A compression fracture occurs when a vertebra, a bone in your spine, collapses. Such fractures can impact spinal integrity and overall health. Understanding the consequences if such a fracture goes untreated is important for well-being. This article details the impacts of an unaddressed vertebral compression fracture.
Understanding Compression Fractures
A compression fracture involves the collapse of a vertebral body, the thick, rounded part of each spinal bone. These fractures commonly occur in the thoracic spine, the middle section of the back. While trauma can cause them, these fractures are frequently linked to weakened bones, such as from osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become brittle, particularly in older adults. In severe osteoporosis, even everyday movements like sneezing, coughing, or twisting can lead to a fracture. Tumors that spread to the spine can also weaken vertebrae, making them susceptible to collapse.
Progressive Pain and Instability
When a compression fracture goes untreated, initial pain often intensifies and can become chronic and debilitating. This unresolved pain can persist indefinitely, making recovery more challenging. The fractured vertebra’s continued collapse leads to increasing instability within the spinal column, compromising the spine’s ability to handle stress. Over time, the fractured vertebra may collapse further, and adjacent vertebrae may also be at heightened risk for fracture due to increased load. This escalating pain and instability severely limit daily activities, making simple movements painful and difficult.
Spinal Deformity and Height Reduction
Untreated compression fractures can lead to spinal deformities. As the fractured vertebra continues to collapse, it often takes on a wedge shape, with greater height loss at the front. This can result in kyphosis, an exaggerated forward curvature of the spine, often appearing as a hunched back or “dowager’s hump.” This permanent change in spinal alignment also causes measurable height loss. The altered posture and structural changes associated with kyphosis can lead to persistent physical discomfort and affect a person’s appearance and self-perception.
Neurological Impairment
An untreated compression fracture can lead to nerve damage. When a vertebra collapses, bone fragments can press on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This compression can lead to neurological symptoms depending on which nerves are affected. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs. Individuals might also experience difficulty walking, balance problems, or, in severe cases, paralysis. If not addressed promptly, severe neurological compression can result in irreversible damage.
Systemic and Quality of Life Consequences
Beyond physical symptoms, an untreated compression fracture can impact general health and well-being. Chronic pain and reduced mobility often lead to a sedentary lifestyle. This can contribute to muscle weakness, reduced bone density, and weight gain, creating a cycle of declining health. Severe kyphosis can physically compress internal organs, impairing lung capacity and affecting the digestive system, potentially causing constipation. The persistent pain, physical limitations, and dependence can also take a psychological toll, contributing to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life.