Vertebral Compression Fractures The common term for vertebral
compression fractures is a broken vertebra. When the fracture
occurs, the bone collapses. More than one bone can be affected
at the same time. The most common causes of vertebral
compression fractures is osteoporosis, trauma to the back or
tumors that have begun to spread into the bone from other places
in the body. There may be no symptoms associated with a fracture
to begin with. But over time, you may experience increased pain,
a significant loss of height (as much as six inches), or you
begin to have a posture that is stooped. If the fracture is
sudden, it can cause severe pain, often described as being
knife-like. It’s usually felt in the lower part of the spine.
Secondary symptoms that are related to the onset of kyphosis can
include tingling, numbness, weakness and difficulty walking. A
physical examination won’t always identify the issue, especially
in the early stages. To confirm vertebral compression fractures,
your doctor may do an x-ray