A spinal compression fracture is when there are tiny cracks, called hairline fractures, in the vertebra that eventually cause a vertebra to collapse. A compression fracture of the back is most commonly caused by osteoporosis, a condition that thins bone tissue and weakens bone density. For the best Suffolk County back pain management on Long Island, Suffolk County Chiropractic can help you.

Other causes:

• Physical trauma
• Spinal tumors
• Osteogenesis imperfecta
• Infection in the vertebra

Post-menopausal women over 50 are at the highest risk of suffering from a spinal compression fracture.

Men over 60 are also at risk, along with individuals with a calcium deficiency. Those who have brittle bones are at high risk for a compression fracture. Therefore, everyday activities could increase their risk for fracture.

Such activities could be:

• Coughing/sneezing
• Bending over to pick up an object
• Missing a step
• Slipping on a carpet.

Treatment for a spinal compression fracture depends on the cause. For example, if your compression fracture has been caused by osteoporosis, you may benefit from the following treatments:

• Bed rest
• Chiropractic care
• Wearing a back brace

If your compression fracture was caused by a tumor in the spine, treatments will most likely require surgery to remove sections of the tissue or bone. There is also an injection, of a specifically designed cement, called vertebroplasty, into the space between vertebrae. This injection will lengthen your spine to correct the compression fracture. It is important to seek medical attention for compression fractures. Rest, pain medication, and calcium supplements often make it management for sufferers of compression fractures to deal with the pain.