Early Warning Signs of a Spinal Compression Fracture
One of the main symptoms of spinal compression fractures is a pain in the back. This pain can come sharply and suddenly, or over time, and it can get worse. Most of the times, this happens due to osteoporosis. If you are a woman nearing or over 50 years, you should consult a healthcare professional so that the risk for more fractures in the bones of your vertebra or spine can be lowered by the right treatment at the right time.
The spine can change a lot due to compression fractures. Due to the cracks present, a part of the vertebrae may collapse, resulting in one not being able to support the weight of their spine. As a result, it can affect how different systems and parts of your body work.
Here is a list of the signs that indicate you may be suffering from a spinal compression fracture.
- Curved Back or Kyphosis
When the vertebrae collapse, the spine bends forward due to the wedge shape formed by the collapse. With time, the affected person will feel immense back pain and neck pain as the body will try to adapt to this curved back.
- Height Loss
The spine starts getting shorter a bit each time a fracture occurs in the spinal bone. As a result, the person affected with compression fractures will look shorter noticeably after several vertebrae have collapsed!
- Breathing Problems
When the spine gets severely compressed, the normal working activities of the lungs of the affected person gets interrupted. As a result, that person may experience trouble in breathing.
- Pain in the Hip
Each time the vertebrae collapses, the spine gets shorter and the rib cage gets closer to the hip bones of the affected person. If those bones start rubbing against each other, the affected person may experience immense pain in the hip.
- Stomach Problems
This is another major problem faced by the persons affected with spinal compression fractures. The shorter the spine becomes, the higher the chances of it compressing the stomach as well! As a result, the affected person will face various digestive issues such as a weak appetite, weight loss, and constipation.
The signs for this spinal compression fracture may vary from person to person. Hence, if you or anyone you know is experiencing back pain along with any of the aforementioned problems, it is advisable to consult a medical expert. It will help you know the actual reason for the pain and, subsequently, get the best treatment.
