall health. This risk escalation can be attributed to several factors:
. Structural Compromise: A VCF inherently weakens the structural integrity of the spine. Once one vertebra has fractured, the biomechanical load is redistributed to adjacent vertebrae, increasing their vulnerability to fractures.
. Decreased Mobility and Muscle Weakness: Following a VCF, patients often experience decreased mobility and muscle weakness due to pain and fear of movement. This reduction in physical activity can lead to further weakening of the spinal muscles and bones, compounding the risk of additional fractures.
. Impact of Chronic Pain: Chronic pain from a VCF can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, further exacerbating osteoporosis and muscle weakness. Additionally, the use of pain medications, particularly opioids, can affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and subsequent fractures.
. Psychological Factors: The fear of experiencing another fracture can lead to a condition known as “fracture anxiety”. This anxiety may cause patients to limit their activities, which, while intended to protect the spine, can actually weaken it further due to lack of exercise and movement.

Economic and Healthcare Burden
VCFs pose a substantial economic burden, both for the individuals affected and the healthcare system. The costs include medical treatment for the fractures, need for multiple repeat imaging studies, long-term pain management, and indirect costs related to lost productivity and the need for caregiving.

Treatment Approaches
. Conservative Management: This includes pain medication, bed rest, and physical therapy. While conservative management can help relieve symptoms, it does not address the underlying vertebral collapse. As well, pain medications such as opioids can have significant side effects if taken over a long period.
. Procedural Intervention: Procedures like kyphoplasty are minimally invasive, stabilize the fracture, alleviate pain, and can be performed in the office setting in less than an hour. These procedures involve injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to restore its height, stabilize the fracture, and relieve pain.

Osteoporosis Management: Treating the underlying osteoporosis is crucial to prevent further fractures. This can involve medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to strengthen bones.

Prevention and Awareness
Prevention of VCFs involves managing osteoporosis and reducing fall risks, especially in the elderly. Regular bone density tests, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and exercises to improve strength and balance are essential preventive measures.

Conclusion
Vertebral compression fractures significantly impact an individual’s health, leading to chronic pain, physical deformity, and a decline in mental well-being. These fractures also pose a significant economic burden. Effective management involves not only treating the fracture with minimally invasive kyphoplasty but also addressing the underlying causes, such as osteoporosis, to prevent future fractures. Raising awareness about VCFs, their impact, and the importance of preventive measures is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The Compression Fracture Clinic, a service of Apex Brain & Spine, was specifically created and designed for the specialized care and treatment of vertebral compression fractures. Focused on  minimally-invasive kyphoplasty, the Compression Fracture Clinic is certified and licensed by the Florida Department of Health. Patients are able to come into a comfortable office setting, have their fracture treated while under moderate sedation, recover in a private room, and go home within an hour of the procedure being completed. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for you or your loved one with a compression fracture, call 239-422-2739.

Apex Brain & Spine

239-422-APEX (2739)
3530 Kraft Road, Suite 203 • Naples, FL 34105
www.apexbrainandspine.com