- being older
- being female
- having smaller bone structure
- being white or Asian
- having a family history of osteoporosis
- consuming a diet low in calcium and vitamin D
- having inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis
- taking certain medications, such as steroids
How Do You Treat Vertebral Wedging?
Surgery or conservative treatment may treat compression fractures. Conservative treatment is often used due to the modest chance of problems after surgery. Conservative therapy options are:
- Treatments for pain include NSAIDs, Tylenol, and opioids.
- Bed rest
- Use spinal bracing to restrict mobility.
- To enhance mobility and function, physical therapy and drugs like bisphosphonates may minimize bone loss and prevent future fractures.
- nasal calcitonin spray reduced pain
Many patients find pain alleviation within six to 12 weeks with these therapies. The surgical alternatives include vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. These operations inject cement into your bone to stabilize it. Your doctor may suggest surgery if:
- A fracture that’s caused considerable discomfort for at least two weeks and isn’t responding to conservative therapy
- Your fracture is linked to malignancy, such as multiple myeloma.
- You have a benign tumor called hemangioma.
- You have vertebral osteonecrosis, which is bone tissue death from blood supply loss, and need surgery to stabilize your fragile vertebral body.
When To Seek Care
If you suspect a wedge fracture, visit a doctor immediately. They may help you diagnose and treat vertebra fractures. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) advises evaluating back discomfort if:
- You’re under age 12 or over age 65
- Your pain is the same at rest as when you’re active
- You also have unintentional weight loss
- You have or have had cancer
If you have, the AANS advises prompt treatment.
- loss of bowel or bladder control
- high fever
- severe pain, numbness, or weakness