Symptoms patients may notice
- Sudden back pain, sometimes after a minor fall or lifting
- Pain that is worse on standing, walking or turning, and eases lying down
- Loss of height or a more stooped posture over time
- Pain that wakes you at night
Spine · Back Pain · Bone Health
Vertebral Compression Fracture Assessment
A vertebral compression fracture happens when a spinal bone collapses. It is often linked to weak bones (osteoporosis), and can follow a small fall or even a cough or lift. The typical sign is sudden back pain that is worse on standing or moving.
When to seek urgent assessment
- Leg weakness, numbness or difficulty walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Back pain after a serious fall or accident
- Back pain with fever, weight loss or a history of cancer
What consultation may involve
- Examination of the spine, strength, sensation and walking
- X-ray, and MRI or CT when needed, to confirm the fracture and its age
- A look at bone strength and the reason for the fall
- Discussion of pain control, bracing, osteoporosis treatment and procedures
Treatment planning
Possible treatment categories
Many compression fractures settle with time, pain control, short-term activity changes and, for some patients, a brace. A second part of the treatment is looking after the bone itself, so the next fracture is less likely. A procedure to stabilise the bone, or surgery, is considered only in selected patients, for example when pain stays severe despite other treatment, or when a nerve or the spinal cord is affected.
This page is for education only. A treatment plan requires consultation, clinical examination, and imaging review. If you have sudden weakness, severe headache, loss of consciousness, seizure, or loss of bladder/bowel control, please go to the Emergency Department immediately.
FAQ
Common questions
Is a compression fracture always from osteoporosis?
No, but it is the most common reason in older adults. Injury, tumours and infection can also cause one, which is why imaging and sometimes blood tests are done.
Will it heal by itself?
Often the pain improves over weeks to a few months. Some patients have lasting back pain or a change in posture. Healing varies between patients.
Is a cement procedure necessary?
Not for most patients. Vertebral augmentation, where cement is placed into the collapsed bone, is considered for selected patients whose pain stays severe. It carries risks, including cement leakage, which are discussed before any decision.
Can I have another fracture?
Yes, weak bones can fracture again. Bone density testing, calcium and vitamin D, bone-strengthening medicine, exercise and fall prevention all help to lower that risk, and are usually shared with your own doctor.
Clinical context
How the fracture is assessed
Treatment depends on how stable the fracture is, whether any nerve or the spinal cord is affected, and what caused the bone to weaken.
Common causes considered
- Osteoporosis, the most common cause in older adults
- Injury or a fall
- Tumour in the bone, including cancer that has spread
- Infection of the spine
What to bring
- X-ray, MRI or CT images and reports
- Any bone density (DEXA) result
- A list of your medicines, including steroids and blood thinners
- Details of the fall or event, and any earlier fracture
Pain from a fracture can be severe, and it is reasonable to ask for help early. Pain control, safe movement and a plan for bone health are part of the care, even when no procedure is needed.
Appointment
Request a neurosurgical assessment
For non-emergency appointment requests at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital, patients or family members may contact the clinic team through WhatsApp or the appointment form.