When you have osteoporosis, mild stresses such as bending over can result in a compression fracture in your spine. Mobolaji Odelowo, MD, and the expert team at Endovascular and Interventional Associates can diagnose and treat compression fractures at their offices in Conroe, Texas. If you suspect that you may have a compression fracture, schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.
Your spine consists of 24 vertebrae stacked atop one another, plus a fused sacrum and tailbone at its base. A compression fracture happens when one of these vertebra breaks and collapses under the pressure of your body weight. Compression fractures are most common in the middle or lower regions of your back.
A compression fracture may occur suddenly, such as from a car crash or fall from a height. Fractures that happen this way may cause severe, sharp back pain.
More often, compression fractures are due to osteoporosis, a condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle. Osteoporosis can weaken your bones so much that compression fractures occur with little or no force.
Vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis may cause gradual back pain that worsens with activity. Mild fractures may not cause pain at first but can lead to signs and symptoms such as:
Numbness and tingling sensations are symptoms of nerve damage. This may eventually lead to problems such as loss of bladder or bowel control.
Compression fractures are most common among older adults with osteoporosis. Other factors that may increase your risk for a compression fracture include:
Whether your compression fracture was caused by osteoporosis or another condition, the team at Endovascular and Interventional Associates offers individualized treatment.
First, Dr. Odelowo performs a physical exam and reviews your medical history. He may take imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to look for a compression fracture in your vertebrae.
Then, Dr. Odelowo develops a treatment plan that focuses on relieving pain and enabling you to resume normal functioning as soon as possible. Treatment for a compression fracture may include:
If your pain doesn’t improve with treatment, Dr. Odelowo may recommend a surgical procedure to repair your vertebrae.
To get relief from back pain caused by a compression fracture, call Endovascular and Interventional Associates or schedule an appointment online today.
