Types of Compression Fractures
Compression fractures are caused by one or more of the bones in your back becoming compressed or squished due to being under a lot of pressure. These fractures often occur in the upper back, or the thoracic spine.
There are three main types of compression fractures.
- Wedge fracture: Often occurring in the front of the vertebra of the spine, this fracture collapses the bone in the front but leaves the back of the bone unchanged. It is also the most common compression fracture.
- Crush fracture: This fracture occurs when the entire bone breaks instead of just being wedged in front or pushed out of alignment.
- Burst fracture: This type of fracture can be unstable and occurs when there is a loss in the height of the front and back walls of the body of the vertebra.
A specialty-trained spine doctor can diagnose your compression fracture by using an X-ray. This will also help your doctor determine which type of fracture you have.
Most compression fractures can be treated using nonsurgical methods. Many of these fractures can heal on their own; however, this can be a slow process. Anti-inflammatory medication or physical therapy can be used to help treat the fracture.
For more information on compression fractures or if you are experiencing back pain, request an appointment online with one of our spine specialists at Tri-County Orthopedics or call (973) 538-2334.