Understanding Osteoporotic Compression Fractures and Their Treatment Options

About 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, a chronic condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to fracture, even from everyday movements and minor falls.

Fractures are one of the most serious complications of osteoporosis. As we observe National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, it’s a great time to learn more about them — and how you can protect your health.

David A. Wiles, MD, and our team specialize in fracture treatment and spine care. We serve the communities of Chattanooga, Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, Tennessee. Here’s what you should know about osteoporotic compression fractures, why they happen, and what treatment options are available to help you regain stability and comfort.

The basics of osteoporotic compression fractures

Your vertebrae make up your spine with small, interlocking bones. Adults have 26 flexible vertebrae, which provide structural support and protect your spinal cord. A compression fracture happens when one or more vertebrae in your spine collapse or compress because the bone is weak.

Osteoporotic compression fractures are especially common in women and older adults. While they can affect any vertebrae, these types of fractures typically happen in the thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (lower back) spine.

Unlike traumatic fractures caused by high-impact injuries, osteoporotic fractures can happen during routine activities like bending over, lifting a light object, or even coughing. Some people may not even realize they’ve experienced a fracture until they notice symptoms, like:

• Sudden onset of back pain
• Loss of height
• A stooped posture or spinal curvature (kyphosis)
• Difficulty standing or walking for longer periods

If left untreated, osteoporotic compression fractures can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, and worsening spine instability.

Diagnosing a compression fracture

Are you experiencing persistent or unexplained back pain? An osteoporotic compression fracture could be to blame — especially if you’re over 50 or have risk factors for osteoporosis.

Dr. Wiles offers comprehensive exams to evaluate your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. We review your medical history, do a physical exam, and may order diagnostic imaging like X-rays or MRI scans to help confirm whether a vertebra is fractured and evaluate the severity of your injury.

Early diagnosis is essential when treating compression fractures and managing osteoporosis. Timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent additional fractures so you can enjoy your favorite activities comfortably.

Treatment options for osteoporotic compression fractures

If you’re diagnosed with an osteoporotic compression fracture, our treatment options relieve pain and restore function. We offer both conservative care and minimally invasive spine surgery, and we’re here to help you decide which methods are best for your unique needs.

Rest, pain medication, and bracing for mild cases may be enough to promote proper bone healing. We may also recommend physical therapy to improve your mobility and strengthen surrounding muscles in your back for added support.

For more serious fractures or when conservative care doesn’t provide relief, we may consider a minimally invasive procedure. Two options are kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, which involve injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize your spine, relieve pain, and restore height.

As a board-certified specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr. Wiles uses advanced techniques that reduce tissue damage, minimize scarring, and promote quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Osteoporotic fracture prevention and early detection starts with raising awareness about osteoporosis and its complications. Maintaining bone health through weight-bearing exercise, calcium- and vitamin D-rich diet, and regular bone density screenings — especially for postmenopausal women — can help prevent fractures before they happen.

Have back pain? Start getting the answers you need. Book a consultation with Dr. Wiles online or call us at 423-459-9800 to learn more.