The bones of the back are called the vertebrae. A vertebral
fracture is a break in one of these bones. A vertebral
compression fracture occurs when the front part of the bone is
squeezed or compressed. A vertebral compression fracture can be
caused by: - Osteoporosis —a condition of weakened bones - A
blow to the back - Falling down - Landing on your heels when
jumping from a height - Having major trauma (for example, from a
motor vehicle accident) Other than trauma, osteoporosis is the
main cause of most vertebral compression fractures. Factors that
increase the risk of osteoporosis include: - Race: Caucasian or
Asian - Sex: female - Females: 60 and older - Males: 70 and
older Use of certain medicines: - Long-acting benzodiazepines -
Tricyclic antidepressants - Long-term steroid use - Limited
physical activity - Poor nutrition - Mother or maternal
grandmother with hip fracture (a genetic disposition) Other
factors that may increase the risk of vertebral fractures
include the following: - Use of antipsychotic