Compression Fracture

Compression fractures are a type of spinal fracture that occurs when one or more vertebrae in the spine collapse or break due to pressure or trauma. These fractures can be painful and may cause long-term complications if left untreated. 

What is Compression Fracture?

A compression fracture is a type of spinal fracture that occurs when one or more vertebrae in the spine collapse or break due to pressure or trauma. The most common cause of compression fractures is osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. However, compression fractures can also be caused by trauma, such as a fall or car accident, or by certain medical conditions, such as cancer or multiple myeloma.

Causes of Compression Fracture

The most common cause of compression fractures is osteoporosis, which weakens the bones and makes them more susceptible to fracture. Other causes of compression fractures include trauma, such as a fall or car accident, and certain medical conditions, such as cancer or multiple myeloma.

Risk Factors of Compression Fracture

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing a compression fracture, including:

• Age: The risk of compression fractures increases with age, particularly after the age of 50.

• Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis and, therefore, more likely to experience compression fractures.

• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as cancer or multiple myeloma, increase the risk of compression fractures.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can weaken the bones and increase the risk of compression fractures.

• Lifestyle factors: Lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis and, therefore, the risk of compression fractures.

Symptoms of Compression Fracture

The symptoms of compression fractures vary depending on the severity of the fracture. Common symptoms include:

• Back pain that worsens with movement

• Loss of height

• A hunched posture

• Limited mobility

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

Prevention of Compression Fracture

Several steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing compression fractures, including:

• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D

• Engaging in regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or jogging

• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

• Taking steps to prevent falls, such as removing hazards from the home and wearing appropriate footwear

• Taking medications as prescribed and discussing the risks and benefits of any medication with a healthcare provider

Treatment of Compression Fracture

The treatment of compression fractures depends on the severity of the fracture and the underlying cause. Mild compression fractures may heal on their own over time with rest and pain medication. In more severe cases, treatment options may include:

• Bracing: A back brace may be recommended to provide support and stability to the affected area.

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve mobility and reduce pain.

• Medications: Pain medication and medications to treat underlying conditions, such as osteoporosis, may be prescribed.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure are alternative therapies that may be helpful in treating compression fractures. These therapies focus on the body's energy flow and can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy and promote healing. Acupressure, on the other hand, uses finger pressure on these same points to achieve similar effects. Both therapies are generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner.

In Oriental medicine, compression fractures are seen as an imbalance in the body's energy flow. Treatment may involve acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal remedies to restore balance and promote healing. However, it's important to note that while these therapies may be helpful in managing pain and improving mobility, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

Conclusion

Compression fractures are a common type of spinal fracture that can cause pain and long-term complications if left untreated. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fractures, but they can also be caused by trauma or certain medical conditions. Risk factors include age, gender, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. Treatment options range from rest and pain medication to surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture. Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure may be helpful in managing pain and improving mobility, but should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of developing compression fractures.

References :

• "Compression Fractures: Diagnosis and Treatment Options" (2018) by Michael J. DePalma and Timothy F. Healy. This article provides an overview of compression fractures, including their causes, diagnosis, and treatment options, with a focus on surgical and non-surgical interventions.

• "Efficacy of acupuncture therapy for treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (2020) by Feng Li et al. This study evaluates the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures and provides a meta-analysis of relevant clinical trials. The authors conclude that acupuncture therapy can be an effective treatment for these types of fractures.

• "Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Acupressure for Low Back Pain and Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2021) by Zhiqi Chen et al. Although this article focuses on low back pain and lumbar disc herniation, it includes information on acupuncture and acupressure for treating these conditions, which are often associated with compression fractures.

• "The effect of massage on acute compression fracture pain: a pilot study" (2017) by Juyoung Park et al. This study evaluates the effect of massage on acute compression fracture pain and provides preliminary evidence that massage may be an effective treatment option.

• "The Effects of Yoga on Pain, Mobility, and Quality of Life in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures: A Pilot Study" (2018) by Rachel S. Wong et al. This pilot study evaluates the effects of yoga on pain, mobility, and quality of life in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures, which can be a cause of compression fractures. The authors conclude that yoga may be a safe and effective treatment option for these patients.

• "Herbal Medicine for Osteoporosis: A Cochrane Review" (2016) by Qiuhong Fang et al. This Cochrane Review evaluates the efficacy of herbal medicine for treating osteoporosis, which can contribute to compression fractures. The authors conclude that some herbal medicines may be effective in increasing bone mineral density and reducing the risk of fractures.

• "Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in the Management of Osteoporosis-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2021) by Xiaohong Li et al. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in managing osteoporosis-related pain, which can be associated with compression fractures.

• "Effectiveness of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials" (2021) by Yanzhong Sun et al. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for treating osteoporosis, which can contribute to compression fractures. The authors conclude that some Chinese herbal medicines may be effective in increasing bone mineral density and reducing the risk of fractures.

• "Acupressure for Pain Management in Patients with Acute Thoracolumbar Compression Fractures" (2017) by Seong Hun Choi et al. This study evaluates the effectiveness of acupressure for pain management in patients with acute thoracolumbar compression fractures and provides evidence that acupressure may be an effective treatment option.

• "Efficacy of TCM Comprehensive Therapy in Treating Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture" (2020) by Xiaoming Li et al. This study evaluates the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) comprehensive therapy for treating patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. The authors conclude that TCM comprehensive therapy, which includes acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine, and exercise therapy, can be an effective and safe treatment option for these patients.